The winners of the first Brecon Beacons Tourism Awards were revealed at a glittering ceremony held at the Manor Hotel, Crickhowell last month.

And one of the awards went to an organisation right on the doorstep - with Crickhowell Resource and Information Centre (CRiC) taking the Community Tourism category.

More than 200 tourism businesses and professionals from across the Brecon Beacons eagerly gathered to hear Mari Stevens, Welsh Government’s Director of Tourism and Business Marketing announce the winners.

The awards were organised by Brecon Beacons Tourism, the tourism association in the Brecon Beacons and surrounding area. The awards were open to a wide range of tourism-related businesses including; hotels, holiday cottages, activity providers, visitor attractions and tourism employees.

ll of whom make up the National Park’s thriving tourism industry. Tourism in the Brecon Beacons area drives an economy worth over £238 million and attracts 4.15 million visitors each year.

Laura Thomas, Executive Director of Brecon Beacons Tourism, said, “Everybody involved in this industry should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved this year and in particular I offer huge congratulations to all the winners and runners up for their outstanding achievement.

“The Brecon Beacons continues to attract millions of visitors every year and it’s the passion, energy and commitment of these businesses that ensures it will continue to do so year on year.”

Economy and Infrastructure Secretary, Ken Skates, said, “Wales’ tourism industry is in a very strong position and we’ve seen record-breaking visitor figures in the last few years, with indications that 2016 is also going to be a fantastic year.

“This success is testimony to the hard work and enthusiasm of the industry and well as commitment and partnership working between public and private sector to deliver a world class visitor experience.”

Thirty-two businesses were shortlisted for the awards.

Andrew Fryer, Chair of Brecon Beacons Tourism said, ‘It was fantastic to see such a high number of entries for the first year’s Brecon Beacons Tourism Awards. What’s more, the quality of those entries we had were outstanding. We are very lucky in the Brecon Beacons to have a tourism sector of such a high calibre.”

Across all the categories the judges were looking for excellence in all areas of business practice. Winning businesses have proved they are providing memorable visitor experiences, an exceptional quality of product and exemplary customer service, as well as using the best fresh local ingredients and making a contribution to the long-term sustainability of their local community.

Each category winner received a framed certificate and a bottle of champagne.

Sponsors included Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Brecon Carreg, Castell Howell, GroupAccommodation.com, Greener Graphics, Green Tourism, Pear Communications, The Brecon and Radnor Express and The Neath Port Talbot College Group.

Apple County Cider sponsored the drinks reception while the following businesses helped with the costs of the Gala Dinner: Dan yr Ogof Showcaves, Hall Farm Barn and Mitchell Meredith Accountants.

The winners and runners up of each award were as follows:

The Best Large Serviced Accommodation (six rooms or more) Sponsored by The Brecon and Radnor Express: Winner: The Plough Inn, Rhosmaen; Runners up: Llangoed Hall and Felinfach Griffin

The Best Small Serviced Accommodation (five rooms or less) Sponsored by Castell Howell: Winner: Dol y Gaer B & B; Runner up: Rhedyn Guest House.

The Best Self-Catering Accommodation sleeping less than 10 people. Sponsored by: Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages: Winner: Pontganol Cottage; Runners up: Basel Cottage Holidays, Beacon Park Boats and Road House Narrow Boats.

The Best Self-Catering Accommodation sleeping 10 or more people. Sponsored by GroupAccommodation.com: Winner: Holt Farm; Runners up: Crai Valley Eco Lodges and House in The Hills.

The Best Camping, Caravan or Glamping Experience. Sponsored by Greener Graphics: Winner: Camp Cynrig; Runners up: Huts in the Hills and Bishops Meadow Caravan and Camping Site.

Best Activity Provider. Sponsored by Brecon Carreg: Winner: Hawk Adventures; Runners up: All in a Spin and Welsh Overland Safari.

The Best Food Experience – Café. Sponsored by Powys County Council. Winner: The Hours Cafe and Bookshop; Runners up: Beacons Farm Shop and The Bakers Table.

The Best Food Experience – Dining. Sponsored by Powys County Council. Winner: Felinfach Griffin; Runners up: Llangoed Hall, The Plough Inn, Rhosmaen

Best Attraction. Sponsored by Pear Communications. Winner: Dan y Ogof Showcaves; Runners up: Cantref Adventure Farm

Community Tourism Award. Sponsored by Brecon Beacons National Park Authority. Winner: CRiC; Runners up: Llangorse and Bwlch and Talgarth Walking Festival

Sustainable Tourism Award. Sponsored by Green Tourism. Winner: Llangoed Hall; Runners up: Dan y Ogof Showcaves and Crai Valley Eco Lodges.

Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award. Sponsored by Neath Port Talbot College Group. Winner: Elizabeth Jeffreys, Chair of Brecon Beacons Marketing Coordination Group and Board Member of Theatr Brycheiniog; Runners up: Daniel Shepherd – Can Do Laundry and Ashford Price - Dan y Ogof Showcaves.

Best Overall Winner: Winner: Dan y Ogof Showcaves.