VISIT Wales, in partnership with the Wales Tourism Alliance and in commercial partnership with corporate communications company Quadrant, is staging the National Tourism Awards to recognise the value of the tourism industry to Wales and to applaud the dedication and professionalism of those who, 12 months a year, offer a warm welcome to Wales.

This year's awards, hosted by TV presenter Sarra Elgan, will be held at the Vale Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort near Cardiff on Thursday 21 October. The Wales Tourism Alliance conference will follow on 22 October.

Prizes will be awarded in 11 categories after an independent panel of industry and public sector representative judge the awards. Businesses can enter online. The closing date for all entries is 5pm on 25 June 2010.

Heritage Minister, Alun Ffred Jones said, "These awards are an excellent opportunity for us to recognise and reward businesses that work hard to provide a great visitor experience for the thousands of people who visit Wales.

"I urge everyone in the travel industry to consider entering and look forward to seeing who the winners are. "

Tourism is big business in Wales. It contributes around £3.5 billion a year to the economy and employs up to 100,000 people at the peak of the season.

For more information visit http://www.wales.gov.uk">www.wales.gov.uk.