THE TOURISM sector in Abergavenny is being urged to showcase the best the region has to offer at this year's National Tourism Awards for Wales and help boost their local economy.

As well as 'Best Place to Stay in Wales' and 'Best Visitor Experience', The National Tourism Awards for Wales is asking the nation to name its favourite restaurant, pub and café for the first time, as the prestigious awards creates a new category of 'Best Place to Eat in Wales'.

The new category of Best Place to Eat is split into the sub-categories of Best Restaurant, Best Pub and Best Café to showcase the range of quality culinary experiences Wales has to offer, from small independent coffee shops and sandwich bars, to local pubs and restaurants, including hotel restaurants.

However time is running out to nominate Abergavenny establishments for the awards, as the deadline is Wednesday, May 15.

The awards are organised in commercial partnership with Quadrant Media & Communications Ltd and there are 10 categories at this year's awards including Best Place to Stay, Best Event, Best Visitor Experience, Best Place to Eat and the Regional Tourism Awards. The awards are free to enter and can be made by visiting ntawales.com.

Welsh Minister Edwina Hart, said "We have some truly superb restaurants, pubs and cafes in Wales and we want to celebrate them at this year's awards. The winners will have a menu with character and will show creativity in the food and drink they offer. We are keen to hear about the special care they take in sourcing produce and balancing ingredients and flavours. They will also offer an excellent customer service, a warm 'croeso' to customers and embrace local produce wherever they can. They should embody all that is great about the Welsh dining experience."