A golf tourism business took one of the 14 awards up for grabs at the Welsh tourism ‘Oscars’ – the National Tourism Awards for Wales – a celebration of the very best in what Wales has to offer the visitor. The Vale Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort won the Golf As It Should Be Award sponsored by the HSBC Bank.
Over 150 businesses entered this year’s National Tourism Awards for Wales in the hope of being honoured with Awards covering all areas of Welsh tourism. The Golf As It Should Be Award aims to reward an organisation which raises the profile of Wales as a golf destination, increasing the value and volume of golf tourism, and maximising the opportunities in relation to the Ryder Cup in 2010. It relates to the ability to sell the ‘Golf as it should be’ experience of Wales to golf tourists.
The Vale’s accolade was for its commitment to the local community, the high standards of the services provided, the staff involvement throughout the organization and raising the profile of Wales as a golf destination.
Stephen Leeke, managing director, said, “We are extremely honoured. For our staff who have worked very hard at improving the standards that we’ve got on offer, it is a real feather in their cap.”
Jonathan Jones, chief executive of the Wales Tourist Board, said, “In such a highly competitive, dynamic and constantly changing industry, it is right that we not only celebrate success, but acclaim those who by their own enterprise establish their businesses as examples of best practice.
“With tourism earning a substantial £6 million a day for the Welsh economy, it is an industry that plays an increasingly vital role in Wales and one that should be celebrated.
“Wales is a strong golfing nation and this sport is becoming increasingly important in the lead up to us hosting the Ryder Cup in 2010. This will undoubtedly result in long term benefits to the whole of Wales including a significant boost in the tourism industry.”
The awards night marked the climax of a three day event which also included Showcase Wales, a three-day exhibition and conference at Cardiff City Hall. The event provided a shop window for the increasingly upmarket and specialised Welsh visitor sector and was attended by more than 300 key decision makers from the UK, Europe, North America, Russia, China, Far East and Australasia.
The Vale Hotel Golf & Spa Resort www.vale-hotel.com
An ‘Oscar’ for The Vale
