THERE’S still time to ensure Carmarthenshire and its tourism businesses are recognised in this year’s National Tourism Awards for Wales held in March.

The awards are an excellent showcase for national and international exposure and whilst Carmarthenshire will be competing in the awards in the ‘Best Destination’ category, Carmarthenshire County Council is also encouraging people to nominate their favourite tourism business, activity, and accommodation providers in the county in one of the other categories, which include best hotel and best place to eat.

Hosted by Visit Wales, the awards celebrate the best of Wales’ tourism - showcasing tourism businesses and the industry's achievements.

Carmarthenshire County Council offers a wide range of support to the county’s tourism industry through promotional campaigns, tourism seminars, its new event organiser circle as well as hosting the Discover Carmarthenshire website.

It also works closely with the Welsh Government’s Visit Wales team to ensure Carmarthenshire features in its tourism promotions.

The value of tourism in Carmarthenshire increases every year, and is now worth £370million to the local economy, a 2.7 per cent rise in 2016 compared to the previous year.

The number of visitors staying in our hotels, bed and breakfasts, self-catering and tourism caravan sites also rose by 3.6 per cent in 2016 contributing £260million, and those who visited and stayed with friends or family contributed over £40million during the year.

Cllr Peter Hughes Griffiths, Executive Board Member for Sport, Culture and Tourism, said: “This is an excellent opportunity to gain National and International exposure for businesses operating in one of our largest economic sectors. I’d like to encourage as many Carmarthenshire nominations as possible.”

Categories for the awards include Best Hotel, Best Bed & Breakfast, Best Self-Catering, Best Caravan, Camping or Glamping, Best Attraction, Best Activity, Best Event, Best Place to Eat, Best Destination, Young Tourism Person of the Year and Tourism Business Innovation Award.

The awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, March 8 2018 at the Celtic Manor Resort.

Businesses can nominate themselves, or individuals can nominate business they think are worthy of an award.

Entry forms can be found on the Welsh Government’s business website businesswales.gov.wales – search for National Tourism Awards for Wales.

The deadline is Friday, January 12.

Please contact Carmarthenshire County Council’s marketing and media team on marketingandmedia@carmarthenshire.gov.uk if you would like help in providing any supporting information.