Achievements of Local Businesses Celebrated at Wrexham’s Annual Tourism Awards

A host of local businesses have been hailed for their contribution to tourism across the County Borough – with an annual event held to honour their achievements and celebrate what Wrexham has to offer.

The third annual Wrexham County Borough tourism awards returned last Thursday evening – with 14 local businesses recognised for their immense work in giving visitors a great experience in Wrexham.

Held at Chirk Castle, the prestigious ceremony not only celebrated the continued growth in the local tourism industry, but also marked the launch of the Welsh Year of Legends 2017.

Nominations for the awards opened in January, with over 60 local tourism businesses putting themselves forward for the awards – which spanned across 13 categories, including best large event, best pub and best use of social media.

A shortlist was drawn up based on the quality of service and impact which they have each made on the local tourism industry over the last year.

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Hosted by Heart Radio’s Oli from drive time, the awards were presented by Jim Jones (North Wales Tourism) and Joe Bickerton & Amanda Davies (Wrexham Council Tourism, Events & Marketing).
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Speaking about the vital role these businesses (and events) play in boosting the economy of Wrexham, Joe said; “As much as we can shout about how our County Borough is a great place to visit for leisure and business – we rely heavily on the service and welcome that our businesses provide.

“From the greeting in the cab from the station through to the goodbye when checking out of a local hotel – we want visitors to remember Wrexham for the right reasons and fortunately that is what’s continually happening.”

Amanda added that events are a major reason for new visitors heading into Wrexham, she said: “We’ve a long track record of staging great events here in Wrexham, but more recently we’re learning (from the businesses that we work with) that the economic impact is getting bigger as we attract more significant events and there are benefits for all of us.

“It’s a great time to be leading a team in this industry!”

Destination Wrexham Chair – Peter McGivern from the Bridge End Inn Ruabon added: “The County Borough is growing each year in terms of new visitors staying & spending – we still have challenges, but there’s a massive network in place now through things like the tourism ambassador scheme which is helping.

“2017 promises another strong year of growth and these awards will just further help the awareness of Wrexham as a place with real quality in abundance.”

A full list of the winners from last week’s tourism awards can be viewed below:

– Outstanding Achievement: Jeannie Chantler – Bangor on Dee Racecourse
– Customer Service Award – Apollo Taxis
– Best Large Event – Stereophonics and Catfish & the Bottlemen
– Best Small Event – Victorian Christmas Market
– Best Visitor Attraction – Chirk Castle
– Best Pub – The Fat Boar Wrecsam
– Award for Sourcing Local Produce – The Lemon Tree Wrexham
– Rising Star Award : Peta Hearn – Trevor Basin Visitor Centre
– Best Cafe / Tea Room: La Baguette Wrexham
– Best Restaurant : The Hand Llanarmon
– Best Use of Social Media : King Street Coffee
– Best Large Accommodation : The Mulberry Inn
– Best Small Accommodation : Worthenbury Manor B&B
– Best Self Catering : The Plassey Leisure Park