A cluster of tourism gems in Gwynedd have scooped top honours at this year’s Go North Wales Tourism Awards.

Rhaeadr Nantcol Waterfalls, a former hill farm perched above the West Wales coast between Barmouth and Criccieth, was crowned Glamping, Camping and Caravan Site of the Year.

Pwllheli’s Gimblet Rock Holiday Park were also celebrating after landing the Holiday Park of the Year title—just a year after being taken over by the Rhyl-based Pario group.

Meanwhile, Zip World was named Visitor Attraction of the Year and Hafan y Môr Holiday Park in Pwllheli won the Bro a Byd Award for Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism.

Another Gwynedd business to be honoured was the Black Boy Inn, in Caernarfon, which claimed the B&B, Inn and Guest House of the Year Award.

The annual event at Venue Cymru in Llandudno was organised by North Wales Tourism to celebrate the dedication, skill and achievements of the region’s tourism and hospitality industry.

It was hosted by former BBC journalist Sian Lloyd and the headline sponsor once again was Harlech Foodservice, that’s based in Llanystumdwy, near Criccieth and  supplies many of the region’s hotels, guest houses and restaurants and has renewed its support for three years.

The Jones who family who run Rhaeadr Nantcoll Waterfalls received the award from sponsors PODS Cymru at the glittering ceremony.

Aled Jones said the family were “blown away”, having grown the site from a sheep-filled field in 2008 to an 80-pitch campsite complete with glamping pods and bell tents. “We’ve diversified successfully to share our farm with visitors,” he added. “We started with just the two of us and now there are seven involved.”

The win for Gimblet Rock Holiday Park marks Pario group’s second triumph in the category, following success for its Marine Holiday Park in Rhyl four years ago.

Director Paris Blackwell said the award was a huge boost: “We’re a family business, and our aim is to showcase North Wales in the best possible way while offering brilliant holidays for everyone, whatever their budget. We’re thrilled that after just a year at Gimblet Rock we’ve won this award for the second time.”

Among the highlights of the evening  was a teenager who fled the war in Ukraine being crowned as the rising star of the tourism industry in North Wales.

Yuliia Batrak, 19, a student at Coleg Llandrillo, won Young Person in Tourism and Hospitality prize.

At the other end of the age spectrum, the blue riband Service to Tourism Award went to Geoff Lofthouse, 70, who retired recently after more than 40 years as manager of the four star Imperial Hotel in Llandudno.

According to head judge, Jim Jones, the chief executive of North Wales Tourism, Geoff Lofthouse was a very worthy winner of the Service to Tourism Award.

He said: “What Geoff has achieved over more than four decades at the helm of the Imperial Hotel has been remarkable and has helped cement Llandudno’s reputation as the Queen of Resorts.

“He is a real role model to those following in his footsteps, including the truly inspirational Yuliia Batrak who is already making her mark in the industry and has an incredibly bright future ahead of her.

“I would like to congratulate both Geoff and Yuliia and every single one of the winners but I would also like to stress that all the nominees are the heroes of our tourism and hospitality industry.

“This event really showcases the very best of North Wales and we have seen so many amazing entries, all of which underlines why this is a truly world class destination for visitors.”

Harlech Foodservice Sales director Mark Lawton said: “We’re thrilled to continue our support for the North Wales Tourism Awards so we can celebrate the people and businesses who help make North Wales one of the UK’s top visitor destinations.

“This event has become a real highlight in the region’s calendar and plays a vital role in recognising a sector that’s at the heart of the North Wales economy.”

“We’re incredibly lucky to live and work in such a beautiful part of the world. Visitors come here for the scenery and adventure, but great food and drink are a huge part of the experience too. That’s why we always try to source as much as possible from local producers — it’s something we’re passionate about.”

“North Wales is a world-class destination — diverse, innovative and full of character.. After everything the industry has been through, particularly during the pandemic, it’s fantastic to be able to give something back and celebrate the success of our core customers.”

He added: “As a major North Wales employer, we’re proud that our teams, suppliers and customers all contribute to the local economy. The money spent with us stays in the region — supporting local venues, tradespeople and producers — creating a real circular economy that keeps North Wales thriving.”