A new award has been presented posthumously in memory of a visionary leader in the tourism and hospitality industry in Wales.
It was presented at the National Tourism Awards of Wales to honour the late Ian Edwards, CEO of the five star Celtic Manor Resort and its adjoining International Convention Centre in Newport, who passed away last October.
The Croeso award will be presented each year going forward at the event – that’s organised by the Welsh Government and Visit Wales – to recognise outstanding achievement in tourism in Wales.
A total of 48 finalists from across Wales were shortlisted in 12 categories ranging from Best Hotel to Best Event and including awards for Sustainable Tourism, Accessibility and Inclusivity and Dog Friendliness
The ceremony at Venue Cymru in Llandudno was hosted by Aled Rhys Jones, a well-known broadcaster who’s also the Chief Executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society and it was sponsored by foodservice company Castell Howell.
Ian Edwards was a driving force in growing the Celtic Manor Resort into one of Europe’s premier destinations for golf, leisure, business and high-profile events, and the recent expansion of The Celtic Collection into Wales’ largest independent hotel group.
He was in charge at the resort when it hosted the Ryder Cup in 2010 and the Nato summit four years later.
Mr Edwards was a Master Innholder and a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality. He served on the boards of Visit Britain and the Western Gateway.
His work with ICC Wales demonstrated his passion for boosting business tourism, creating a world-class venue which has brought international conferences and events to the area, providing lasting economic benefits for the region, Wales and the UK.
The award was accepted by former colleagues of Mr Edwards, Jill Manley and Vanessa Russell, who worked with him for a combined 56 years between them.
Jill Manley, who is group commercial director with ICC Wales and the Celtic Collection, said the loss of Ian Edwards was acutely felt across the tourism sector in Wales.
She said: “He was a much respected figurehead not just of Celtic Manor Resort but of tourism in general. He worked tirelessly to promote Wales and all it has to offer not just within the UK but right across the world.
“He has been greatly missed for his energy and his drive, his enthusiasm and his hands-on approach to everything connected with tourism.”
Celtic Collection group marketing director Vanessa Russell, said: “He did not just direct others but he would take on board any tasks needed. If he saw a napkin on the floor he would pick it up, he would take out the bins if necessary. He would step in wherever he was needed, while at the same time being an inspiring leader and a much-liked colleague.”
Jason Thomas, of Visit Wales, which is sponsoring the new award, said: “Ian Edwards was a great role model and his will be a hard act to follow, but we felt it right to create this new award.
“It honours his memory by in the years going forward, The recognising some of the future leaders of our Wales tourist industry.”
The winners were congratulated by Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning who said: “The Welsh Government is proud to support The National Tourism Awards for Wales, particularly in 2025 – the Year of Croeso.
“These awards showcase excellence in a vital industry that employs nearly 12 per cent of our workforce and contributes £3.8 billion to our economy each year.
“This occasion has underlined Wales as a world-class destination thanks to our stunning landscapes, exceptional hospitality, and remarkable attractions, all underpinned by our unique culture and heritage.
“I congratulate all finalists who serve as outstanding ambassadors, and I’m particularly delighted to see Charly Dix win the Rising Star Award – a promising sign for our industry’s future.”
Full list of winners at National Tourism Awards of Wales
Best Hotel: Gwesty Plas Dinas, Bontnewydd, Caernarfon, Gwynedd
Best B&B, Inn & Guesthouse: Glangwili Mansion, Llanllawddog, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire
Best Self-Catering: Wonderful Escapes Wern-y-Cwm Farm, Llandewi Skirrid, Abergavenny
Best Caravan, Camping, Glamping: Meadow Springs Country & Leisure Park, Ffinnant, Trefeglwys, Powys
Best Attraction: Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway, Porthmadog, Gwynedd
Best Activity, Experience or Tour: Rock UK Summit Centre, Trelewis, Treharris, Merthyr Tydfil
Bro a Byd (Those going the extra mile on Environmental Sustainability): Cambrian Cottages, Berllan, Gwyddgrug, Pencader, Carmarthenshire
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award: Stangwrach Cottages,Llanfynydd Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire
Best Place to Eat: The Gunroom, Plas Dinas, Caernarfon, Gwynedd
Rising Star: Charly Dix, Lan y Môr, Coppet Hall Beach, Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire
Best Event: Royal Welsh Show, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, Powys
Best Dog Friendly Business: Plas Llangoedmor, Llangoedmor, Cardigan, Ceredigion
