A paradise for pooches where the four-legged guests are greeted with doggy beer has won a major accolade.
GO North Wales Tourism Awards: Go Pet Friendly Award: Sponsor Sion Pritchard from Petplace with the winners Doghouse -Margaret Carter and Jenny Witham
The Doghouse, a former Victorian corrugated iron kennel block that’s been converted into self-catering accommodation in Llandegla, won the pet-friendly award at the 2018 Go North Wales Tourism Awards.
The glittering ceremony at Venue Cymru in Llandudno was organised by North Wales Tourism which represents more than 1,500 tourism-related members across the area.
The audience was entertained by Britain’s Got Talent finalist Gruffydd Wyn Roberts, from Anglesey.
The Doghouse is run by business partners Jenny Whitham and Margaret Carter, who is also the founder of the successful Ruthin-based Patchwork Paté
It offers a hassle free and tranquil holiday let at which pets are welcomed with a host of canine goodies, including a dog blanket, dog towel, dog bowls, dog treat and doggy poo bags, as well as the bottle of doggie beer.
The Dog House already holds a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor and was shortlisted at the Quirkiest Place to stay at the 2018 Eviivo Awards.
Jenny Whitham said: “It’s awesome just being shortlisted so to actually win this award is a dream come true for Margaret and I.
“We only opened the Doghouse a year ago and it could not have gone better. The feedback we get and the repeat business is wonderful.”
Margaret Carter added: “We just wanted to offer something a little different. It’s important guests feel comfortable bringing their dogs along to such a beautiful place with Llandegla Forest at hand.
“I liked to think a stay at the Doghouse as offering peace and tranquillity and something that’s good for the soul. We wanted to welcome dogs so long as they have good well behaved owners!”
Jenny added: “To win this award is just amazing and we are thrilled. The shortlisted competition was of a very high standard and to be recognised by winning this wonderful award is just amazing.”
The Welsh Government Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport, Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas, was delighted to be at the awards.
He said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate the best that the north Wales tourism industry has to offer – and we have such a lot to celebrate .
“It’s important for us to put tourism in the limelight and pay tribute to those who are committed and passionate about their businesses, tourism and North Wales – those who work so hard to welcome our 10 million visitors each year – and give them reasons to return.”
Speaking after the event which was organised in partnership with Heart North Wales, North Wales Tourism managing director Jim Jones said the sheer volume and quality of entries this year underlined why the region was increasingly being recognised as a world class destination which generates £3 billion every year and employs around 40,000 people.
He said: “It’s been very successful and I congratulate all the winners. However, in my eyes every nominee is a winner and all have played a party in what has been a successful year for North Wales Tourism.
“This event really showcases the very best of North Wales and we have seen so many amazing entries. It is a clear indication to me that the quality of the tourism offer here is improving every year.”
“We already had the raw material in the form of our breath-taking scenery and stunning coastline and now we have the infrastructure to match. “We are not resting on our laurels though. The competition will not stand still so we must always strive to get better.”
List of winners
Go Hotel of the Year: Portmeirion, Minffordd
Go B&B/Inn of the Year: Taldraeth, Penrhyndeudraeth
Go Self-catering of the Year: Forest Holidays, Beddgelert
Go Caravan, Camping or Glamping: Craiglwyd Hall Caravan Park, Penmaenmawr
Go Attraction/Activity of the Year: RibRide Adventure Boat Tours
Go Magnificent Crown Puller (over 7.5k): Armed Forces Day, Llandudno
Go Magnificent Crown Puller (fewer than 7.5k): MOSTYN Museum of the Moon at
LLAWN in partnership with Migrations
Go Best Place to Eat: Chateau Rhianfa, Menai Bridge
Go Young Tourism Person of the Year: Sam Foulkes, Cyclone Events, Wrexham
Go Marketing Award: Talyllyn Railway
Go Green Award: Tre-Ysgawen Hall Country House Hotel & Spa, Llangefni
Go Pet Friendly Award: The Doghouse, Llandegla
Go Customer Service Award: Lawton & Lauriston Court Hotel, Llandudno
