Neath Port Talbot tourism businesses have taken not one, but two top awards at the 2010 National Tourism Awards in Cardiff.
The National Tourism Awards is one of the most prestigious and recognised ceremonies in Wales. The awards are an important celebration of the quality of our Welsh Tourism Industry.
Call of the Wild in Seven Sisters and Afan Lodge in Afan Forest Park were delighted to be selected as winners of two awards and Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Cllr. Ali Thomas said:
“This is fabulous news and we would like to congratulate both businesses for winning these awards. The future of the tourism industry in Neath Port Talbot looks very promising”.
Accommodation and activity provider Call of the Wild was the winner of the Business Tourism Award, being up against strong competition from the Vale Resort, the training base of the Welsh Rugby and Cardiff City Football Club. This tops off a remarkable year for Call of the Wild having already won 4 prestigious awards in 2010.
Call of the Wild Managing Director Geraint Lewis said:
“We are absolutely delighted. It illustrates that the Company is recognised as being one of the best in the UK. It is always reassuring to know that our ethical approach to business is recognised and the contribution made to the local economy is not underestimated. We believe part of our success is due to building up a successful business with the local community at its heart. We have shown others that it is possible to create a thriving business in a disadvantaged area. At the centre of our business ethos is our desire to put something back into the community. Rather than set up the business in more obvious locations such as Cardiff Bay, we stayed in Seven Sisters. Aligned with this approach is understanding the needs of our clients and providing a high quality personalised service.”
The four star graded Afan Lodge, a newly built hotel within its own grounds in Afan Forest Park, Port Talbot, was the winner of the Best New Business award. Judges believed that the Lodge has pitched itself perfectly for the mountain bike market and the owners’ enthusiasm was described as ‘infectious’.
Owners Richard and Louise Davies said:
“We are overwhelmed with this award. The success of Afan Lodge has been achieved through the drive and determination of our team, working together with the support of the Business Services and Tourism Teams at Neath Port Talbot CBC. It’s all about working together with the common aim of promoting the Afan Valley as a place to stay and experience the activities and surroundings it has to offer”.
