The South East Wales Tourism Awards, held at St Fagan’s Museum of Welsh Life, brought together tourism businesses and organisations from across the South East Wales region for an awards ceremony on Thursday 13th February.
Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Events & Marketing Team were delighted to be presented with the ‘Best Event’ award for The Big Cheese Festival. Established for over twenty years, the festival continues to be a huge success with 2019 seeing the rejuvenation of the festival with a fresh new look. A live lounge with local drink producers and street food vendors added a new dimension to the food offering at the festival. Caerphilly Castle remained the star of the show with medieval re-enactment displays and camps. This year’s festival takes place from 24th to 26th July.
Llancaiach Fawr Manor in Nelson picked up the ‘Best Visitor Attraction’ category award. With its distinct visitor experience and successful events programme, Llancaiach offers visitors an immersive experience that transports visitors to a day in the life of the servants at the Manor during 1645. The stunning Manor, Barn and Gardens make it a popular wedding and functions venue.
Owners of Gellihaf House B&B, Cath and Howard Smith were delighted to win the award for ‘Best Guest Accommodation’ at the ceremony. The B&B near Blackwood, was built in the style of the Arts & Crafts Movement and has been lovingly restored in recent years. With outstanding attention to detail, this boutique B&B really has the wow factor with a stately, yet welcoming feel. Cath’s delicious breakfast wouldn’t look, or taste out of place at any high end luxury hotel.
Winners will now be entered into the National Tourism Awards in May, hosted by Welsh Government at the new International Convention Centre Wales.