The talents of the county’s tourism industry shone at the 2016 Pembrokeshire Tourism Awards which took place at The Pavilion, Haverfordwest, on Thursday.

The glittering black tie ceremony which celebrates the very best tourism businesses was attended by 245 guests, including sponsors, finalists and judges, and was befitting of the very high standards the county’s tourism industry sets.

Fifty-six finalists competed for top honours in 15 categories, including amongst others, finest Pembrokeshire breakfast, best access for the disabled visitor, best serviced accommodation over 12 rooms and best eating out experience.

The awards, whose main sponsor was the Port of Milford Haven’s Milford Waterfront development, was organised by Pembrokeshire Tourism and the record number of entries received clearly indicates the strength of the tourism sector.

Jane Rees-Baynes, chair of Pembrokeshire Tourism, said: “The board of directors and staff are very proud to take this opportunity to recognise the hard work, success and achievements of everyone who work tirelessly to promote Pembrokeshire and who help to keep our county a very special place for us to live in and for people to visit.

“We have been working closely with and representing the industry in Pembrokeshire for the past 15 years and the awards are an opportunity for us to recognise and reward the achievements of our finalists and hope that people are inspired by them as we are.”

In addition to the category awards, the outstanding contribution to tourism award was presented to Andy Middleton, of TYF Adventure. Voted for by the staff of Pembrokeshire Tourism, this is only the second time that the award has been presented and they were unanimous in their agreement that the award should be given to the person who they regard as an innovator and an ambassador for the tourism industry.

Dennis O’Connor, tourism liaison manager, said: “The outstanding contribution to tourism award is given to those whose work has made a significant difference to what Pembrokeshire has to offer holidaymakers. Andy is well-known for being an adventurer and eco entrepreneur and continues to encourage his staff and visitors to appreciate the importance of sustainable and environmental tourism and we are delighted to recognise his work with this award.”

Each of the winners received bespoke glass awards from the category sponsors together with a certificate.

The full list of winners on the night is: best non-serviced accommodation under three units - St. Davids Country Cottages; best non-serviced accommodation over three units - Clydey Cottages; best serviced accommodation under 12 rooms - Monk Haven Manor B&B; best serviced accommodation over 12 rooms - Twr y Felin Hotel; best holiday park/caravan park/campsite - Florence Springs Yurt Village; finest Pembrokeshire breakfast - Fields Lodge B&B; best eating out experience - The Stackpole Inn; best Pembrokeshire experience/day out - Pembrokeshire Falconry; best event - Really Wild Festival 2016; best access for the disabled visitor - The Harriet Davis Trust; sustainable tourism - Penrallt - Top of the Woods; exciting new business/owner - Dr. Beynon’s Bug Farm; best marketing campaign - Penrallt - Top of the Woods; best customer service team - Celtic Haven; best supplier - Apple Blossom Cleaning Services Ltd.