The tourism sector in Tenby is being urged to showcase the best the region has to offer at this year's National Tourism Awards for Wales and help boost its local economy.

The awards not only give winning businesses and individuals a national platform to promote their work, they also raise the profile of tourism in their region. The 2013 awards are already open, but entries from Tenby are proving slower than in other areas, despite the South West Wales region winning more awards than any other at the last National Tourism Awards for Wales in 2010.

Folly Farm brought two awards home to Pembrokeshire in 2010, including Best Family Day Out. Zoe Wright, PR and marketing manager at Folly Farm, said: "Winning the two awards has been of huge benefit to our business. We have marketed the awards extensively and they have provided credibility and independent endorsement from our industry peers. Being able to say we are the Best Family Day Out in Wales has been a great help marketing ourselves to holidaymakers who might not have heard of Folly Farm prior to their visit and gives them confidence to visit."

Another South West Wales winner from 2010 was luxury hotel The Grove in Narberth, which was awarded Best Place to Stay in Wales.

Gary Davies, regional strategy director for South West Wales Tourism Partnership, said: "From mountain biking in Afan Forest Park to co-steering on St. David's Head, from visiting the spectacular castles of Pembrokeshire and the sweeping beaches of Gower - South West Wales enjoys some of the most diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes within the British Isles."

"The National Tourism Awards for Wales will, once again, provide regional operators with the opportunity to showcase their businesses and build on the outstanding successes of the 2010 awards ceremony."

Minister for the Economy Edwina Hart said: "The tourism sector is worth £5 billion to the Welsh economy, employs more than eight percent of our workforce and is one of our key growth markets. The National Tourism Awards for Wales play an important part in recognising the best that Wales has to offer, helping to drive higher tourism earnings and maximum value for local economies, as well as Wales as a whole."

The awards are organised in commercial partnership with Quadrant Media & Communications Ltd and there are 10 categories at this year's awards, including Best Place to Stay, Best Event, Best Visitor Experience, Best Place to Eat and the Regional Tourism Awards. The awards are free to enter and can be made by visiting http://www.ntawales.com">www.ntawales.com or http://www.gtccymru.com">www.gtccymru.com (yn gymraeg). Entries will close on May 15. The awards will be held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno on November 21, where the best in Welsh tourism will be unveiled.