The stars of Pembrokeshire's tourist industry were out in force on Friday 16 October for the annual Pembrokeshire Tourism awards ceremony.

Nearly 160 nominations from 85 businesses were put forward for the 14 prestigious awards, which celebrate and reward the best aspects of tourism related businesses, individuals and organisations throughout Pembrokeshire.

Tension mounted at the gala dinner presentation evening at Tenby De Valence Pavilion as short-listed finalists, their guests and category sponsors waited to learn the names of the eventual winners.

These had been selected after an intensive judging week last month, involving personal visits to properties and attractions, and a taste-test to find the best Pembrokeshire breakfast.

There was also a public cook-off at the Really Wild Festival by the three finalists in the chef category.

"We were overwhelmed by the amount of entries and nominations received for the awards,"said Pembrokeshire Tourism's chief executive, Alison Belton. "The evening really showcased the quality and excellence we have within our tourism industry, and we hope it will also encourage and inspire other businesses to achieve."

The most hotly-contested category in the awards was for the most exciting new business, and this went to Battlefield Live at Llanteg, an exciting laser team combat game centre opened by Steve and Toria Dean in June.

"We were absolutely thrilled to win this award," said Mr Dean. "As a new business, it means a lot to us, because not only does it give us a seal of approval from the tourism industry for visitors to Pembrokeshire, but it also puts us on the map as far as new visitors are concerned."

Prize packages - including trophies sponsored by the Western Telegraph - were presented to each of the category winners and nearly 300 guests enjoyed a meal of Pembrokeshire produce before dancing to The Numbers Racket. The evening opened with a wine reception sponsored by Celtic Wines.

Said Pembrokeshire Tourism's chairman, Huw Pendleton: "The night was a huge success and it was wonderful to see everyone celebrating this fantastic industry."

PEMBROKESHIRE TOURISM AWARDS 2009 - WINNERS

Best marketing campaign (sponsored by iKnow UK)

Clydey Cottages, Boncath

Greenest achievement (sponsored by Flexible Support for Business)

Trellyn Woodland Campsite, near Abercastle

Exciting new business/owner (sponsored by Positive IT)

Battlefield Live, Llanteg

Best supplier (sponsored by Folly Farm)

Bethesda Farm Shop, Narberth

Inspirational people development (sponsored by NM Human Resources and Landsker Business Centre)

Ivybridge Spa, Goodwick

Best serviced accommodation (sponsored by Pembroke Power Station)

Stoney Bridge, Saundersfoot

Best non-serviced accommodation (sponsored by Retreats Group)

Clydey Cottages, Boncath

Finest Pembrokeshire breakfast (sponsored by Pembrokeshire County Council)

Stoney Bridge, Saundersfoot

Best holiday park (sponsored by Lowless Commercial)

Swallow Tree Gardens, Saundersfoot

Finest chef/cook (sponsored by Andrew Rees and Sons, Butchers, Narberth)

Jethro Lawrence, The Carreg, Narberth

Best water-based experience (sponsored by Pear Distribution)

Celtic Quest Coasteering

Premier event (sponsored by Chevron)

Pembrokeshire Fish Festival

Premier family day out (sponsored by StenaLine)

Folly Farm

Unsung hero (sponsored by Radio Pembrokeshire)

RNLI lifeguards Adam Pitman, Jon Johnston and Coral Lewis, Tenby South Beach

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A great atmosphere
written by Celtic Quest Coasteering, October 21, 2009

Thnx to the gang at Pembs Tourism. We had an awesome night. Tasty food, great entertainment and the room looked wicked. Congrats to all the finalists and a huge well done to Alison for presenting all night.

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