PEOPLE across North Wales are being encouraged to nominate their heroes of the tourism and hospitality industry after the impact of the pandemic.

Jim Jones, the chief executive of North Wales Tourism, hopes the glittering Oscars-style awards ceremony will herald a reboot for the sector that’s been battered by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Nominations are now being sought for 15 categories at the Go North Wales Awards that will be held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno on Thursday, November 25. The closing date for nominations is Sunday, October 10.

Jim said that he feels it is important to celebrate the tourism and hospitality industry after a difficult time during the pandemic.

He said: “The last 18 months have been an absolute nightmare. It’s probably been the most stressful and most challenging time everybody, not just for the tourism industry.

“Of all the economic sectors in the North Wales economy, tourism and hospitality have borne the brunt of the pandemic and the restrictions and everything was against us.

“One reason why we were really keen to put on these awards is to celebrate our 30th anniversary.

“The original plan was to have a big celebration last year but we’re going to follow in the footsteps of the Olympics and the Euros and do it a year later than we had originally planned.

“The awards will be about recognising the heroes of the tourism and hospitality industry, and the incredible resilience they have shown and are continuing to show during the most challenging time that our sector has ever faced.”

The event will be hosted by the acclaimed BBC News television journalist, Sian Lloyd.

North Wales Tourism will also be using the occasion to raise money for their nominated charity, St David’s Hospice in Llandudno.

To make a nomination go to https://gonorthwalestourismawards.website/submit-application/

The categories up for grabs are; Go Attraction of the Year, Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award, Go Tourism & Hospitality Hero, Go Responsible and Sustainable Green Award, Go Hotel of the Year, Go 30 years of the Tourism Industry, Go Best B&B/Inn, Go Holiday Park of the Year Award, Go Pet Friendly Award, Go Self Catering of the year, Go Activity of the Year, Go Caravan, Camping or Glamping, Go Taste of North Wales Award, Go Resilience and Innovation Award and Go Business Events and Incentive Travel Award.