https:\/\/gonorthwalestourismawards.website\/<\/a><\/p>\nThe new partnership grew out of the long-standing twinning between Llandudno and the Swiss ski resort of Champ\u00e9ry with the two destinations now sharing ideas and expertise on making the most of tourism throughout the year.<\/p>\n
The relationship began more than five years ago with Champ\u00e9ry looking for a Welsh town that offered easy access and great sports facilities including a dry ski slope, Llandudno fitted the bill perfectly.<\/p>\n
According to North Wales Tourism CEO Jim Jones, the Swiss resort is \u201cforging ahead and trailblazing the four seasons approach\u201d with its focus switching from skiing to mountain biking when the snow recedes.<\/p>\n
He said: The relationship is already bringing visitors and athletes in both directions with top young Swiss skiers recently travelling to Llandudno for a summer training camp with the Welsh elite team. The Swiss resort is also very keen to develop stronger links with Welsh mountain bike industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re also incredibly grateful to all our sponsors, particularly Harlech Foodservice who have been fantastic champions of the tourism and hospitality sector over many years.<\/p>\n
\u201cHarlech are a key employer and also have a real focus on supporting Welsh products and suppliers like Llaeth y Llan yoghurt, Edwards the Welsh Butcher and Snowdonia Cheese which gives visitors to North Wales a real sense of place.\u201d<\/p>\n
One of the driving forces behind the new campaign is Ray Pritchard, who was born in Llandudno and raised in Llanfairfechan, before moving to live in Switzerland in the 1990s.<\/p>\n
He was awarded the British Empire Medal in the King\u2019s birthday honours for his pivotal role in establishing the Welsh Alpine Ski Championships in Champ\u00e9ry 20 years ago.<\/p>\n
Ray said: We have a fantastic relationship between Champ\u00e9ry, Region Dents du Midi and Llandudno, North Wales which has been developing over the years and there is a lot of synergy between the two places and the mindset is very similar.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe whole idea is to extend the tourism season in both areas in a way that is very complementary to each other.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs part of the partnership, last year we have launched a Hospitality Excellence Fund with Lord Mostyn looking how we can improve hotel service in North Wales.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have also launched a number of other initiatives, including how the mountain biking industry and the small companies involved in both countries can work together for mutual benefit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim Jones added: \u201cThe twinning came about around five years ago because Champ\u00e9ry approached Llandudno Town Council and us and together we have developed this relationship that\u2019s gone from strength to strength.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey have just hosted the world downhill championships in Champ\u00e9ry so it\u2019s helping to raise their profile and ours.<\/p>\n
\u201cTraditionally, tourism in North Wales has been very seasonal with lots of people coming in the summer and then things dying down over the winter months.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur aim is to extend the tourism season here around the shoulder months so we can even out the peaks and troughs of income and employment,<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve always pushed to be an all-year-round destination but this campaign will give the drive renewed impetus.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we can extend the season it makes tourism more sustainable in so many different ways \u2013 benefiting local suppliers and creating more permanent jobs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Region Dents du Midi\u2019s generosity in sponsoring the award will give our celebration a truly international flavour.<\/p>\n
\u201cTourism is still one of our biggest industries in North Wales and over the years we have recognised the contribution of hundreds of businesses for all the good work they do, despite all the challenges they face.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s tough out there at the moment and this is an opportunity to sit back, relax and celebrate our tourism heroes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are so many brilliant things happening here with innovative new ideas and destinations reinventing themselves.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that the Welsh Government will recognise the potential of tourism and work with the industry to create a brighter future for all of us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Harlech Foodservice managing director Mark Lawton said he was delighted they were sponsoring the awards again because the company was \u201cpassionate\u201d about supporting tourism and creating jobs and prosperity in its North Wales heartland.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cThis is our chance to give something back to the businesses and people who have shown incredible resilience, creativity and determination through some very challenging times.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe passionately believe North Wales has everything it takes to be one of the UK\u2019s must-visit destinations, from stunning scenery and world-class attractions to our unique heritage and culture.\u201d<\/p>\n
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