Tourism is central to the Welsh economy and will be an important creator of prosperity in the future

Andrew Davies AM

Receiving the award, Bryn Terfel said he was "deeply honoured" to receive the award after only two years of the festival's existence.

"I have long waited to bring top-class entertainment to perform near my home in Gwynedd.

"It has been very heart-warming to see how well it has been received," he added.

The tourism industry is one of Wales's biggest earners, contributing �2bn a year to the economy and employing 100,000 people.

Nearly 40 businesses contested the 12 award categories at the ceremony in Ewloe, Deeside, north Wales.

Speaking at the event, Economic Development Minister Andrew Davies said the awards highlighted the high standards of achievement across Wales.

"Tourism is central to the Welsh economy and will be an important creator of prosperity in the future.

"Despite the setback of foot-and-mouth last year, there are already very encouraging signs that visitors are returning to Wales," he added.

Role of honour

One of the award-winners was Kevin Jones, who persuaded fellow businessmen in Betws-y-Coed, north Wales, to market themselves on the internet, and took the Making IT Work for Tourism award.

Elsewhere, the mid Wales town of Llanwrtyd Wells took home a prize for Community Tourism, while the Museum of Welsh Life in St Fagans, south Wales, was rewarded for providing the Best Visitor Experience.

In the Sense of Place award, the Welsh Slate Museum in Llanberis, north Wales, triumphed, while the Taste of Wales title went to the Fairyhill Hotel and restaurant near Swansea, south Wales.

Visitor numbers in rural Wales slid with foot-and-mouth

Also in the kitchen, 21-year-old chef Benny Shingler, from the Royal Sportsman Hotel in Portmadog, north Wales, took home the Young Achiever of the Year award.

If you are looking for a place to stay though, the judges reckoned you couldn't do better than the Bell Inn near Abergavenny, south Wales, or the Tywyn Holiday Cottage near Beddgelert in Gwynedd, which shared the Best Place to Stay award.

An award for Investing for Success was presented to the Brynteg Holiday Home Park near Caernarfon, while the Welcome Host title went to the Glyntwrog Guest House in Betws-y-Coed.

Finally, winners from outside Wales were the Daily Telegraph's James Perrin, who scooped a Wales in Print award, and Superbreak of York, whose commitment for bringing tourists into Wales won them the Team Wales trophy.