An iconic heritage railway, a pier hero, and a former royal retreat have been celebrated as stars of the North Wales tourism industry.

The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways in Porthmadog, and Plas Dinas Country House Hotel in Bontnewydd, near Caernarfon, were among the big winners at the Go North Wales Tourism Awards.

The annual event, organised by North Wales Tourism, celebrates the dedication, skill, and achievements of the region's tourism and hospitality industry.

The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways, the second oldest and longest heritage railway in Britain, was named the Go Attraction of the Year.

The railway, which will celebrate the 70th anniversary of its preservation next year, contributes more than £20 million to the Gwynedd economy every year, transporting 150,000 passengers annually through the landscape of Eryri.

David Russell, one of the more than 1,000 registered volunteers who support the railway, said: "It’s testament to the dedication of all those who have gone before us and their resolution to preserve this railway which is so loved by the community of Gwynedd, and railway enthusiasts all around the world."

Stephen Greig, the visitor experience manager for Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways, added: "Winning tonight is a real feather in our cap and consolidates our reputation as one of the UK’s best visitor experiences."

Another jewel in the region’s tourism crown, Plas Dinas Country House Hotel, came away with two top awards.

It was honoured as Hotel of the Year for a record-breaking fourth time, while its acclaimed Gunroom Restaurant won the Go Eating Out Experience category.

Daniel Perks, who bought the leasehold for Plas Dinas Country House with his wife Annie in 2019, said: "We feel humbled to receive any award but to have been recognised as Hotel of the Year for the fourth time now is a tremendous honour."

The Go North Wales Tourism Service to Tourism Award went to Adam Williams, the owner of Llandudno Pier and Tir Prince Amusement Park in Towyn.

Adam, who bought Llandudno’s historic pier in 2015, said: "This is my home; I was born and brought up down the road in St Asaph.

"I love it here and I will always go out of my way to promote the name of this beautiful region of North Wales far and wide."

Jim Jones, the chief executive of North Wales Tourism, added: "Adam is a real-life hero of the tourism and hospitality industry in North Wales whose drive and ingenuity are helping to turbocharge the visitor economy as well as preserving a precious part of our tourism heritage."

"I would like to congratulate Adam and every single one of the winners but I would also like to stress that all the nominees have played an absolutely vital role in rebuilding the tourism sector in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic.

"This event really showcases the very best of North Wales and we have seen so many amazing entries, all of which underlines why this is a truly world-class destination for visitors."