Go North Wales "New Tourism Business Of The Year Award"
If it hadn’t been for a phone call suggesting we enter ourselves for an award, we would have completely missed the opportunity. It was a kind, encouraging nudge from the lovely admin team at Go North Wales Tourism that made us stop and think, why not? So, on a bit of a whim, we decided to put ourselves forward.
A few weeks later, an email landed in our inbox telling us we’d been shortlisted as one of five finalists for the New Business Tourism Award 2023. Naturally, we had a quick nosy at the other finalists and immediately felt very small in comparison, quietly convincing ourselves that winning was unlikely. Still, we told ourselves it would be a great chance to network, enjoy a proper evening out together, escape the kids for a night, and have a good meal.
And honestly? It didn’t disappoint.
“Go North Wales New Tourism Business Of The Year Award.”
We arrived at the awards all dressed up, and I have to say, my wife looked absolutely gorgeous. We honestly couldn’t believe the scale of the event. With over 800 people in attendance, drinks flowing freely, and conversation buzzing around the room, it felt pretty special to be there.
Once we took our seats, we were greeted by the other finalists in our category, along with the former chairman who had run the awards the previous year. It was lovely to chat, share stories, and settle into the evening. After some much-needed appetisers, we were treated to fantastic entertainment, including a powerful Welsh male voice choir, followed by several other brilliant performers. The atmosphere was warm, lively, and unmistakably Welsh.
Hannah ready to get her seat
“We Just Couldn’t Believe It”
Then came the announcement for everyone to take their seats and get ready for the 2023 Go North Wales Tourism Awards. The atmosphere instantly shifted — electric, buzzing, full of anticipation. I turned to my wife and quietly said, “Let’s just enjoy this and expect nothing.”
Moments later, the first award of the night was announced: Go New Tourism Business Award — our category. Suddenly, my heart was racing. I’d already written the idea of winning off in my head, but the truth was, deep down, I really wanted it. I could feel the blood coursing through my veins as the reality of it all hit at once.
The room fell completely silent — you could have heard a pin drop.
“And the winner is… Tree Tops and Train Tracks.”
I genuinely couldn’t believe my ears. The look of absolute disbelief on my face must have said it all. My heart leapt, and my wife and I looked at each other and burst out laughing, caught somewhere between shock and pure joy. Then came the sudden realisation — what do we do now? The rest of the table quickly encouraged us to stand up and head for the stage.
We took the long walk to the front as the room filled with applause and cheers, eventually stepping onto the stage to collect the award and have our photos taken with the sponsor. It was an incredibly special moment.
The excitement didn’t stop there. The conversations we had afterwards were inspiring and encouraging, giving us a real boost to keep doing what we’re doing and to continue pushing eco campsites forward in a way that stands out. We even had photographers capturing the moment for the local Leader paper and Deeside.com, and later received a call from the Welsh Senedd to congratulate us — something we never could have imagined.
It truly was an unforgettable evening.
“Still pinching ourselves. Winners of the 2023 Go North Wales New Tourism Business Award 🌲🏆”
What an incredible night it was, and a real icing on the cake for Tree Tops and Train Tracks after a tough first year of building, problem-solving, and getting everything ready for our customers. It’s a moment we’ll always look back on with pride and gratitude. This experience has given us even more motivation to keep moving forward, stay true to our values, and continue shaping Tree Tops and Train Tracks into the very best eco campsite.