THE stars of tourism across Swansea Bay took their place in the spotlight last night in a glittering ceremony to celebrate their work in the industry.

They headed for the Brangwyn Hall for the second Swansea Bay Tourism Awards hosted by Evening Post editor Spencer Feeney and Swansea Sound's Kevin Johns.

With over 150 entries, the organisers were buoyant about the level of interest.

"We were absolutely delighted with the response we had from the tourism sector," said Tourism Swansea Bay spokesman Geoff Haden. "We had 400 guests at the ceremony and it shows the way the industry is moving forward."

The Dragon won the best large hotel category ahead of the Towers, Best Western Aberavon Beach and the Marriott. Little Langland took the best small hotel, guest house, B&B or restaurant with rooms, beating Parc Le Breos and Norton House.

Best non-services accommodation was Glyncorrwg, from Windmill Farm Holiday Cottages and Crynant Holiday Cottages. Best Meal Out — Taste of Swansea Bay was Maes-yr-Haf, followed by runners-up the Britannia Inn and Dryad Bushcraft.

The King Arthur Hotel was best pub or bar, from Little Langland Hotel and the Castle Hotel, while best activity/attraction went to The LC, from the National Waterfront Museum, Dulais Valley Quads and Afan Forest Park Visitors' Centre.

Best student was David Hughes, from Neath Port Talbot College, with Amanda Jayne Williams, also Neath Port Talbot College, and Ian Fearn, Swansea Metropolitan University, highly commended.

Xterra UK was awarded the best contribution to international tourism, ahead of South Wales Boat Show and the Liberty Stadium, while Perriswood Archery and Falconry Centre was the best visitor experience, from WWT National Wetlands Centre and Clyne Farm Centre.

National Showcave Centre for Wales was best sustainable tourism business, ahead of Dryad Bushcraft, Clyne Farm Centre and Oldwalls Leisure. Best use of technology went to Call of the Wild, followed by the National Waterfront Museum and Swansea Council's Visitswansea.com.

Oldwalls Leisure was best newcomer, building or development, ahead of The LC and the Bluebell Hotel. The Dragon Hotel got the award for co-operating to compete, beating Call of the Wild and Afan Forest Park.

The long-serving Jean Bunce, of Mumbles Tourist Information Centre, was given the outstanding services to tourism award, ahead of Roy Church, Gower Heritage Centre, Roger Button, Pitton Cross camping and caravan, and Geoff Haden, owner of Clyne Farm Centre and the man behind the restoration of Dylan Thomas's former home at 5 Cwmdonkin Drive.