June saw the launch of the third Tourism Swansea Bay awards which celebrate the quality and diversity of the businesses bringing tourists to the area.

The awards have 14 categories including those for accommodation such as best large hotel, best small hotel and best self- catering base.

They also cover places to eat and drink, things to do, festivals and events, the best sustainable tourism business and best use of technology.

The awards will honour businesses such as the Dragon Hotel which hosted last night's launch ceremony and won the Tourism Swansea Bay award for cooperating to compete in 2008 after setting up a play and stay package with four golf clubs in the area.

An overall award for outstanding services to tourism will be presented when the results of the awards are announced in a ceremony at Swansea's Brangwyn Hall on Thursday, November 11.

The overall award was won in 2008 by Jean Bunce who runs the Mumbles Tourist Information Office.

Tourism Swansea Bay business development manager Catherine Lewis said: 'This is an opportunity to recognise tourism.

'It is one of the biggest employers in this area and it is very vibrant.

'Tourism is a big part of the economy.

'If there was no tourism in this area than perhaps we would not have the Cork to Swansea ferry back. It all goes hand in hand.'

Entries for each category will be open until September 24 and nominations can be made by post or online.

More information on the awards is available online at www.swanseabaytourismawards.co.uk. To enter write to Tourism Swansea Bay, Clyne Farm Centre, West Port Avenue, Mayals, SA3 5AR or email info@tourismswanseabay.co.uk.