Talyllyn Railway has received a prestigious and much coveted Regional Business Award for its contribution to tourism in North Wales.

At a ceremony held at Bangor University Management Centre last month, the railway received one of five awards sponsored and presented by North Wales Tourism as part of its 14th annual Gwynedd Business Week.

The railway was named Tourism Business of the Year in recognition of the contribution it makes to the tourism industry in North Wales, which generates more than £3 billion to the region’s economy.

The citation spoke of the railway’s development from its beginnings in 1951 as the world’s first preserved railway to the present time, increasing its passengers and overall revenue.

The citation added that the railway is “one of the main attractions in this area; working with the local community and schools; working with local environmental groups showing commitment to reducing carbon footprint and working with sister organisations with their involvement with the “Great Little Trains of Wales”.

North Wales Tourism’s head of operations Eirlys Jones presented the award, saying the railway had contributed to the wider regional agenda, as well as to local issues.

The railway’s general manager, Stuart Williams said:

“The award is a fitting testament to the efforts that have been put in over the past year to heighten the profile of the railway.”

Ian Drummond, Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society chairman, said the award recognised the substantial contribution made by the staff and the many volunteers that enable the railway to continue making such an effective contribution to tourism in Gwynedd.

“Tourism is very much a growth industry in Wales, with three National Parks, five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and specialist interests, including the 11 famous Great Little Trains of Wales, of which Talyllyn Railway is one,”

he added.

“Public service industries, together with tourism, are now the two main sources of employment in Wales and Talyllyn Railway is proud to have been recognised as making such a significant contribution to this important aspect of life in modern Wales.”