Two Mid Wales tourism business have achieved national recognition while 13 others have been shortlisted for this year's prestigious National Tourism Awards for Wales.

John and Celia Whitehead, who own Bryn Elltyd Eco guest house, Tanygrisiau, near Blaenau Ffestiniog, won one of the major accolades at the Considerate Hotelier Awards.

The couple received Considerate Small Accommodation Provider of the Year at the awards, which are led by the group Considerate Hoteliers to celebrate the best in environmental, sustainable and socially responsible performance in the hospitality sector.

Bryn Elltyd was described by the judges as "a beacon of sustainability at the foot of Snowdon. Has to be seen to be believed! When you are next in the area drop by and see what John and Ceilia Whitehead have achieved in their six years of ownership."

Celia and John, a former Red Arrows aircraft engineer and technology teacher, moved to Tanygrisiau from Coventry six years ago, drawn by their love of the great outdoors.

Meanwhile, readers of Country Walking magazine have voted Ffynnon Cadno Guest House at Ponterwyd, near Aberystwyth fourth in the top 10 places to stay in Britain.

Owners John and Jill Wall, who run the four star bed and breakfast business, use their hospitality experience to provide a warm welcome for their guests. They previously owned The George Borrow Hotel in Ponterwyd for seven years.

There was a record entry for this year's National Tourism Awards for Wales, with 13 of the 59 businesses shortlisted by a panel of independent judges located in Mid Wales.

Staged by Visit Wales in partnership with the Wales Tourism Alliance and Quadrant Media and Communications, the awards recognise and reward the very best in Welsh tourism. The winners will be announded at Venue Cymru, Llandudno on November 21.

The only category still open for voting is favourite best place to eat, where the public will decide the overall winners. The shortlist created by the judges opened for public voting on June 20.

There are three sub-categories for favourite best place to eat - pub, restaurant and café. Votes can be cast on the National Tourism Awards' website - http://www.ntawales.com/

Two Mid Wales entries - The Checkers Restaurant with Rooms, Montgomery andThe Falcondale Hotel and Restaurant, Lampeter - will contest best place to eat - restaurant award with six other shortlisted businesses. One of the businesses shortlisted for the best place to eat - café award is The Bakers' Table, Talgarth.

Four Mid Wales companies have been shortlisted for regional tourism award. They are Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Ponterwyd, near Aberystwyth, Y Talbot, Tregaron, Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways and Dan-yr-Ogof, The National Showcaves Centre for Wales, Abercraf.

The other shortlisted Mid Wales companies are: Gwesty Cymru, Aberystwyth for most successful tourism team, Lon Lodges, Rhayader for best self catering place to stay, Quay West Holiday Park, New Quay for best holiday, touring and camping park, Nanteos Mansion, Aberystwyth for best guest accommodation, Y Ffarmers, Llanfihangel y Creuddyn, near Aberystwyth for best place to eat - pub and World Alternative Games, Llanwrtyd Wells  for best event.

Val Hawkins, chief executive of Mid Wales Tourism, an independent organisation that represents 600 tourism and hospitality businesses in Powys, Ceredigion and Meirionnydd, said the award won by Bryn Elltyd Eco Guest House, the top 10 rating for Ffynnon Cadno and the shortlisting of 13 Mid Wales companies for the National Tourism Awards for Wales was great news for the region.

"I am delighted that an increasing number of tourism businesses in Mid Wales are gaining national and international recognition for the hospitality, comfort and attractions," she added. 

"It highlights the high quality tourism experience now offered in the region and comes on the back of 48 Mid Wales businesses achieving gold award ratings from Visit Wales in 2012."

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For more information please contact either Val Hawkins, Mid Wales Tourism chief executive, on 01654 702653 or Duncan Foulkes, public relations consultant, on 01686 650818