Lyons Holiday Parks, who operate 13 sites across Denbighshire, Conwy, and Flintshire, have been shortlisted in four categories at the Go North Wales Tourism Awards held at Llandudno’s Venue Cymru in November.
Following hundreds of submissions from tourism groups across the region, the judge’s votes have now been counted and the Lyons group – who are in the process of transforming the well-known former Graig Parc site in Dyserth – have been whittled down as the finalists in four categories.
Joseph Lyons-Mound, one of the company directors, said being in the line up for not one, but four awards, is testament to the group’s dedication and hard work. He said: “To be recognised across the categories, which are all very different and celebrate all aspects of the business, is just the boost we need at the end of the strangest 18 months on record. It’s all down to our cross-park teams who have got stuck in, and gone above and beyond to ensure that everyone – whether that’s our holiday homeowners, holidaymakers, and even our diners and hotel guests – had a 2021 to remember.”
The shortlisted categories not only celebrate the Lyons group’s devotion to tourism, but also pay homage to North Wales’ deep history. Joseph Lyons-Mound added: “We feel incredibly lucky at Lyons Holiday Parks to be situated within such an incredible area, and it’s brilliant that the categories reflect this. For example, Lyons Pendyffryn Hall in Dwygyfylchi has been shortlisted for the Go Self Catering of the Year Category, which demonstrates how we transformed a former TB hospital that was built at the turn of the 19th century into a state-of-the-art, modern clubhouse where tourists and guests can enjoy a drink while overlooking the view.”
The second shortlisted category is the Go Business Events and Incentive Travel Award, which recognises the groups innovation when it comes to the local economy, especially in relation to the Community Incentive Project which aims to redirect Lyons’ trade to other local businesses. The third nod is to Lyons Woodlands Hall in Ruthin, which has been shortlisted for the Go Holiday Park of the Year Award thanks to its increase in hire fleet accommodation in response to the staycation boom, as well as inclusivity and taking steps towards sustainability, pet-friendly holidays, and celebrating women in power.
The fourth shortlisted category is for the Lyons-Mounds brothers themselves, who have been recognised as finalists for their outstanding contribution to tourism over the past few decades. Details which secured this listing include the retention of over 70% permanent positions throughout the pandemic, their inclusion of the DWP’s Kickstart scheme, accommodating the homeless during the pandemic in 2020, two ongoing expansions brining a wealth of jobs and trade to the area, as well as their exceptional charity ventures – which includes a fundraising night in memory of a father-of-five who suddenly passed away at Lyons Robin Hood this August.
Geoff Lyons-Mound, also a director, said: “We’ve been providing family holidays for almost a century now, but what happened in 2021 and 2022 was unprecedented to everyone in the industry. It’s brilliant to know that people are aware of our efforts and commitment and that Lyons isn’t just about holidays. We may be the largest holiday park operators in Wales, but we’re a family-run business at the end of the day, so people are at the heart of everything we do. This is why we’re passionate about our community and environmental projects, the charities we support, and supporting our unbeatable team.”