Congratulations to a shining star of responsible tourism! This week Talgarth Mill, a restored 200 year old water mill famous for putting the small welsh town of Talgarth back on the map as a tourist destination, received its greatest accolade yet when awarded a silver medal at the World Responsible Tourism Awards in London. The gold medal went to Urban Adventure in Australia.
The judges in the “Best for Engaging People and Culture” category were looking for tourism providers with deep, long-standing connections and commitments to the local community and exciting policies and practices for celebrating local culture and ways of life.
Professor Harold Goodwin, Chair of the judging panel, commented on why Felin Talgarth Mill had been recognised, saying “A community project run by 30 very committed volunteers – the cultural activities of milling and baking have brought economic vitality back to the town and enabled the co-located craft and cottage interior businesses to launch. They have used tourism to restore their mill and bring economic development to their market town”
Liz Rose, Manager of Felin Talgarth Mill commented on their win “This is such good news for our amazing team of volunteers who have worked so hard for the success of the project. Some volunteer organisations have difficulty attracting and keeping volunteers but many of ours have been involved since the renovation of the Mill five years ago and it’s great to see their commitment recognised. It’s been an exciting year at the Mill with no less than three Great Taste Awards for our various types of stone ground flour and now recognition on the world stage alongside some tourist industry giants.”
