The Rhyl Air Show was among the highflyers at a glittering ceremony to celebrate a record year in the North Wales tourism industry.

The popular event was named as the Magnificent Crowd Puller for events which attract more than 7,500 people when it was honoured at the Go North Wales Tourism Awards.

Since the two-event was launched in 2009 it has gone from strength to strength and attracts tens of thousands of visitors to the seaside resort every August.

According to organisers North Wales Tourism, events like the air show are the lifeblood of the booming  visitor economy.

Revenue from tourism had rocketed to £3.2 billion, visitor numbers were at an all-time high and £100 million of investment was being ploughed into the region to make it an even more attractive destination.

This year’s Rhyl Air Show was another resounding success which saw the debut of the  RAF's Eurofighter Typhoon display team.

A Spitfire, Hurricane and a Lancaster Bomber also featured. They formed a "Battle of Britain Memorial Flight", before the twin-engine typhoon display above on Rhyl Prominade.

After the presentation, Denbighshire Leisure’s Gwyn Hughes said the award was a fantastic way to recognise an event lead by a strong organising team and an army of volunteers.

He added: “I think this year’s festival is widely recognised as our best yet. Everyone worked incredibly hard and we have to thank our volunteers and stakeholders for all their support and their invaluable contributions year in and year out.”

The annual Oscars-style event at Venue Cymru in Llandudno was hosted by Heart North & Mid Wales presenters Lois Cernyw and Russ Morris while the trophies presented to the winners were made by the British Ironworks.

Jim Jones, the managing director of North Wales Tourism which represents more than 1,500 members, said: “The sheer volume and quality of entries this year has underlined why North Wales is increasingly being recognised as a truly world class destination.

The Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport, Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas, said: “I’m delighted to join the north Wales tourism industry in celebrating the best of what the area has to offer – the winners and finalists for the awards do an exceptional job of putting Wales on the map and giving people reasons to choose Wales as a holiday destination. Da iawn bawb - Llongyfarchiadau.”

Full list of winners

Go Special Recognition Award: Peter Jones, Jones the Boats

Go Hotel Award: St Georges Hotel, Llandudno

Go B&B / Inn Award: Taldraeth, Penrhyndeudraeth

Go Self Catering Award: Forest Holidays, Beddgelert

Go Caravan, Camping or Glamping Award: Plassey Holiday Park, Eyton, Wrexham

Go Attraction Award:  Llechwedd, Blaenau Ffestiniog

Go Activity Award: Zip World, Bethesda

Go Magnificent Crowd Puller (under 7.5k) Award: Always Aim High Events, Llangefni

Go Magnificent Crowd Puller (over 7.5k) Award : Rhyl Air Show, Rhyl

Go Best Place to Eat Award: Signatures Restaurant, Conwy

Go Green Award: Anglesey Sea Zoo, Brynsiencyn

Go Tourism Business Innovation Award: Gwinllan Conwy Vineyard, Llangwstenin

Go Marketing Award:  Aber Falls Distillery, Abergwyngregyn

Go Pet Friendly Award: Forest Holidays, Beddgelert

Go Young Tourism Person of the Year Award: Tim Winstanley, Llandudno Chocolate Experience and Pendragon Drinks

Go Wedding Venue Award:  Portmeirion, Minffordd