The Celtic Collection and ICC Wales Secure Triple M&IT Awards Finalist Slots, Showcasing Wales as a World-Class Travel Destination

Wales continues to cement its reputation as a world-class travel and business events destination, as The Celtic Collection and ICC Wales announce their shortlisting in three major categories at the 2025 M&IT Awards.

Widely known as the Oscars of the global meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) industry, the M&IT Awards celebrate excellence across the business travel and events sector. This year, The Celtic Collection and ICC Wales are finalists in:

• Best Hotel Brand – The Celtic Collection

• Best UK Hotel – Celtic Manor Resort

• Best UK Conference Centre – ICC Wales

The awards, determined by votes from professionals across the travel, events and corporate sectors, highlight the growing international appeal of Wales as a destination not only for business events, but also for leisure travellers seeking luxury stays, exceptional service, and unique experiences.

The Celtic Manor Resort, located in Newport near Cardiff, is one of Wales’ flagship hospitality destinations. Famous for hosting global events including the Ryder Cup, NATO Summit and major conferences, the resort combines five-star accommodation with world-class leisure, golf, spa and dining facilities. Its nomination for Best UK Hotel adds to its impressive history, having won the title ten times previously.

ICC Wales — a purpose-built conference centre designed to host large-scale international events — continues its rise as one of the UK’s premier venues, following Silver Awards in previous years. Its latest shortlisting reaffirms its key role in attracting global events to Wales.

Julie Hammond, Group Chief Executive Officer of The Celtic Collection and ICC Wales, said:

“We’re incredibly proud to see our venues and team recognised once again by our peers and clients in the industry. These nominations reflect our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for event organisers and guests alike. We’re grateful to everyone who voted for us, and we’re excited to celebrate with the best in the industry at the M&IT Awards later this year.”

The wider Celtic Collection — which includes several hotels and venues across Wales and beyond — finds itself shortlisted for Best Hotel Brand alongside major global hospitality leaders such as Four Seasons, Hilton, Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Melia Hotels.

The winners will be announced during the prestigious M&IT Awards ceremony in London on 19 September 2025, with hundreds of travel and events professionals from across the UK and beyond expected to attend.