BUSINESSES are snubbing the high-rolling hospitality of top events like Royal Ascot and Goodwood and are choosing instead to network with clients in the quiet setting of rural North Wales. A growing number of firms, looking to entertain their most valued customers away from the usual circuit, are making their way to Tywyn Holiday Cottage at Nantmor, near Beddgelert, in the heart of Snowdonia. The thriving business is attracting a steady stream of big corporate guests and has now won a place as a finalist in the Best Place to Stay category in the Wales Tourism Awards 2002, organised by the Wales Tourist Board in association with the Daily Post. Cottage owners Alan and Anne Heason say they are so busy they are having to put people on a waiting list. Among those who have been charmed by the cottage's unusual combination of champagne receptions and mountain walks is Terry Parry, technical director of UPMKymmene's Shotton paper mill, who said: "This is not like the normal corporate hospitality scene. A couple of days here, away from all pressure, really enhances business relationships. "During the course of one of the six-hour guided mountain walks we do get round to discussing business, get the opportunity for feedback, and work on developments and ideas for improvements." Cardiff Business School lecturer Tim Edwards said this kind of experience was seen as increasingly helpful to businesses: "Companies are keen to facilitate this type of activity. Thinking strategically, away from day-to-day problems, can enable people to focus on problem solving, generate ideas and think more long term." Also short-listed for Best Place to Stay are Ty'n Rhos Country house, Caernarfon, and The Bell, Skenfrith, Abergavenny. Establishments that enhance the reputation of Welsh food are recognised in the tourism awards' Taste of Wales category. Finalists are Hotel Maes-y-Neuadd, Talsarnau, near Harlech, The Bell at Skenfrith, and Fairyhill, Reynoldstown, Gower, Swansea. Finalists for the Sense of Place award, which will honour the tourism business which best communicates to visitors an overwhelming sense that they are in Wales, are the Welsh Slate Museum, Llanberis, Nant Gwrtheyrn Welsh language centre, near Pwllheli, and Haines Mill holiday centre, New Radnor, Presteigne, Powys...SUPL: | 
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