Whether it’s celebrating service with a smile, honouring first-class hospitality, or praising a perfect day out, the Scottish public is being encouraged to name their top tourism champions.
The deadline (18 May) is fast approaching for nominations to the next Scottish Thistle Awards. The annual competition celebrates success, excellence and quality within the Scottish tourism industry and, for the first time, people across the country, as well as those in the industry, can put forward tourism businesses or suppliers they believe have gone the extra mile to offer a great visiting experience.
Using the online application form, nominations can be made across the different categories, including Friendliest Pub, Most Hospitable Hotel and Best Visitor Attraction.
Visitors’ happiness is the benchmark of success
Now in its 22nd year, the Scottish Thistle Awards is organised and delivered by VisitScotland but, as announced earlier this year, will now be led by several organisations, including VisitScotland, the Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards and the Scottish Licensed Trade Association.
Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, said: “These awards are a real chance for us to recognise and reward the hard work, dedication and innovation that is taking place within the Scottish tourism sector. These exciting changes will help us grow the success of the Scottish Thistle Awards for future years.
“I’m particularly pleased to see that visitors will have a voice in this year’s nomination process. These are the people who are actually staying in hotels, eating at restaurants or attending events – their happiness is the benchmark of success.”
Deadline for nominations
The deadline for nominations is 18 May 2014. Shortlisted entries will then compete in 13 regional categories. Each of which has been aligned with the Scottish Tourism Strategy 2020, re-enforcing links between the industry and the prestigious awards programme.
To enter or for further information on the Scottish Thistle Awards click here
The leadership panel
• Stephen Carter, VisitScotland
• Paddy Crerar, Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland
• Marc Crothall, Scottish Tourism Alliance • Marina Hugget, Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards
• Paul Waterson, Scottish Licensed Trade Association
Categories for the Scottish Thistle Awards
Regional Categories
1. Most Hospitable Hotel
2. Most Hospitable B&B/Guest House
3. Best Holiday Accommodation
4. Best Informal Eating Experience
5. Best Restaurant Experience
6. Friendliest Pub/Bar
7. Best Event or Festival
8. Best Outdoor/Adventure Experience
9. Our Warmest Welcome
10. Best Visitor Attraction
11. Discovering Scotland Award
12. Young Ambassador Award (30yrs and below – nominations only)
13. Ambassador Award (over 30s – nominations only)
National Category
14. Creative Ambition Award (business tourism) Silver Thistle
15) Silver Thistle – will not be a nominated award and will be nominated by judging panel or industry panel – exact