A luxury country hotel, seaside fisherman’s cottage and replica First World War trench were among the winners at the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards (ACSTA) last night.
The Fife Arms Hotel in Braemar, which reopened last year after a major refurbishment, won the coveted best hotel title, while Seafront Cottages in Sandhaven picked up the award for best self-catering accommodation.
A replica trench at the Gordon Highlanders Museum in Aberdeen – built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Great War and give the public an insight into the conditions experienced by soldiers – won the innovation in tourism gong.
Individual awards were presented to rising star Leonora Brebner, of the Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel, and regional ambassador Lynda McGuigan, from Discover Fraserburgh Tourism Group, in recognition of their work and commitment to the sector.
Thirteen awards were handed out during the ceremony at the Chester Hotel in Aberdeen, with the winners now going on to represent the region at the Scottish Thistle Awards in spring next year.
ACSTA chairman Stephen Gow said the awards highlighted the wide range of tourism businesses in the area, as well as the hard work of people working in the sector.
“It’s not just about hotels and visitor attractions,” Mr Gow said, adding: “Tourism has a major part to play in our community and economy, with everyone from tour guides to taxi drivers responsible for delivering exceptional customer services.”
