Word of mouth has long played an important role in the shaping of holiday plans. Friendly staff, excellent service and fantastic products are always likely to lead to glowing recommendations as delighted visitors spread the word to family and friends.
But now, for the first time, members of the public are being invited to share their positive tourism experiences with a wider audience as a national competition enlists their help to recognise the shining stars of Scottish tourism.
For more than two decades, the Scottish Thistle Awards has celebrated excellence within the tourism industry.
Changes to this year’s event mean it won’t just be businesses putting themselves forward for awards, the public and others in the industry are also free to make nominations.
Using a new, simple and easy online application form, entries can be submitted across 13 different categories, which have been aligned with the Scottish Tourism Strategy 2020, re-enforcing links between the industry and the prestigious awards programme.
Organisers hope the changes will allow the public to help them find winners for awards such as best hotel, best restaurant and friendliest pub.
The Scottish Thistle Awards is led by a several organisations, including VisitScotland, the Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards and the Scottish Licensed Trade Association. The awards will continue to be organised and delivered by VisitScotland.
In November, shortlisted entries will compete in four regional ceremonies held in north-east and Tayside, South/Central East, South/Central West and the Highlands and Islands. The latter will be managed by the Highland and Islands Tourism Awards. Winners in each category will then go on to represent their respective regions at a glittering final ceremony to be held in March of next year.
The Scottish Thistle Awards are not only a highly sought accolade for those who have achieved excellence in the industry, they can also help raise the profile of a business or service in the eyes of the public. Last year, seven Highland and Island Tourism Award winners went on to scoop top prizes at the national final. Among them was Whitefall Spa Lodges on the Isle of Lewis who claimed the Best Self-Serve Accommodation Award.
Owner Anna Mackaym of Whitefall, said: “Winning a Thistle Award is a great accolade and verification of all our hard work and that of our team over the past few years in establishing and building the business, particularly during a recession.
“I think nominations from members of the public will generate even more interest in the Thistles and the awards can only continue to build on the success of the last 20 years in recognising quality and success in the tourism industry.”
For more details or to make a nomination, visit www.scottishthistle awards.co.uk. The nominations process closes on Sunday, May 18.