Celebrating our tourism industry

By Lord Thurso, Chairman at VisitScotland.

For more than 25 years, the Scottish Thistle Awards have celebrated the very best of our tourism and events industry. After a break of two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re looking forward to this prestigious annual event making a welcome return for 2022-23.

I've had the honour of attending the Scottish Thistle Awards National Final in recent years. It's a fabulous evening when the industry comes together to celebrate. For those working within the tourism and events industry, the sheer joy of looking after guests and making them smile is a just reward. But for finalists and winners at the Scottish Thistle Awards, there's nothing better than achieving this recognition from industry peers.

Now more than ever, the Scottish Thistle Awards showcase tourism as a force for good, shining the spotlight on the very best of Scotland’s tourism and events industry and helping to ensure that it's recognised for the positive impact it brings to the country.

Responsible tourism is at the heart of the refreshed awards. As we move forward, we must ensure Scotland achieves its net zero climate change targets; that our country is inclusive to everyone; that communities thrive; and that our natural and cultural heritage is protected for future generations.

Every entry to the Scottish Thistle Awards will be asked to provide evidence of their commitment to delivering responsible tourism.

We know that there's a willingness from visitors to reduce their energy consumption whilst on holiday, to choose local food and drink and to go off the beaten track and take holidays out-with the traditional busy season. And we know that Scotland’s tourism offering is making huge efforts to develop in a responsible way to meet these demands. It's only right that this should be recognised as part of the Scottish Thistle Awards going forward.

Encouraging the development of sustainable products and practices as part of the Scottish Thistle Awards will help us drive forward our ambition for Scotland to be recognised globally as a leader in responsible tourism.

Everyone can help play their part in celebrating our fantastic tourism and events industry. Whether you have experienced excellent service or enjoyed a memorable visitor experience, you can nominate a business for a Scottish Thistle Award. For businesses themselves, it’s a great opportunity to celebrate their staff and teams.

After a very challenging two years, there's no better time to give recognition to our vital tourism and events industry.

Find out more about how to enter and take part, or nominate one of your favourite businesses, through the Scottish Thistle Awards website.