Tourism and Events Industry Celebrated

TOURISM and EVENTS businesses in Edinburgh and the Lothians are being encouraged to enter this year’s Scottish Thistle Awards, the premier tourism and events awards in Scotland.

The Scottish Thistle Awards celebrate the very best of the tourism and events industry, which is worth £11.5 billion to the Scottish economy.

Entries to the 2023 Scottish Thistle Awards, with headline sponsors Johnstons of Elgin, close on 12^th May.

The Scottish Thistle Awards are delivered by VisitScotland in partnership with regional awards programmes. They combine five regional awards, with a national final.

For almost 30 years, the Scottish Thistle Awards have helped shine a spotlight on individual businesses, people and partnerships working

After a two year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they returned with a bang last year, culminating in the crowning of 17 winners at the National Final in February 2023.

This year, they also include a media partnership with News Scotland.

VisitScotland Regional Director Neil Christison said: “The Scottish Thistle Awards offer the opportunity for individuals and businesses in Edinburgh and the Lothians to gain recognition for all the work they do to make the city, surrounding region and Scotland such a fantastic place to visit and stay.

“They mark an important celebration of the best in our industry as we continue to move towards recovery. Now more than ever, the Scottish Thistle Awards showcase the very best of Scotland’s tourism sector, helping to ensure that tourism, and the individuals who work in the industry, are recognised for the positive impact they bring to the country and our communities.

“I would encourage those working in tourism and events in the region to get their entries in and help shine a spotlight on our area.”

Edinburgh International Festival won the Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival award at the Scottish Thistle Awards National Final, which recognises the important contribution events and festivals make to Scotland’s thriving communities and cities.

On receiving the award, Kate Carter, Director of Audiences, Edinburgh International Festival, said: “It is such an honour to be presented with a Scottish Thistle Award. We are very proud to contribute to Scotland’s thriving tourism sector as we reunite in the aftermath of the pandemic and celebrate collective cultural experiences once more.” 

Responsible tourism is at the heart of the Scottish Thistle Awards, supporting the aim for Scotland to be recognised globally as a leader in this field. Entrants to all 17 categories must evidence how they have embraced best practice covering the four key areas of a low carbon economy, inclusivity, thriving communities and Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage. New awards for this year include the Climate Action Award, the Inclusive Tourism Award and the Celebrating Thriving Communities Award.

This year will see the introduction of a dedicated South of Scotland Thistle Awards, delivered in partnership with the South of Scotland Destination Alliance and supported by South of Scotland Enterprise, which will invite nominations and entries from the tourism and events industry in the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway.

VisitScotland will continue to deliver two regional finals for Central and East; and West.  Winners from all five regional awards, which also include the Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards (HITA) and the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards (ACSTA) progress to the National Final, taking place in December 2023.

For more information and to enter the Scottish Thistle Awards, visit: www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk