For nearly three decades, the Scottish Thistle Awards have stood as a beacon of recognition for excellence in Scotland’s tourism industry. As the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, we are proud to encourage licensed businesses across Scotland to participate in these prestigious awards, showcasing the best of what our industry has to offer.
Celebrating the Best in the Business
At the core of the Scottish Thistle Awards lies a commitment to celebrating innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices within the tourism sector. With responsible tourism at its heart, these awards not only honour outstanding achievements but also align with Scotland’s ambition to lead globally in sustainable tourism efforts. Each entry is required to demonstrate evidence of responsible and sustainable practices, perfectly resonating with the goals set forth in Scotland’s national tourism strategy, Outlook 2030.
How to Go From Nomination to Award
The journey towards a Scottish Thistle Award begins with nominations, which are now open. Nominating a deserving business is now easier than ever – simply head to our Scottish Thistle Awards event page and put forward your tourism heroes. But remember, public nominations are not a prerequisite for entry; businesses can directly enter online into their chosen award categories once entries open on March 18, 2024.
Shortlisting takes place during May and June, where a panel of independent industry experts meticulously evaluates each entry. The shortlist for each category is announced in July, signalling recognition for outstanding achievements. Keep an eye on our website and corporate Twitter channel for updates on the shortlisted businesses.
Regional Celebrations
Scotland’s abundance of exceptional businesses is celebrated through regional awards ceremonies. With events like the Highland and Islands Tourism Awards, Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards, South of Scotland Thistle Awards, Central and East Regional Final, and West Regional Final, every corner of Scotland’s tourism landscape is highlighted.
The Grand Finale: National Final
Winners from regional ceremonies advance to the grand finale – the Scottish Thistle Awards national final. Set to be held in November 2024, this event will crown the overall winners in each category, representing the pinnacle of achievement in Scotland’s tourism industry.
The Benefits of Winning
Winning a Thistle Award is more than just recognition; it opens doors to new opportunities and elevates your business’s profile. Recent winners have experienced first-hand the positive impact of this accolade, as showcased through a recent advert aired on STV. Hear from them about the transformative effects of winning at the national final, and be inspired to join the ranks of Scotland’s premier tourism and events award recipients.
As we embark on another year of celebrating excellence in Scotland’s tourism industry, we urge licensed businesses to seize this opportunity to showcase their achievements, drive innovation, and contribute to Scotland’s position as a global leader in sustainable tourism. Enter the Scottish Thistle Awards and let your business shine on the grand stage of Scotland’s tourism excellence.
Nominations now open – you can enter yourself from the 18 March 2024