Tourism operators are encouraged to seize the opportunity for business recognition at the 2019 Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards (HITA).
The Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards consist of 15 categories including:
Best Self-Catering Accommodation Experience
Most Hospitable B&B/ Guest House
Best Hotel Experience
Best Cultural Event or Festival
Best Restaurant Experience
Best Informal Eating Experience
Best Outdoor Adventure Experience
Best Visitor Attraction
Best Bar/Pub
Innovation in Tourism
Working Together For Tourism
Best Heritage Tourism Experience
Highland Ambassador
Tourism & Hospitality Hero
Highland Rising Star
Laurence Young, HITA chairman, said the board had been actively encouraging more businesses to get involved. “To win a HITA Award is such a prestigious accolade to achieve and the application doesn’t have to be tough and time consuming,” he pointed out.
“I have no doubt that entrants in this year’s tourism awards will continue to show how tourism operators in the Highlands and Islands are continuing to raise the bar on the quality of the visitor experience.”
This year, the HITA Board has launched a Mentors’ Group – a team of past winners and judges who can offer practical advice and guidance to potential applicants. They will listen to ideas and help businesses recognise the true value of the application, the things that ought to be included and things that can be missed out.
Board member Liz Mackintosh explained: “We have amazing businesses in the Highlands and Islands, spectacular scenery and local produce. They all deserve recognition. It’s good to see hidden gems flourish after winning an award.”
The tourism industry in Scotland is booming with 3.4 million overseas tourists visiting in 2018, spending an estimated £2.4 billion during their stay.
The Highlands and Islands are listed among the top 10 places in the world to visit in 2019 by Lonely Planet and Scotland was voted “the most beautiful country in the world” by Rough Guides 2019 readers.
The deadline for nomination categories – Highland Ambassador, Highland Rising Star and Tourism & Hospitality Hero – is June 3. The deadline for all other award category is June 24. HITA winners in select categories are put through to the finals of the national Scottish Thistle Awards in March 2020.
For more information and to download the application form, please visit www.highland-tourism-awards.co.uk