Scottish Thistle Awards 2021/22 programme cancelled.
Due to the continued pressure and uncertainty that Scotland’s tourism, hospitality and events industries face, it is with regret that VisitScotland, in collaboration with Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards (HITA), Aberdeen City & Shire Tourism Awards (ACSTA) and the industry panel, has taken the decision to cancel this year’s programme of Scottish Thistle Awards.
Nominations and entries for the 2021/22 Scottish Thistle Awards, which celebrate success, innovation, excellence and best practice in the tourism and hospitality industry, were due to open in the coming weeks.
Rebecca Brooks, Chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards Industry Panel and VisitScotland Board Member, said:-
The Coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on the tourism and events industry and whilst we are hopeful of some green shoots of recovery in the not too distant future following the publication of last week’s proposed timetable for the easing of restrictions, it is clear that this continues to be a very challenging time for our industry.
In view of this, and with the best interests of our industry at heart, we have very reluctantly taken the difficult decision with our partners to cancel this year’s Scottish Thistle Awards, understanding the need for businesses to focus on the immediate priorities they are facing.
We are very proud of the continued efforts, resilience and innovations that our tourism businesses are displaying – despite these unprecedented challenges – and we will look forward to having the opportunity to give our industry the recognition it deserves at future Scottish Thistle Awards.
In the meantime, we will continue to work in partnership with the industry panel and plan for the awards’ return for 2022/23. We want to make sure that when the Scottish Thistle Awards do return, they will recognise the resilience and innovation that the tourism and hospitality industry has shown throughout this pandemic. We will update as these plans are developed.
Tourism is a force for good and has a part to play in not just providing jobs and economic benefits to every corner of Scotland but also bringing benefits to wellbeing and society. We look forward to welcoming both domestic and International visitors to our beautiful country once again and we would like to convey our support to each and every tourism business in Scotland”
The Scottish Thistle Awards is led by VisitScotland and a panel of industry experts from several organisations including Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards, Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards, Green Tourism, the Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland, the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions, Orthic Consulting, Scottish Tourism Alliance, the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, Sportscotland and Wild Scotland.