Tag: tourism

Haste ye back!


Visitor voices vital part of promoting Scottish tourism, says new survey

Scotland’s reputation as a must-visit, must-return destination is growing according to new research by VisitScotland.

The Scotland Visitor Survey 2023, one of the biggest undertaken by the national tourism organisation*, found that 82% of visitors are likely to recommend Scotland to others, compared to 75% when the survey was last conducted in 2015/2016.

It also showed that more than three quarters (80%) of visitors said they are quite or very likely to come back to the country in the next five years.

With tourism worth an estimated £10.6bn to the economy, repeat visits and word of mouth recommendations have become vital for many businesses still recovering from challenges posed by the pandemic and the cost of living.

Recent figures show that international tourism in Scotland is recovering at a stronger rate than other UK nations and regions but visits from UK holidaymakers may have been impacted by the cost of living.

Typically conducted every three or four years, this is the first time the Scotland Visitor Survey has been undertaken since the pandemic**.

It aims to help understand why visitors take a holiday or short break in Scotland and how they rate their experiences when here.

From March to October 2023, visitors were surveyed both while in Scotland and when they returned home to help build a complete picture of their journey from start to finish.

As well as looking at the profile of visitors and their experiences, the first wave of results*** also focused on motivations and inspiration.

Other highlights include:

  • Scenery and landscape was the top reason visitors chose Scotland (70%), followed by history and culture (48%), outdoor activities (27%), visiting friends and family (22%) Scotland’s people (21%) and visiting attractions (19%).
  • Over half of visitors said personal recommendations were the most influential source of inspiration.
  • 71% of visitors rated their experience in Scotland as a 9 out of 10 or higher.
  • Almost 60% of long-haul visitors stated this was the best holiday they had ever taken.

Tourism Minister Richard Lochhead said: “It’s very heartening to see such a positive response, particularly given this is the first major survey of its kind undertaken since the pandemic.

“Repeat visits and word of mouth recommendations are vital to the sector, so it’s great to see that results are now even stronger than pre-pandemic figures, with over 80% of visitors sharing that they are likely to return to Scotland or would recommend a visit to others, and international tourism recovering at a stronger rate than the UK as whole.

“Scotland’s visitor sector is of huge importance to our economy, and these results showcase the strength, creativity and ingenuity of our tourism providers, who continue to offer a vast choice of unique events, attractions and experiences to visitors from all over the world. Scotland can be proud.”

Malcolm Roughead, VisitScotland Chief Executive, said: “This valuable research gives us an important benchmark for where Scotland’s tourism offering is, post pandemic, helping inform and drive our activities as an industry going forward.

“Knowing what our visitors think and what they want is crucial in ensuring Scotland is kept front of mind in a competitive marketplace.

“The strong support demonstrated in the survey is testament to the tireless work and dedication of those within our tourism and events industry, who on a daily basis help create unforgettable and unmissable holiday experiences.

“It is clear the voices of our visitors have a vital role to play in promoting Scotland as a must-visit, must-return destination. This in turn helps grow the economy, creating jobs, sustaining communities and attracting further investment in the future.”

To view the Scotland Visitor Survey 2023 visit: 

Scotland Visitor Survey – Domestic & International | VisitScotland.org

Travel searches to Edinburgh soar with launch of new series “One Day”  

New series “One Day” has taken the nation by storm, even influencing our travel choices. Travel search engine, KAYAK, has found there was a 69%* increase in UK flight searches to Edinburgh since the show aired, compared to a month prior. 

The series premiered on February 8th, giving viewers a glimpse into what makes Edinburgh the ultimate destination. Since then, there has been an uptake in travel searches to Edinburgh from various airports across the UK.

From the Old College at the University of Edinburgh, to Vennel Steps and Arthur’s Seat, there are several Scottish landmarks featured in the show and many other big and small screen classics, including T2 Trainspotting,  Burke & Hare and the Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. 

According to KAYAK’s helpful “Best Time to Travel” tool, which provides insight into desired destinations, April is the perfect time to explore Scotland in spring. 

The website suggests that due to an average temperature circling around 8 degrees and the city being less crowded, those looking to explore Edinburgh should consider April as their month to take the plunge. 

For those seeking a touch of adventure, KAYAK recommends a trip to Edinburgh in August – with the city coming alive with festivals, theatre and an average temperature of 15 degrees.

The tool recommends the ideal time to visit in summer is specifically from the 26th – 29th August.

To find out more about travel tips, flights or accommodation, head to https://www.kayak.co.uk/

Over 300 Scottish hospitality scholarships awarded by industry charity HIT Scotland

Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland has awarded 319 scholarships to those studying or working in the Scottish hospitality industry. 

The scholarships were awarded at the annual HIT Talent Conference, which took place on 8th February at the Voco Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow.  

The recipients, who work across a variety of hospitality and tourism roles in 142 different venues throughout Scotland, celebrated their awards to applause from 430 attendees.  

This year saw HIT announce their 7000th inspirational scholarship. The recipient, Amanda Pirie, People Manager at The Auchrannie Resort on the Isle of Arran, received the prestigious Art of Leadership scholarship. 

HIT Scotland’s scholarship programme is open to anyone working in or studying towards a hospitality career in Scotland. Scholarships offer learning experiences to help develop new skills, knowledge, best practice and fresh thinking. The scholarships are split into three categories – business, operational and inspirational empowerment – with content tailored according to the recipient’s personal development objectives. 

Scholarship Categories 

Business empowerment scholarships include the popular people management programmes, which remains a coveted skill in hospitality roles. Scholarships were offered to first time supervisors receiving their first training in managing a team, to senior managers for the Art of Leadership Scholarship at Lausanne Hospitality Business School in Switzerland, and to one General Manager who will attend the Cornell General Manager Programme in the U.S. 

Operational scholarshipscover a diverse range of learning opportunities. This year there will be chefs taking part in new kitchen-based experiences, restaurant and bar staff learning how to run a whisky tasting, sales training, and employees learning how hotel revenue management affects their role. 

The bespoke inspirational scholarships allow individuals to tell HIT Scotland what will inspire and motivate them to be the best they can be. This year, HIT have announced two special inspirational scholarships. One scholar will receive a French wine experience, exploring the art of fine wine making in a well-established vineyard in France.

Another will educate a scholar on brand repositioning with first-hand knowledge from a roster of well-known brands, looking at global branding from another sector.  All bespoke scholars will bring their learnings back home to benefit Scottish hospitality.   

The Open University Scotland also offered places on their Microcredentials courses, covering a variety of learning options from Project Management to Python Programming. 

The Graeme Gibson Award  

Last year a special new award was introduced in honour of inspirational General Manager the late Graeme Gibson, who worked in many of Scotland’s top establishments, latterly The Grand Central Hotel, Glynhill Hotel, and Yotel Glasgow.  

The Graeme Gibson Scholarship rewards a rising star working in management in the Greater Glasgow area with executive coaching sessions to help them work on their personal and career development. This year’s winner is Katie Booth, F&B Manager at the AC Hotel by Marriott Glasgow. 

Chris Rouse Scholarship 

The Chris Rouse Scholarship is HIT Scotland’s other notable award. In memory of the former General Manager of the Turnberry Hotel, Chris Rouse. Chris was responsible for transforming the hotel into a world leading luxury spa and golf resort, and this award goes to managers who likewise uphold the highest standards for guests and inspire the best from their team.  

This year’s Chris Rouse Scholar is Jack McCormick, Bar Supervisor at Trump Turnberry, who will benefit from executive coaching sessions in addition to his chosen scholarship. 

Lisa Wishart Scholarship 

This year a new scholarship opportunity was announced in memory of Lisa Wishart, MD of the Lisini Pub Company, who sadly passed away in 2023. Lisa was an inspirational leader who ran a thriving hospitality company, and was a great ambassador for the trade. 

There have been two Lisa Wishart Scholars named this year due to the fantastic fundraising received from the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards.  

Stephanie Jayne-Robertson, Supervisor at Lisini Pub Co (The Parkville Hotel, Blantyre), will carry out a Customer Experience scholarship, visiting London to learn about service experience and recovery at the Dorchester Collection Academy. 

Meanwhile, Jenny Barlow, General Manager at Scotts Bar and Restaurant in Greenock, will study the Art of Leadership course at the esteemed Lausanne Hospitality Business School in Switzerland. 

David Cochrane, HIT Scotland Chief Executive, said: “It is inspiring to have so many of our HIT Scotland scholars in one place to celebrate their achievement this year. These learning experiences are absolutely vital for our sector, allowing fresh ideas to permeate throughout the industry and upskilling the Scottish hospitality workforce.  

“Tailored to each scholar’s individual aspirations, HIT Scotland scholarships are incredibly rewarding and empower people to take charge of their career development, all while benefitting the sector at large. 

“Myself and everyone at HIT Scotland would like to wish all of our scholars the very best for the year ahead, and can’t wait to follow their progress!” 

Katie Booth, Graeme Gibson Scholar for 2024, added: “I am so honoured to be the recipient of the Graeme Gibson Scholarship and would like to thank HIT for giving me this opportunity. I hope that as I continue my career in hospitality that I can embody all the amazing attributes that Graeme possessed in all areas of his life and hotel career.  

“I am so excited to be given the time to work with an executive coach to develop my personal management skills and can’t wait to bring back all that I learn to my incredible team here at the AC Hotel.” 

HIT Scotland would like to thank the Savoy Educational Trust, The Crerar Trust, The MacRobert Trust, and Diageo Learning for Life, along with their corporate sponsors, for their support of the 2024 scholarship programme. 

To find out more about the scholarships HIT Scotland offer, visit the website:

hitscotland.co.uk/scholarships-hit 

Final call to take part in Edinburgh’s visitor levy survey

EDINBURGH residents and visitors have less than one week left to take part in a survey about the city’s plans to introduce a charge on all overnight stays.

With over 2,600 responses already received over the past six weeks, final feedback is being called for before the survey closes on Friday 19 January. The results will be used to inform formal public consultation this spring.

The questionnaire follows the same format to market research carried out back in 2018 which showed strong support (85% backing) for the introduction of a levy in the city.

Since then, Edinburgh’s proposals have been developed further alongside the long-awaited Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill, which was introduced to Parliament in May.

The Bill means Scotland may be the first place in the UK to legislate for a visitor levy this year, giving local authorities the ability to introduce charges such as those already widespread across Europe. 

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “We’ve had a fantastic response so far and I’d like to thank everyone who has taken the time to share their views with us. Clearly this is a subject residents and visitors feel strongly about and we’re keen to make sure their views shape the proposals and largescale consultation we bring forward in just a few months time.

“We’ve been seeing visitor numbers edge back up towards pre-pandemic levels and new figures from the Scottish Retail Consortium show footfall in Edinburgh has risen 6.4%, bucking a national decline. The Winter Festivals have also proved hugely successful and Edinburgh continues to top charts as one of the best places to visit in the world.

“A levy presents a major opportunity for us to generate millions of pounds in additional revenue to support, sustain and develop the city and this visitor economy – just as so many other major cities do so successfully. It is a way of trying to rebalance the debate and make sure positives are brought back to the industry, to the city, and to our local communities.

“Please take this chance to have your say.”

The council says the Winter Festival programme alone generates £48 million for the city’s economy.

The survey forms part of ongoing engagement work with industry and stakeholders, with officers seeking views on the shape and size of the levy, who it should apply to, and how the funds raised should be invested.

Further industry engagement includes meetings with the Edinburgh Hotels Association (EHA) and Edinburgh Tourism Action Group (ETAG). A series of one-to-one and group meetings with local and national tourism groups and other local government officials is also continuing to take place.

Edinburgh heritage site transforms listed courtroom into new retail experience

The Real Mary King’s Close invests £200,000 in listed Burgh Courtroom following over a quarter of a million visitors in 2023  

The Real Mary King’s Close has completed an exciting renovation project, costing £200,000, to transform its listed Burgh Courtroom, located in Edinburgh’s City Chambers, into an impressive new retail experience on the Royal Mile, further improving the visitor journey at the top Edinburgh tourist attraction.

Following a complete redesign, the new design allows the original assets of the courtroom to stand out thanks to celebrated interior specialists, Lumsden Design.
Working with the symmetry of the room to accentuate details, the layout of the newly curated gift shop takes inspiration from Edinburgh’s 17th century market stalls, the Luckenbooths.

The Luckenbooths were the city’s first permanent shops. Situated on the Royal Mile across from St Giles Cathedral, they could be found just a stone’s throw away
from Mary King’s Close before the street was hidden beneath the City Chambers in 1753.

Excitingly, the new space also aims to improve the visitor experience. By connecting the guest journey from Mary King’s Close to the gift shop more seamlessly,
the Burgh Courtroom now provides an interesting new extension of the tour itself, with the history of the room being revealed to guests on tour for the very first time.

The popular attraction views the renovation work as an investment following its hugely successful year, with over a quarter of a million people visiting in 2023.
Much of The Real Mary King’s Close’s highest footfall came during the annual Fringe festival and the school holidays.

July saw a record-breaking number of visitors journey underground, with The Met Office reporting that it was the UK’s wettest July since 2009, and the sixth wettest July on record.

With the addition of exclusive monthly special tours in 2023, including a Herstory Tour for Women’s History Month in March and the Pride History Tour in June, visitors were able to learn from a wealth of fascinating social history experiences, providing a deeper insight into Edinburgh’s dark and fascinating past.

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: ‘Reflecting on knock-on effect of the pandemic on the tourism industry overall in recent years, we are delighted to see a consistent increase in our footfall.

“We want to invest in our fantastic Burgh Courtroom to ensure our guests are getting the highest quality visitor experience as possible. We’re really looking forward to seeing the gift shop transform to a space that is reminiscent of the time and feeds into the social history of Mary King’s Close itself.”

For more information about The Real Mary King’s Close, visit :

https://www.realmarykingsclose.com 

Revealed: First look at destination making big waves in Scotland

New pictures give a first look at the world’s first inland surfing resort in Edinburgh. Lost Shore Surf Resort will be Scotland’s newest premier tourism and leisure destination. 

Complete with luxury lodges, premium accommodation pods, restaurants, spa and shopping, it is set within a 60 acre country park and will open in September 2024.

Images released to the public for the very first time, show the stunning accommodation pods that will be available for people wanting to enjoy the surfing at a wave pool three times the size of Wembley football pitch.

With a beachfront stretching for 250 metres, the surfing lagoon is going to be the biggest across all of Europe, but it is also going to be one of the most advanced on the planet. The cutting edge wave technology, developed by Wavegarden, is capable of producing up to 1000 customisable waves per hour, from 52 software driven modules.

Surfers will be able to enjoy wave rides of up to 22 seconds, and with more than 20 different varieties of waves, there are opportunities for all abilities. 

Beginners will be able to benefit from expert tuition from surfing instructors and wetsuits and surfboard hire will be included in the cost.

As well as using surfboards from leading brands, the state of the art wetsuits will ensure that surfers will stay warm regardless of the weather, with heated indoor changing rooms to use before and after.

Bosses have also revealed that vouchers are now on sale to celebrate the first look for the public, and the launch of the new website.

These limited numbers of vouchers for surfing and accommodation are at huge discounts. Overnight pod stay vouchers can be purchased from as little as £100 for two people. 

For expert tuition or a session in the surf lagoon, multiple session vouchers are on sale from £100 meaning each hour-long session can be as little as £25 including surfboard and wetsuit hire. This is considerably cheaper than other inland surfing locations anywhere in the world.

Tourism leaders and surfing stars have hailed the milestone as a huge moment for Scottish tourism and surfing in the UK.

Marc Crothall MBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, said: “This spectacular resort is going to be a real game changer for Scottish tourism. Not only will this attract people from all over the UK, but from right across the world.

“To have an asset like this just 10 minutes from Edinburgh Airport and on the doorstep of an already world famous tourism destination is fantastic. These new pictures show what an incredible place this will be. I cannot wait to see it open in September.”

Scottish big wave professional surfing star and Red Bull athlete, Ben Larg, added: “As a pro surfer this is incredible. Lost Shore is going to push up the level of Scottish surfing, bring so many more people to the sport, and, who knows, maybe get some Scots in the Team GB squad for the Olympics.

“It can be really difficult to access surfing in Scotland sometimes, but this is going to deliver reliable waves all the time. If I had access to this sort of facility when I was young, I would be such a better surfer now. That’s why Lost Shore will be so good for the next generation.”

Andy Hadden, founder of Lost Shore Surf Resort, said: “It is so incredibly exciting for us to share these new images. Bringing the world’s first inland surfing resort to Scotland is such a huge addition to the world class tourism that we already have.

“To celebrate our new website, we are offering amazing value on our vouchers, allowing you to be one of the first to enjoy the resort at a fantastic discount. Get together with friends or start planning that family holiday, buying your experiences now at the best price they will ever be.”

Lost Shore is less than half an hour by car to Edinburgh city centre and only 45 minutes from Glasgow. The new website with full information and voucher details can be found at: https://www.lostshore.com/

Edinburgh’s Katie recognised at prestigious tourism awards

Katie Scott was awarded Tourism Individual of the Year at the 2023 Thistle Awards 

The Real Mary King’s Close is celebrating success as Operations Manager, Katie Scott, was honoured at the 2023 Scottish Thistle Awards this week. 

Katie was awarded Tourism Individual of the Year for the Central and East Regional category by Visit Scotland. This follows on from her recent achievement in being named one of the Top 100 Women in Tourism in Scotland in March 2022.

Katie joined The Real Mary King’s Close as a Tour Guide in 2016 and has since moved her way up the ranks, most recently becoming Operations Manager in January 2023 and overseeing all on-site activity at the celebrated attraction.

The Real Mary King’s Close is one of the UK’s Top Ten visitor attractions, according to the number of positive reviews received by Trip Advisor in 2023. Katie is an integral part of the company, responsible for every new experience that has been launched at the attraction over the past four years. 

Katie is passionate about community and inclusivity, which has been demonstrated through the development of special tours that interrogate lesser-known or less often studied narratives from Edinburgh’s past, such as the ‘Herstory’ tours and Pride History tours.

These initiatives have not only helped to promote diversity but forge meaningful partnerships with organisations like Edinburgh’s Strut Safe and LGBT Youth Scotland, making The Real Mary King’s Close a welcoming space for all.

After winning Tourism Individual of the Year, Katie Scott, Operations Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “I am delighted to have won the Tourism Individual of the Year award, something I would never have imagined when I started as a Tour Guide at The Real Mary King’s Close in 2016.

“I am incredibly grateful that my dedication to developing the attraction and creating a welcoming and creative workplace culture that supports inclusivity within the industry has been recognised”. 

For more information on The Real Mary King’s Close, please visit:

https://www.realmarykingsclose.com

About The Real Mary King’s Close 

  • Top 10 Visitor Attraction in 2023 as rated on TripAdvisor 
  • Scottish Thistle award winner for Best Heritage Tourism Experience 2019  
  • Since opening in 2003, the visitor attraction has welcomed over 2.75 million guests.
  • The site offers a range of bespoke themed events, group activities, educational visits, venue hire, and a retail area filled with authentic Scottish gifts and produce.  
  • The Real Mary King’s Close is proud to be a Silver Investors in People.  
  • Since opening, the attraction has donated over £60k to charities both at home and nationally.  
  • Lothian and Borders regional winner of the two Scottish Thistle awards for Best Visitor Attraction and Best Heritage Tourism Experience in 2019.  
  • Winner of the first Service Excellence award at the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce business awards 2019.  
  • Part of Continuum Attractions

Council will not appeal Short Term Lets judgement

The City of Edinburgh Council’s Regulatory Committee agreed to review the Short Term Lets Policy and Conditions yesterday.

The committee also noted the outcome of the Judicial Review of the Council’s Short Term Lets (STL) Policy, and that the Council has decided not to appeal the judgement. To reflect the terms of the Court’s decision, the Council has updated its STL Licensing Policy.

Convener of Regulatory Committee, Neil Ross, said: “The Council was successful in defending large parts of the policy and the Court did not criticise any aspect of the Council’s consultation nor the evidence base which it used to reach its decision. Having reviewed the Court’s decision in detail, the Council has decided not to appeal the ruling.

“We have changed our policy to reflect the decisions reached by the court, which took effect from 13 July, and the date for applying for a licence is 1 October. Existing hosts and operators have until that date to submit an application for a licence.”

More details can be found on the Short Term Lets Licensing section on the Council website.

The council has no discretion as to which type of accommodation is covered by the requirement to obtain a licence. 

Two months to go before short-term lets licensing deadline

Hosts must sign up to scheme before 1st October

Owners of short-term let properties are being urged to apply for a licence under Scotland’s short-term licensing scheme before the 1 October 2023 deadline.

Short-term let hosts must apply for a licence with their relevant local authority before the deadline. Anyone who operated a short-term let before 1 October 2022 can still accept bookings and guests until an application is determined, but must apply before the 1 October 2023 deadline. Owners who started operations after 1 October 2022 cannot begin trading until they receive their licence.

Hosts must apply for a licence with the local authority their property is located and are being urged to check local criteria before making an application.

Local councils’ licensing schemes are in operation across Scotland and many short-term let hosts have already obtained licences.

Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “Short-term let accommodation plays an important role in Scotland’s economy, supporting our tourism and hospitality sector and allowing tourists and holiday goers somewhere to take them closer to the best that Scotland can offer.

“However, it is also important that there is appropriate regulation in place to ensure the safety of guests, and so that local authorities can make decisions that are right for their local areas. That is why the Scottish Government has introduced the short-term lets licensing scheme.

“I would like to thank those who have already signed up to the scheme, bringing assurances to tourists that their safety is paramount and that they have met local guidelines.

“Visitors coming to Scotland can already expect to see the benefits of properties being licensed and meeting specific standards. Meanwhile, the thousands of short-term let operators who provide a quality service can have the assurance that would-be competitors have to meet licensing standards as well.

“There is only two months to go until the 1 October deadline and so I would urge anyone who owns short-term let accommodation and has yet to apply to do so as soon as possible to ensure you can still take bookings and welcome guests from far and wide.”

Short Stay St Andrews Director Jordan Mitchell said: “As the largest holiday letting agency in St Andrews and the East Neuk, the initial thought of an application process for short-term letting our 130+ managed properties was a daunting one.

“However, the application process has been plain sailing once we had all the required safety certification in place.

“Fife Council has been extremely supportive in its quest to process the applications despite the extra pressure on its systems.

“I can only recommend applying as soon as possible to give your business plenty of time to adjust to the new Scottish Government requirements.”

Owners have until 1 October 2023 to apply for a short-term lets licence, with local authorities required to process applications by 1 October 2024.

Apply for a short-term let licence: gov.scot/shorttermlets

Regional shortlist unveiled for Scottish Thistle Awards  

THE regional shortlist for Scotland’s premier tourism and events industry awards has been announced. 

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

42 tourism businesses, events and individuals are in the running to receive the prestigious award, as the shortlist for the regional finals is revealed. 

Camera Obscura & the World of Illusions is among the businesses shortlisted in the Central and East Scotland Thistle Awards. It is shortlisted in the Best Visitor Attraction category, sponsored by The Scottish Sun, alongside Edinburgh Zoo.  

The attraction is also in the running for the Inclusive Tourism category sponsored by Historic Environment Scotland, celebrating a business that has a developed an outstanding welcome for all customers and provides accessible facilities which can enjoyed by all customers. 

Camera Obscura & the World of Illusions is also shortlisted in the Innovation in Tourism category, which celebrates those driving forward positive chance and creatively adapting to consumer behaviour, alongside Glenkinchie Distillery in East Lothian.  

East Lothian Cottages in Haddington and Edinburgh Science are both in the running for the Climate Action Award category, sponsored by the Times, which celebrates businesses, events and destinations that have demonstrable progress on their journey to Net Zero.  

And Foxlake Adventures in Dunbar, A Wee Pedal in Edinburgh and Ocean Vertical in Dunbar are shortlisted in the Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience category.  

The Original Rossyln Inn in Midlothian is shortlisted in the Best Bar or Pub category, alongside Cocktail Mafia in Edinburgh. Drift in North Berwick is shortlisted in the Best Eating Experience category and Whitekirk Hill, also in North Berwick, in the Best Self Catering Experience category. 

Fraser MacDonald from Preston Mill, National Trust for Scotland, East Linton,  Katie Scott, Real Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh and Andy Cuthbertson, New Lanark Trust, Lanark are shortlisted in the Tourism Individual of the Year  category. 

The Scottish Thistle Awards are delivered by VisitScotland in partnership with regional awards programmes.

The five different regional award ceremonies will take place in September, October and November before the regional winners go through to battle it out for a national accolade at the National Final in December.  

The awards champion innovation, collaboration and sustainable practices, in line with the ambitions of the national tourism strategy, Outlook 2030.   

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.   

Every entry was required to provide clear evidence on how their business addresses responsible tourism, with new categories such as the Celebrating Thriving Communities Award, Inclusive Tourism Award and Climate Action Award introduced this year.  

There are 14 regional categories and 3 national-only categories. 

2023 saw more than 600 entries submitted, including almost 1200 nominations from members of the public keen to give hotels, restaurants, B&Bs, visitor attractions and individuals the opportunity to earn the recognition they deserve in the part they play in making Scotland such a fantastic place to visit.   

Steven Walker, Chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards industry panel, said: “The Scottish Thistle Awards mark an important celebration of the best in our industry.

“They showcase the vest best of Scotland’s tourism and events 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.  

“Every one of the shortlisted regional finalists is supporting our ambition to make Scotland a better place for people to live and visit. On behalf of the panel, I would like to congratulate all regional finalists and wish each and every one of them the very best of luck at the regional finals and beyond.”  

VisitScotland Regional Director Neil Christison said: “It is fantastic to see such a strong representation from Edinburgh and the Lothians in the regional finals of the Scottish Thistle Awards.  

“These entries show the strength and depth of the tourism offer in the city and surrounding area, from quality visitor attractions and experiences to examples of collaboration and innovation, and much more! I wish all those shortlisted the very best of luck at the West of Scotland Thistle Awards.” 

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.  

In addition to the Central and East Thistle Awards, VisitScotland delivers the West of Scotland Thistle Awards. The regional awards programme also includes the Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards (HITA), the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards (ACSTA) and, for the first time this year, the South of Scotland Thistle Awards. This year’s sponsors of the Scottish Thistle Awards include headline sponsor, Johnstons of Elgin, and Fishers, The Macallan Estate, STV and Abbey UK.  

Regional finals will take place in different locations around Scotland. 

  • The Central & East Thistle Awards will take place at the Sheraton Grand in Edinburgh on 21 September 2023. 
  • The Aberdeen City and Shire Regional Final, organised by Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards, will take place at the Chester Hotel, Aberdeen, on 22 September.   
  • The West of Scotland Thistle Awards will take place at the Radisson Blu in Glasgow on 28 September 2023. 
  • The South of Scotland Thistle Awards, organised by the South of Scotland Destination Alliance and supported by South of Scotland Enterprise, will take place at The Cairndale Hotel in Dumfries on 5 October 2023.  
  • The Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards, organised by the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards, will take place at the The Drumossie Hotel in Inverness on 10 November 2023.  

The full 14 regional categories are:  

  • Best B&B or Guest House Experience, sponsored by Abbey UK  
  • Best Bar or Pub 
  • Best Eating Experience 
  • Best Hotel Experience, sponsored by Fishers 
  • Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience 
  • Best Self-Catering Accommodation Experience 
  • Best Visitor Attraction, sponsored by The Scottish Sun  
  • Celebrating Thriving Communities Award  
  • Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival 
  • Inclusive Tourism Award sponsored by Historic Environment Scotland 
  • Climate Action Award, sponsored by The Times Scotland 
  • Innovation in Tourism 
  • Tourism & Hospitality Employer of the Year 
  • Tourism Individual of the Year  

The three national only categories are Outstanding Sporting Event, Best Business Event and Best Luxury Experience.