BEST OUTDOOR OR ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE

This category opens Monday 17th March at 10:00am and closes Monday 28th April at 23:59pm

Outdoor, adventure, tour, agritourism and wildlife experiences are a key part of what makes a visit to Scotland so unique and memorable.  With a vast and varied landscape full of opportunity for adventure and excitement, there truly is an activity for every visitor. This category celebrates businesses that provide unforgettable, quality and authentic experiences to their visitors who engage with the landscape and local communities in a positive and environmentally sensitive way.

Who Should Enter:
Businesses large and small that provide exceptional outdoor, adventure, tour (guided or self-guided), agritourism or wildlife experiences and have a focus on delivering real visitor satisfaction.


Entry Questions

Executive Summary
The purpose of the Executive Summary is to give judges a general overview and better understanding of your business. Although not an exhaustive list, some examples of the type of information judges will be looking for are listed below. This question is not scored and is for background information only. 

  • Types of services on offer
  • Size and purpose of your business
  • How long you have been operating 
  • Any other information you feel is relevant

 

1.   Please demonstrate your approach to delivering exceptional visitor experiences. Please provide examples of what sets you apart from the competition.

You should provide clear evidence of activity and outcomes within the time period 1st May 2024 – 31st March 2025.

  • The attention to detail paid to all aspects of the visitor experience – from pre-arrival (digital presence) through to post-visit – to ensure all needs are proactively met and the experience is personalised for every visitor
  • Any training or development your team has undergone to provide consistent standards across your attraction to enhance the visitor experience
  • How do you listen and make improvements based on feedback – provided directly or through third party sites? Do you consult and involve staff in the process? 

 

2.  What steps are you currently taking to develop your experience? What do you hope to achieve and how are you measuring success?  

You should provide clear evidence of current developments and how benefits will be monitored / measured, eg. through visitor feedback, increased revenue, target market statistics. Please cover any areas you think are relevant although you may wish to include aspects such as:

  • Intentionally targeting new markets or increasing footfall
  • Obtaining an external assessment of quality and experience (eg awards schemes, customer ratings)
  • Plans for new and innovative products/services/routes
  • New collaboration and/or partnership working

 

3.  Our communities, natural and cultural heritage are what make Scotland so unique.  Please demonstrate your commitment to protecting our natural environment and developing sustainable and inclusive business practices.  

Please cover any areas you think are relevant although you may wish to include aspects such as: 

  • Developing a climate action plan; achieving green awards; green champions within your experience; promoting sustainable practices undertaken in your experience; use of electrical vehicles; waste management; promotion of public transport within directional advice for visitors
  • Ensuring that you are providing for visitors with access requirements; creating and promoting an access guide on your website; employee training; foreign language provision where appropriate; range of experiences available to suit different visitor abilities and interests
  • Hiring local staff; promoting local businesses; supporting local suppliers and community initiatives
  • Promoting the local area, including nearby businesses and other attractions; compliance with The Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

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CONTACT US

Scottish Thistle Awards
c/o VisitScotland
Waverley Court, 4 East Market Street, Edinburgh, EH8 8BG
0131 472 2228
info@scottishthistleawards.co.uk


 

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