BEST COMMUNITY TOURISM & EVENTS INITIATIVE

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

It is now more important than ever to ensure that the benefits of tourism and events are experienced directly by our communities and that our visitors enjoy enriched experiences delivered by proud and passionate people who live and work in Scotland’s destinations.

This category celebrates partnerships, collaborations and team working – whether that be with local businesses, communities or a group of individuals – coming together to protect and enhance our environment whilst growing social, cultural and economic wealth.

Who Should Enter:
This category is open to anyone (businesses and individuals) in the tourism, hospitality and events industry – community tourism, tourism businesses (B2B and B2C), hospitality businesses, event organisers, destination management organisations (B2B), tour operators, destination marketing companies, destination management companies, transport operators, destination and sector organisations, retail and entertainment venues. If you are operating a collective approach to deliver activity, this is the category for you!

Entry Questions

Executive Summary
The purpose of the Executive Summary is to give judges a general overview and better understanding of your day-to-day business/project. 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 information only.

Who’s involved in the project/business/collaboration
Size and purpose of project/business/collaboration
Type(s) of activities/services on offer
How long the project/business/collaboration has been operating
Demonstration of project/business/collaboration sustainability or annual growth
Any other information you feel is relevant

1. How is your activity excelling in delivering for the local community and visitor experience?

You should provide clear evidence of activity and outcome within the time period1^st May 2024 – 31^st March 2025. Please cover any areas you think are relevant although you may wish to include aspects such as:

What evidence do you have to support the value and excellence of the activity? E.g., feedback, increase in numbers (bookings, financial, engagement figures)
How has your activity improved resilience and/or economic sustainability?

2. What steps are you currently taking to develop your business/project? 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 feedback, increased revenue, target market statistics. Please cover any areas you think are relevant although you may wish to include aspects such as:

Plans for new and innovative products/services
What is the legacy of your collaboration/partnership working and/or will it continue?
New collaboration and/or partnership working
Investment in and plans for training and development to support recruitment, retention and development of staff
Intentionally targeting new markets or increasing engagement/visitor/occupancy rates
Obtaining an external assessment of quality and experience (eg awards schemes, customer ratings)

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 the initiative; promote sustainable practices undertaken in your business; reducing waste from packaging; reducing food waste; increasing energy efficiency
Ensuring that you are providing for visitors with access requirements; creating and promoting an access guide on your website; employee training; ensure a range of catering choices for various dietary preferences; affordable pricing
Use and promotion of local products and services; working with local businesses; hiring local staff; engaging with local communities to inform the development and/or delivery of your activity
Promoting the local area, including nearby businesses and attractions; delivery of any relevant events that promote Scottish culture and nature, sharing the history of your business, community and local area

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