PUBLISHED 16 December 2019

The shortlist for three national awards at the Scottish Thistle Awards has been unveiled.

Tourism businesses and events shortlisted for the Best Business Event, Best Sporting Event and Inclusive Tourism category will battle it out to be crowned the national winner at this year’s Scottish Thistle Awards National Final to be held on 5 March at the EICC.

The Best Business Event category celebrates the importance of business events in showcasing Scotland’s world-class credentials as a destination for congresses, meetings and incentives programmes from around the world. Scottish Event Campus for All-Energy Exhibition & Conference 2019, EICC for TEDSummit 2019, The Ethical Farming Conference 2019 and DataFest 2019 have been shortlisted in this category.

The Best Sporting Event category celebrates the importance of sporting events in providing a platform for Scotland to show off its greatest assets. This year’s shortlist features Melrose Sevens, Ourea – Salomon Skyline Scotland and Aberlour Highland Games.

The Inclusive Tourism Award has been introduced for the first time for 2019/20 to celebrate a business or destination which has developed their awareness and understanding of the Inclusive Tourism market and offers a service which can be enjoyed by all. Shortlisted in this national category are Glasgow Science Centre, All  Together Travel, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, The Rings and Homelands Trust – Fife. 

The Scottish Thistle Awards, now in their 27th year, help shine the spotlight on individuals and businesses going above and beyond to create a destination and visitor experience worth talking about amongst our valuable tourism industry. They champion the very best of the Scottish tourism industry, celebrating innovation, success and excellence in the sector.

The finalists in the Best Business Event, Best Sporting Event and Inclusive Tourism categories will now join the winners from the Scottish Thistle Awards Regional finals at the National Final taking place in March next year.

Rebecca Brooks, chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards Industry Panel and VisitScotland Board member, said: “On behalf of the panel, I’d like to congratulate all those businesses and events shortlisted for the national final. The Scottish Thistle Awards give those working within tourism in Scotland the opportunity to earn the recognition and appreciation they deserve from their own industry peers. We look forward to celebrating another fantastic year of excellence, innovation and success with all our wonderful national finalists in March.”

The Scottish Thistle Awards are led by Scotland’s national tourism organisation, VisitScotland, and supported by a panel of industry representatives including the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards, Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards, the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA), the Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland, Scotland Food and Drink, Scottish Tourism Alliance, the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, sportscotland and Wild Scotland.

Back to News