Young entrepreneurs are being encouraged to put themselves forward for Scotland's top tourism awards for the first time this year as the 2008 Scottish Thistle Awards celebrate some the country's up and coming talent.
Nominations open online at scottishthistleawards.co.uk on Thursday, April 10 and it is hoped there will be a strong response for this new awards category that’s designed to recognise Scotland top young tourism talent.
VisitScotland’s Chief Executive, Philip Riddle commented: “Tourism is one of the world’s most entrepreneurial industries and there are great opportunities here in Scotland for young businessmen and women to help shape the future of the sector.
“Whether they run an adventure sports business in rural Scotland or a B&B in one of our world class cities, young entrepreneurs will play a role in achieving our joint industry ambition to grow tourism revenues by 50 per cent by 2015. It is fitting that their contribution is recognised in the 2008 Scottish Thistle Awards.”
The 2008 awards, co-sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, were launched at Perth Concert Hall which won the 2007 Scottish Thistle Business Tourism Award. The 17th Scottish Thistle Awards will see the introduction of one other new category that celebrates businesses that work in collaboration with other tourism related organisations across local authority boundaries.
In total there are 11 nomination categories this year and businesses can enter as many as applicable to their individual achievements. The closing date for entries is Thursday, 5th June.
The categories and sponsors are as follows:
Business Tourism VisitScotland Business Tourism Unit
Customer Care: Accommodation, Serviced Accommodation; Activities and Attractions VisitScotland
Events and Festivals (Regional and International) EventScotland
Innovation Scottish Enterprise
Marketing Initiative VisitBritain
People Development (Small Businesses and Large Businesses) Highlands and Islands Enterprise
PR Excellence BAA Scotland
Operator Programme of the Year Historic Scotland
Sustainable Tourism Scottish Natural Heritage
Young Tourism Entrepreneur Award Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust
Collaboration Glasgow:Edinburgh Collaboration Initiative
The finalists will be announced in September with the overall winners announced at the glittering Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Friday 24th October.
For further information on the awards and sponsors go to scottishthistleawards.co.uk or call the Awards hotline on 0131 472 2228 or email info@scottishthistlewards.co.uk
