Historic north firm, Johnstons of Elgin, to be main sponsor of VisitScotland's tourism Oscars, the Thistle Awards
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One of the north of Scotland's oldest and most successful retail brands, Johnstons of Elgin, has been announced as headline sponsor of this year’s Scottish Thistle Awards.
Scotland’s premier tourism and events awards make a welcome return this year to celebrate the very best of this vital industry, which is worth £11.5 billion to the Scottish economy.
It comes as Johnstons of Elgin, a previous category sponsor of the Scottish Thistle Awards, celebrate a landmark 225 years of manufacturing excellence in 2022.
VisitScotland chairman Lord Thurso said: “The Scottish Thistle Awards champion the very best of the Scottish tourism and events industry, celebrating innovation, collaboration and sustainable practices.
“Responsible tourism is at the heart of this year’s Scottish Thistle Awards and Johnstons of Elgin’s commitment to quality and sustainability is key to this partnership. We look forward to working with our headline sponsors to recognise other businesses and individuals working within tourism and events who are striving to make Scotland a fantastic place to visit now and in the future.”
George McNeil, Johnstons of Elgin managing director of retail, said the company was very proud to be headline sponsors of the awards, particularly in a year that sees the company celebrate its own 225th anniversary.
“We have a fantastic, long-standing relationship with VisitScotland, so the decision to support the awards was an easy one, an opportunity to strengthen brands in the tourism sector after a tough two years," Mr McNeil added.
"As we drive towards the full return of Scottish tourism, these prestigious awards will recognise excellence within the industry and shine a light on those who have worked hard throughout the pandemic to create outstanding experiences for visitors and retain the unique spirit of this beautiful part of the world.”
Winners from most of the categories in the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards (HITA), which will be held at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness in early November, will be among the successful businesses and individuals from five regional awards who will go forward to compete in the national final taking place in February 2023.
There are 17 categories in the Scottish Thistle Awards, which include 13 regional categories and four national categories, among them best B&B or guest house experience, best eatery experience and best hotel experience.
Nominations to the regional categories close on May 27, 2022, with entries closing on June 10, 2022.
Entries to the national categories close on September 2, 2022.
For a full list of the award categories and to nominate and enter, please visit: www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk or go to www.highland-tourism-awards.co.uk to enter the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards.
