There are just over two weeks to go before the closing date for entries to this year’s Scottish Thistle Awards at midnight on Thursday 5th June.

Over 240 businesses from across Scotland have already registered an interest in this year’s awards, which honour tourism businesses that excel through quality and innovation and are widely recognised as one of the top accolades in the industry.

This year, all applications are to be entered online, making it easier and more environmentally friendly for businesses. There are 11 categories this year and businesses can enter as many as applicable to their individual achievements.

Seminars

VisitScotland’s Events and Exhibitions team, which co-ordinates the Scottish Thistle Awards, recently held two very successful seminars for tourism businesses interested in entering the awards. Carol Matthews from the Glasgow Mackintosh festival, winner of the Events and Festivals (International) category last year, talked to businesses about how to put together a successful entry and what winning a Scottish Thistle Award has meant for them.

Consumer nominations
This year, for the first time, we are asking consumers to nominate businesses that they think deserve to be shortlisted for the Scottish Thistle Awards – attractions or accommodation providers that went the extra mile to make their stay particularly special or their day perfect.

All they need to do is go to www.visitscotland.com/guide/where-to-stay or www.visitscotland.com/perfectdays and click on the Scottish Thistle Award icon. Why don’t you get your happy customers to put your business forward?

Awards ceremony
This year’s finalists will be notified by post by the end of August with the overall winners announced at the glittering Awards Ceremony and dinner at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Friday 24th October.

Further information
For further information on the awards and sponsors go to www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk  or call the Awards hotline on 0131 472 2228 or email info@scottishthistleawards.co.uk