Annual Scottish Thistle Awards cancelled by VisitScotland and Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards organisers in response to continued impact of Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic
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A MAJOR tourism awards recognising the best in the industry have fallen victim to the Covid pandemic, organisers have announced.
The annual Scottish Thistle Awards will not take place in the coming financial year, as the sector seeks to focus its efforts on recovery from the devastating pandemic and its effects on travel.
The Scotland-wide competition is run by VisitScotland, in collaboration with the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards (HITA) and a number of other tourism bodies across the country – from the Scottish Tourism Alliance to Wild Scotland,
Nominations and entries for the contest, which celebrate success, innovation, excellence and best practice in the tourism and hospitality industry, had been due to open in the coming weeks.
Rebecca Brooks, chairwoman of the Scottish Thistle Awards industry panel and VisitScotland board member, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on the tourism and events industry. Whilst we are hopeful of some green shoots of recovery in the not too distant future following the publication of last week’s proposed timetable for the easing of restrictions, it is clear that this continues to be a very challenging time for our industry.
“In view of this, and with the best interests of our industry at heart, we have very reluctantly taken the difficult decision with our partners to cancel this year’s Scottish Thistle Awards, understanding the need for businesses to focus on the immediate priorities they are facing.
“We are very proud of the continued efforts, resilience and innovations that our tourism businesses are displaying – despite these unprecedented challenges – and we will look forward to having the opportunity to give our industry the recognition it deserves at future Scottish Thistle Awards.
“In the meantime, we will continue to work in partnership with the industry panel and plan for the awards’ return for 2022/23. We want to make sure that when the Scottish Thistle Awards do return, they will recognise the resilience and innovation that the tourism and hospitality industry has shown throughout this pandemic. We will update as these plans are developed.
“Tourism is a force for good – creating economic and social value in every corner of Scotland and enhancing the well-being of everyone who experiences it. We look forward to welcoming both domestic and international visitors to our beautiful country once again and we would like to convey our support to each and every tourism business in Scotland”
Laurence Young, chairman of the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards, said: “This Covid nightmare has continued far longer than we ever imagined, taking many surprise turns along the way, which has made planning for the industry impossible. Even once the industry is able to reopen and on the road recovery, many of us will be grappling with the impact of the pandemic for many months to come.
“The HITA board believes, very strongly, that the time to celebrate quality and success comes after the industry has reopened and is firmly on the road to recovery. The decision to cancel the 2021 Awards is right, and we look forward to turning our attention to 2022/23, when the time comes.”
The Scottish Thistle Awards have been celebrating the best in the Scottish tourism industry for the past 27 years – during which more than 370 national winners have been recognised for their valuable contribution to the sector.
The Scottish Thistle Awards is led VisitScotland and a panel of industry experts from several organisations including Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards, Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards, Green Tourism, the Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland, the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions, Orthic Consulting, Scottish Tourism Alliance, the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, sportscotland and Wild Scotland.
For more information, visit www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk.
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