Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards 2023: A big thank you to sponsors as tourism’s big night nears!
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The 2023 Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards (HITA) are almost here!
The finalists have been announced and the winners will be revealed at an already sold-out gala dinner and ceremony at the Macdonald Drumossie Hotel, Inverness on Friday, November 10.
The event sold out in record time this year highlighting just how much the awards mean to the businesses, entrepreneurs and employees in our tourism and hospitality sector.
HITA chairman, Calum Ross, was delighted to see the strength of support: “The Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards are the highlight of the year for our highly talented, dedicated and hard-working tourism and hospitality sector.
“They rightly shine a light on the businesses and individuals who play a vital role in making the Highlands and Islands a wonderful place to visit; with its world-renowned hospitality, exceptional food and drink, and unforgettable experiences, but the awards also recognise the sector’s importance in sustaining our local communities and economy.
“The calibre of this year’s entries made it an unenviable challenge for the judges to choose the finalists and a huge thank you goes to them, and all those who took the time away from their businesses to enter the awards. We congratulate all of our finalists and look forward to sharing your success on what will be a fabulous night of celebration and a well-earned night off!”
Mr Ross also thanked the award sponsors including headline sponsor and climate action award sponsor, Royal Bank of Scotland.
“We are immensely grateful for the support of such highly respected and successful organisations from across the business and tourism sectors, including our headline sponsor, Royal Bank of Scotland. Such recognition from industry leaders and peers encourages everyone in hospitality to keep striving to deliver the highest levels of excellence.
“The awards could not go ahead without all of our sponsors and we thank them for their continued and generous support.”
Royal Bank of Scotland commercial banking director, Ryan Fraser, added: “The industry in the Highlands and Islands has many strengths and its natural beauty, tranquillity and world-class hospitality is well recognised but with it comes the challenges of recruiting and retaining staff in rural communities.
“To help the sector grow here in Scotland it is important that we work together and help educate a new generation on its value as a long-term career option and a place to remain and do business.” Among the category sponsors for 2023 is Port of Cromarty Firth which is sponsoring the inclusive tourism award: “Tourism and hospitality are the backbone of so many communities in the Highlands and Islands, and it’s right that we celebrate the achievements of those that make the industry the success that it is.”
Alliance Scotland is sponsoring the tourism individual of the year award: “The tourism industry continues to go from strength to strength in the Highlands and Islands which has huge benefits to the whole region.
“It is important to highlight and celebrate the achievements made and is the perfect opportunity for the various sectors within the industry to get together at the end of a long successful season to proudly celebrate.”
Sponsoring the celebrating thriving communities award is Highland Council: “Tourism is embedded within the region – its communities and economy – and the Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards offer the chance to shine a spotlight on the best tourism and hospitality businesses.
“Highland Council has been a proud sponsor for many years as the awards help draw attention to the importance of the sector and showcase some of the fantastic people and businesses out there striving to ensure we remain one of the world’s best destinations to visit.”
Covering all the regions of the Highlands and Islands; from Argyll in the west, to Moray in the east, and Orkney and Shetland in the north, the annual Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards bring together industry leaders, rising stars, new enterprises and trusted names to celebrate achievements and recognise excellence in the sector. Many winners from the regional awards go forward to win at the national finals, the VisitScotland Thistle Awards.
On the afternoon of the Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards on November 10, Royal Bank of Scotland is hosting this year’s free climate seminar at the Macdonald Drumossie Hotel, between 12pm and 2pm, featuring insights from industry experts and local businesses. The keynote speaker will be Alison Wood from the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute. There will also be a case study of Royal Bank of Scotland’s Climate Springboard programme; a summary from Andrea Nicholas, Green Tourism; and a panel Q&A.
For details and tickets visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/highlands-islands-thistle-awards-climate-seminar-tickets-730333736867?aff=oddtdtcreator
For more about the Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards 2023 visit www.hita-awards.com
