Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards 2023: deadline for entries is looming!
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The deadline for entries to the 2023 Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards (HITA) is fast approaching!
Tourism and hospitality businesses are being urged not to miss out and make sure they submit their applications before the closing date of May 12.
The awards bring together industry leaders, rising stars, exciting new enterprises and much-loved familiar names to celebrate achievements and recognise excellence across the sector.
There are categories for all aspects of tourism and hospitality; from food and drink, and accommodation, to outdoor adventures, cultural events and attractions, innovation, inclusivity and action on climate change to awards for individuals and employers who have gone above and beyond their roles.
The Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards will culminate in a fabulous gala dinner and ceremony at the Macdonald Drumossie Hotel, Inverness on Friday, November 10.
The event will host industry leaders, sponsors, inspiring speakers, entertainment, and most importantly, all of those shortlisted for an award for a spectacular evening of celebration, recognition and pride.
The awards are once again being sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland.
Ryan Fraser, director of commercial banking, Inverness and Islands, urged businesses and individuals to enter this year’s awards: “Royal Bank of Scotland is delighted to once again sponsor the Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards. Our partnership with HITA is aligned to the bank’s purpose which is to champion potential, helping people, families and businesses to thrive.
“The awards are an opportunity to celebrate and honour the talented and hard-working businesses and individuals in our tourism and hospitality sectors that not only provide employment across the region, but through dedication and innovation continue to promote the Highlands and Islands to the world.
“The awards are a great way to give back to the industry by celebrating achievements and recognising tireless work.”
HITA vice chair Lorna MacLennan added: “Entering the awards is an excellent opportunity for businesses to share their success and achievements, not only with visitors but also within the industry.
“Whether you are shortlisted or you go on to win one of the prestigious accolades, the Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards will showcase your business and raise your profile.
“You may also find inspiration for your business or even inspire your peers to develop theirs, which all helps to drive up excellence throughout the industry.
“And don’t forget, it is a great morale boost for you and your team with a wonderful gala dinner and awards ceremony to look forward to.”
This year’s Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards are open to entries from businesses and individuals in all regions of the Highlands and Islands; from Argyll in the west, to Moray in the east, and Orkney and Shetland in the north.
For details and descriptions about each of the categories and to apply online visit www.hita-awards.com
You will also find advice and tips about how to enter, details about all of the regional awards and also the national finals, the VisitScotland Thistle Awards.
Many winners from the regional awards go forward to compete at the national level.
Entries to the awards close on Friday, May 12. Good luck!
