Tourism 'Oscars' see businesses vie for glory
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More than 50 tourism businesses have taken a step nearer being crowned the best in the Highlands and Islands after being named as finalists in the industry’s annual "Oscars" today.
Competition to win a coveted Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards (HITA) trophy has reached an unprecedented level with entries and nominations this year surpassing previous record-breaking numbers.
The 232 businesses and individuals vying for honours was more than 14 per cent up on last year’s figure.
Judges have had the arduous task of narrowing down contenders to a 55-strong shortlist in 16 categories.
Among those to be recognised will be the best places to stay, eat, drink and enjoy the area’s sporting and cultural events, as well as its wildlife and scenery.
A new category – best heritage tourism experience – has been introduced to mark Scotland’s Year of Heritage History and Archaeology.
The finalists represent the entire length and breadth of the region – from Shetland to Argyll and from Moray to the Outer Hebrides – and range from castles to pubs and from internationally-renowned visitor attractions to remote get-aways.
Ten of the finalists are from the Inverness area, with nine each from Argyll and Moray and six from Strathspey, while Lochaber, Ross-shire, Sutherland, Skye, Orkney and Shetland all feature.
HITA chairman Craig Ewan said: "Congratulations to everyone who has made the shortlist which is a fantastic achievement given the unprecedented number of quality entries and nominations we received this year.
"The geographical spread of finalists demonstrates the strength of tourism facilities across the Highlands and Islands. The competition is really hotting up now and the judges have a really tough job to pick our winners."
HITA is regarded as one of the premier industry hospitality awards programmes in Scotland, where the tourism sector is worth more than £4.5 billion to the economy.
Drew Hendry – MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey and the SNP’s shadow spokesperson on business, energy and industrial strategy – has previously praised the ongoing success of the awards.
He said: "Tourism is such a key sector for the Highlands and Islands and awards schemes like HITA are important to help raise standards and reward excellence.
"HITA has enjoyed remarkable growth in the last three years and it is extremely encouraging that the spotlight is being shone on more of our hard working and dedicated tourism operators. I wish everyone all the best for the competition."
SPP is a media sponsor of the awards scheme, which is held in association with SSE.
Winners will receive their trophies at a ceremony in the Drumossie Hotel, Inverness, on November 3.
With the exception of the Highland rising star and Highland ambassador, each winner qualifies to compete at the Scottish Thistle Awards next year.
For more: www.highland-tourism-awards.co.uk
