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Well, what a week we have just had. During Scottish tourism month it’s been heart-warming to see so many businesses across the industry demonstrating real #ScotSpirit by helping provide shelter, food and assistance to visitors. As the snow thaws let’s hope that spring is truly in sight.
Focus can now turn to the national final of the Scottish Thistle Awards on 15 March which lets us recognise the unsung heroes of our industry who show real dedication and enthusiasm for Scotland’s tourism industry.
This year the awards turn 25 and there have been 351 winners since it began. There were only six categories in the very first awards ceremony and this year we have 15 with 70 businesses in the running to be crowned winners. It’s fantastic that during our silver anniversary we saw a record-breaking 750 entries submitted to the awards, including hundreds of nominations from members of the public.
The Scottish Thistle Awards are Scotland’s premier awards for the tourism industry and for 25 wonderful years they have been shining a spotlight on success, innovation and excellence. Good luck to everyone up for an award and huge congratulations on getting this far.
Enjoy this month’s Tourism Insider.
Kind regards
Malcolm Roughead OBE
Chief Executive, VisitScotland |
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Since the first awards in 1992/93, hundreds of winners proudly show off trophies in their display cabinets across Scotland. The Scottish Thistle Awards, in association with Fishers, continue to be relevant and recognised as the tourism Oscar equivalent, 25 years on.
A total of 70 tourism businesses and individuals struck gold at the regional finals for Central Fife & Tayside, Lothian & Borders, the West, the Highlands & Islands, which was organised by the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards, and Aberdeen City and Shire, organised by Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards, and will go on to represent their respective region in the national final. Here's a reminder of who they are.
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We are excited to announce that Still Game and River City star Sanjeev Kohli will be playing the role of host at the 25th anniversary national final alongside TV presenter and former Miss Scotland, Jennifer Reoch.
The awards take place on 15 March 2018 at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. Don't miss out on this wonderful night with prized awards, food and entertainment including ventriloquist and comedian Paul Zerdin - winner of America’s Got Talent 2015. There's also the added opportunity to network with colleagues from across the tourism industry. Buy your tickets. Image: Steve Ullathorne ©
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Let’s create a stir by reminiscing on your own nomination or win over the past 25 years or acknowledging your fellow tourism business winners, nominees and participants. Be as creative as you can and share your 25’s on Twitter using #Thistles25. We will be tweeting (and re-tweeting!).
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In August, Glasgow and Berlin will host the first ever European Championships. This new multi-sport event brings together some of Europe’s leading sports. Events will take place across Glasgow and the wider area, including Gleneagles, playing host to the European Golf Team Championships.
This Glasgow 2018 Welcome toolkit has a wide range of downloadable marketing tools to help your business make the most of this new exciting event.
Keep an eye on the toolkit as more information will be added over the coming months.
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Cream O’ the Croft (15-17 June) is among 12 forthcoming events across Scotland benefiting from a share of £100,000 in the latest round of EventScotland’s National Events funding.
The programme is designed specifically to support sporting and cultural events which take place out with Edinburgh and Glasgow and drive domestic tourism within Scotland.
Visit our EventScotland website for further details on the National Events Programme, including how to apply.
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With the Thistles Awards final, in association with Fishers, approaching on the 15 March, we would like to wish all Perthshire businesses good luck!
Now in its 25th Year, the ceremony will take place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre with comedian Sanjeev Kohli and STV TV presenter Jennifer Reoch presenting.
Five Perthshire regional winners are heading to the final, and you can join them! Tickets are still available to purchase.
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This year’s annual conference registration page is now live!
Perthshire Talks Tourism invites tourism businesses from across Perthshire to join us, as part of Scottish Tourism Month to explore potential opportunities for your business to make the most of - with a few tips and hints on how to do just that.
With an exciting line up of speakers, come along to network with your industry peers.
Places are filling up fast so secure your place today.
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The General Data Protection Regulation is a new European Union data protection law that will come into effect in the UK in May 2018. Data protection is about personal information and how it is managed (Personal information is details that you hold about your customers or staff.).
To best comply, we suggest that you assess your policies, practices and procedures associated with personal information. Ensure you are up to speed on what this will mean for your business.
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Accessibility information is crucial for so many potential customers. Did you know 63% of businesses do not promote the fact they make provisions for guests with access needs?
Make sure you’re ready for the Easter season! Provide all the information your customers need to access your venue by creating your own accessibility guide. Our new free online tool will enable you to easily create one that is practical, easy to view and in a standardised format.
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Scottish businesses face many challenges as a result of climate change. As we have recently seen, weather frequently causes business disruption.
These changes are projected to continue and intensify over the coming decades. Planning ahead rather than responding reactively can help to save you money in the long term, manage the risks and allow you to identify possible business opportunities. Take a look at the Adaptation Scotland’s new guidance for businesses.
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Scottish visitor attractions are celebrating a record breaking year for 2017 with more than 30 million visits made to sites across the country. Scotland’s visitor attractions are a valuable part of our country’s outstanding tourism offering, showcasing our rich history and sharing Scotland’s story with visitors from far and wide. It is fantastic to see such strong growth in numbers.
Read more on the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions website.
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What better time to get behind Scottish Apprenticeship week (5 – 9 March) than during the Year of Young People 2018. Let’s celebrate our young people and the fantastic contributions they make to our industry.
Time is almost up but you can still get involved share your tweets, LinkedIn and Instagram pics using #ScotAppWeek18 to join in. And Skills Development Scotland has a host of information on how you can take on an apprentice within your business.
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Young Americans have been invited to fall in love with Scotland. We teamed up with leading advertising agency McCann and media production company Fifty Films, to create ‘Come Along’, encouraging millennials in New York, Florida, Texas and California to discover the many unique and exciting experiences that a trip to Scotland can offer.
The campaign comes during the Year of Young People 2018 and supports our desire to position Scotland as an inspirational destination for millennials.
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FREE Trivago webinar 5 April | The webinar will focus on traveller behaviour insights in Scotland sharing in-depth data insights and statistics for destinations in Scotland, across the top source markets, as well as seasonal breakdowns. Attendees also get a possibility to download a full data report for free.
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Get competitive edge through good environmental practices | Head along to one of the VIBE events throughout March and April to find out how to get recognition for your good environmental practices with VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards, and get information and support.
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@VisitScotNews | We've reached 30,000 followers on our corporate twitter - are you one of them? If not then join us and get the latest news, announcements, support and event information.
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A new brand identity unveiled | Scottish Youth Hostels Association (SYHA) has unveiled a new brand identity which sees a change to its trading name and a fresh new look logo.
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The International Toilet Tourism Awards 2018 are open | Best Location, Quirkiest Toilet Experience, Best Accessible Toilet, and Overall Commitment to Toilet Tourism are just some of the categories. Deadline 1 May.
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VisitScotland, 94 Ocean Drive, Edinburgh, EH6 6JH
VisitScotland Communications
VAT No. 945 652106
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