It is time for the best in Scottish tourism to step into the spotlight as entries open for the Scottish Thistles Awards.

Tourism and events businesses in Scotland can now officially put themselves forward to be crowned Best Hotel Experience, Best Eating Experience, Best Pub/Bar and Best Visitor Attraction and more.

For over 30 years, the Scottish Thistle Awards have showcased individual businesses, people and partnership working. They have become an annual celebration of excellence, collaboration and innovation within one of the country’s most important sectors.

Delivered by VisitScotland in partnership with regional awards programmes, the Scottish Thistle Awards combines five regional awards and a national final.

Last year there were over 700 entries from across the country, culminating in the crowning of 19 national winners at a ceremony in Glasgow in November

Entries to the 2025 Scottish Thistle Awards, with headline sponsors Abbey: The Destination Experts – part of the Abbey Group, a collection of travel companies specialising in inbound tourism to the UK & Ireland, close on 28 April.

Barbara Smith, Chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards Industry Panel, said: “The Scottish Thistle Awards represent an exciting opportunity for individuals, businesses and events to gain recognition for all the hard work they do to make Scotland such a must-visit, must-return destination.

“Scottish Thistle Award winners join a prestigious roll of honour, earning recognition as one of the best in the country. This helps ensure that industry, and the individuals who work in it, are recognised for the positive impact they bring to the country and our communities.

“Entering is free so if you believe you represent the very best of Scotland’s tourism and events industry make sure to take part.”

Responsible tourism is at the heart of the Scottish Thistle Awards, supporting the aim for Scotland to be recognised globally as a leader in this field.

Regional winners for Central, East and the West will be announced at two regional finals delivered by VisitScotland in September.

Winners from all five regional awards, which also include the Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards (HITA) the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards (ACSTA) and the South of Scotland Thistle Awards (delivered in partnership with the South of Scotland Destination Alliance and supported by South of Scotland Enterprise) go on to compete at the Scottish Thistle Award national ceremony in November.

For more information and to enter the Scottish Thistle Awards, visit: www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk