YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS & SUSTAINABLE BUSINESSES TO BE HONOURED AT THISTLE AWARDS
Young entrepreneurs are being encouraged to put themselves forward for Scotland’s top tourism awards for the first time this year as the 2008 Scottish Thistle Awards celebrate some the country’s up and coming talent. The awards honour tourism businesses which excel through quality and innovation and are widely recognised as one of the top accolades in the industry.
VisitScotland’s Chief Executive, Philip Riddle said “Tourism is one of the world’s most entrepreneurial industries and there are great opportunities here in Scotland for young businessmen and women to help shape the future of the sector.
“Whether they run an adventure sports business in rural Scotland or a B&B in one of our world class cities, young entrepreneurs will play a role in achieving our joint industry ambition to grow tourism revenues by 50% by 2015. It is fitting that their contribution is recognised in the 2008 Scottish Thistle Awards.
The new Sustainable Tourism Partnership, an industry-led body involving organisations such as SNH, VisitScotland, the Enterprise networks, Historic Scotland, national parks and local authorities is to sponsor the Sustainable Tourism Award.
SNH sponsored the Sustainable Tourism Award because it is committed to making the green agenda a central part of Scotland’s future as a tourist destination.
“Our natural heritage underpins a considerable part of the tourist industry in Scotland,†said Jane Clark, head of Sustainable Land Use at SNH. “Visitors enjoy the scenery and getting out into the countryside to see examples of native plants and animals through our nature reserves. A considerable thrust of our work is in making sure our nature reserves are as accessible as possible to people.â€
The three companies short-listed in last year’s awards illustrated the variety of different types of businesses where sustainable principles are being used. The Radisson SAS is part of a major hotel chain, Rabbie’s Trailburners – which won the award – is a tour company, and the Crown Estate is a prominent landowner
“All three short-listed were very, very good applicants coming from a range of very different backgrounds,†said Clark. “When you think of sustainable tourism you tend to think of small eco-friendly businesses operating in the countryside, but the Radisson SAS is a city centre hotel, and it is very exciting to think that big hotel chains are able to make a difference as well.
“We are looking to encourage a widespread adoption of sustainable practices through tourism in Scotland, not just in niche sectors, and the three businesses short-listed are a fantastic demonstration of how this can be achieved.â€
The finalists will be announced in September with the overall winners announced at the glittering Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Friday 24th October.
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