With thanks to Eoin Smith, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.
An awards scheme that recognises exceptional tourism operators in the North East is returning for a second year, with even more opportunities to win.
The number of categories in the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards (ACSTA) has been increased to 14 from 12 and the categories have been aligned to the national industry scheme, the Scottish Thistle Awards.
Awards organiser Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels’ Association (ACSHA) is appealing to businesses and individuals to enter and show how they do their bit to ensure visitors return home with fond memories of their time in the region.
ACSTA chairman Iain Watson says he hopes operators will respond to the call for entries. He adds:
“The number of entrants to the inaugural awards last year took us all by surprise, as did the quality of the entries received.
“It left us in no doubt that there are some truly exceptional businesses and individuals making positive differences to the quality of the visitor experience, and that we should be doing all we can to encourage them and other like-minded operators.
“Many of those who won and who were shortlisted across the various categories earlier this year are already telling us that the exposure and endorsement has had a positive impact on their business. I would urge everyone to go online and visit the awards website: there are categories recognising everything from hotels and guest houses, to bars and festivals.
“We have aligned many of our categories to the Scottish Thistle Awards and it is our intention that ACSTA will become the North East regional heat of this national scheme by 2016.”
Entries for ACSTA are now open at www.acsta.co.uk and will close on September 16. Three entries will be shortlisted for each category and the winners will be announced at a ceremony at Mercure Ardoe House in Aberdeen on January 30, 2015.
The full list of awards categories is:
- Most Hospitable Hotel
- Most Hospitable B&B/Guest House
- Best Holiday Accommodation
- Best Informal Eating Experience
- Best Restaurant Experience
- Friendliest Pub/Bar
- Best Event or Festival
- Our Warmest Welcome (customer service award)
- Best Visitor Attraction
- Creative Ambition
- Young Ambassador Award
- Ambassador
- Community Involvement
- Green Tourism
A lifetime achievement award may also be presented at the discretion of the awards organising committee. Further information about the entry requirements for each category is available at www.acsta.co.uk
Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels’ Association represents 46 independently-operated hotels and conference venues. These hotels provide around 4,000 bedrooms in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. The Association is committed to improving the quality and standard of hotel services and to furthering the overall standards of excellence and hospitality within the region.