17 businesses in the area up for prizes Region’s attractions lead way in tourism awards
Perth and Kinross is leading the way in an upcoming tourism awards do.
A total of 17 different business in the area have been shortlisted for the central, Fife and Tayside regional final of the Scottish Thistle Awards, which aim to represent the best in the tourism business.
Leading the way for nominations is Fonab Castle Hotel in Pitlochry, with three nominations.
And all three finalists for the most hospitable B&B/guest house are from Highland Perthshire - Craigmhor Lodge and Northlands B&B in Pitlochry and Errichel House in Aberfeldy.
The Enchanted Forest in Faskally Woods and Wildhood festival in Tullibole Castle, Crook of Devon are both up for best cultural event or festival.
And the Library of Innerpeffray near Crieff and the Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre are nominated for best heritage tourism experience.
There are two nominations for best hotel experience - Fonab Castle Hotel and The Old Manse of Blair in Blair Atholl.
Fonab Castle is also up for best restaurant experience, alongside Thyme at Errichel Reataurant in Aberfeldy.
For best informal eating experience, AliBob @ Cairn O’Mohr Winery near Errol and Unorthodox Roasters in Kinross are both shortlisted.
Highland Safaris in Dull and Land Rover Experience Scotland in Butterstone are both nominated for best outdoor adventure experience, and Perth City Tours is shortlisted for the innovation in tourism prize.
And for best self catering accommodation, Crieff Hydro Hotel and Straloch Highland Retreats will have to fight it out to win the accolade.
There are also individual awards at this year’s Scottish Thistle Awards.
Niall Thompson from Fonab Castle is nominated for regional ambassador of the year, while both June Goodfellow from Taste Perthshire in Bankfoot and Sheenagh McIntyre from Glenturret in Crieff are shortlisted for tourism or hospitality hero.
Caroline Warburton, VisitScotland’s regional leadership director, said: “I am delighted to see such a strong representation from Perthshire in the Scottish Thistle Awards regional final.
“These entries show the strength and depth of the tourism industry in the region, from innovative tours, high quality food and drink and accommodation to individuals going the extra mile to put the region on the map.
“Those individuals and businesses should feel very proud to have reached the regional finals and I wish them the very best of luck.”
The awards ceremony will be held at Prestonfield House Hotel in Edinburgh on Thursday, November 14.