Operator wins tourism award
The founder of a West Lothian tour operator has been recognised in the country’s most prestigious tourism awards.
Emma Chalmers of Mary Meander’s took home the coveted regional ambassador prize at the Scottish Thistle awards regional finals for Lothian and Borders, which took place last week at Prestonfield House Hotel in Edinburgh.
The award, sponsored by Johnstons of Elgin recognises people who have made valuable contributions to the sector across the country.
Mary’s Meanders, a tour company based in Linlithgow, promotes the town and the local area. For the last four years, Emma has been a powerful advocate of the impact of outlander on the local tourism economy and is involved with Visit West Lothian and other groups in the local area. Emma was praised by judges for her “passion and drive” and for promoting the region through film tourism with other groups.
She said: “i am pleased and honoured to win this award and accept it on behalf of the many people and organisations who work to promote Linlithgow, and in particular my colleague anne. it is wonderful to see the royal Burgh get some well-deserved recognition from the industry.”
The Scottish Thistle awards are Scotland’s premier awards for the tourism industry. They celebrate success, innovation, excellence and best practice in Scotland’s tourism and hospitality industry.
The winners of the regional finals will now go on to fly the flag for the Lothian & Borders region, at the glittering national final of the Scottish Thistle awards at the EiCC in Edinburgh next March.
rebecca Brooks, chair of the Scottish Thistle awards industry Panel and VisitScotland Board member, said:“on behalf of the panel, i’d like to congratulate all our regional winners. They are a credit to themselves, their local area and the entire Scottish tourism sector.
“Tourism is more than a holiday experience, it creates jobs and sustains communities. These awards let us recognise the unsung heroes of our industry who show real dedication and enthusiasm for Scotland’s tourism industry.
“i would like to wish all our regional winners the very best for the next stage of the competition.”
VisitScotland regional director, neil Christison, said:“i would like to say special congratulations to Emma in winning this prestigious award.”