Tourism operators in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire were recognised at an industry awards ceremony staged on Friday night.
Tourism professionals from across the region were rewarded for their efforts at the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards, which took place at Ardoe House Hotel and Spa.
Steve Harris, chief executive of VisitAberdeen, was awarded one of the main honours of the night – the Regional Ambassador award – for his work in promoting the region to business and leisure visitors. Since VisitAberdeen was launched in 2013, Steve has been at the forefront of tourism promotion for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, and has contributed much to the area’s tourism industry.
In total, 14 organisations and individuals received awards at the ceremony. Meldrum Country House Hotel was declared the most hospitable hotel for the third year in a row, while Banchory Lodge Hotel and Glendavan House also held onto their titles for the second year running, named as best restaurant and most hospitable B&B respectively.
Iain Watson, chairman of the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards, said: “The tourism industry in the north east of Scotland is in a very good position, with large operators and smaller independent outfits providing outstanding service to visitors. This year’s winners really reflect that – ACSTA has never before celebrated a more diverse and inspiring range of tourism operators.
“All of the winners have shown an innovative and imaginative approach to the tourism industry in the north east, and we hope they will continue to build on this as we move into Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design in 2016.”
For the first time in the three years the awards have been running, winners will go on to represent the north east of Scotland at the Scottish Thistle Awards 2016. Stephen Carter, VisitScotland board member and chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards Industry Panel, says, “This is the first year Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards have been held in association with the Scottish Thistle Awards, and we would hope this is just the beginning of a strong relationship.”
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