Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards Winners Announced

The sixth annual Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards took place on Friday 23rd November 2018 at the prestigious Ardoe House Hotel and Spa on the outskirts of Aberdeen.

2018 Winners

1. Most Hospitable B&B/Guest House
Supported by Jurys Hotels Aberdeen

B&Bs and Guest Houses are at the front line of Scotland’s hospitality reputation and have the ability to provide a personal and memorable experience for every guest. This category celebrates going the extra mile to demonstrate heart-warming levels of customer service to every guest who steps through the door.

Winner: Lys-na -Greyne

2. Most Hospitable Hotel
Supported by Fishers

Accommodation is a vital part of the visitor journey. The hotel experience is key to creating many visitors lasting impressions of Scotland and their world famous Scottish hospitality. This award recognises hotels that strive to give the customer the most hospitable and comfortable experience while they enjoy their stay in Scotland.   

Winner: Meldrum House Country Hotel and Golf Course

3. Best Self Catering Accommodation
Supported by Aberdeenshire Council

This category celebrates businesses that provide fantastic and genuine emotional engagement with the visitor, whether online or in person, and exceptional service. This award celebrates that visitors are looking for a unique and bespoke accommodation that suits their travel style – while still experiencing true Scottish hospitality.

Winner: Dalriada Luxury Lodges

4. Best Cultural Event of Festival
Supported by Visit Aberdeenshire

Scotland is the Perfect Stage for events. For large scale one-off events to local and community festivals, Scotland really knows how to put on a show! This category celebrates events which include, inspire and involve all guests, whether local or visiting and provide a platform for Scotland to show off its greatest features.

Winner: Nuart Aberdeen

5. Best Eating Experience
Supported by Ardoe Hotel

This category is designed to recognise and celebrate businesses who not only offer a quality food and drink experience, but include and promote local Scottish produce on their menus to give consumers choice. 

Winner: Eat on the Green

6. Best Visitor Attraction
Supported by The Aberdeen Altens Hotel

Scotland has a wealth of unique and fascinating Visitor Attractions, from Castles and Palaces to Nuclear Bunkers and famous Pandas! This category celebrates the variety of opportunity provided to Scotland’s visitors, and the attractions which provide world class service with a distinctive Scottish twist.

Winner: Peterhead Prison Museum

7. Best Pub/Bar
Sponsored by Tricker PR

This award celebrates the key role of bars and pubs in the experience of visitors to Scotland.  Our licensed trade provides visitors with a wide variety of options – from bespoke evening cocktails with succulent bar bites overlooking a vibrant cityscape, to a relaxing post walk pint served with traditional fayre by the fire.  Whether your business attracts high fashion, cutting edge musicians/DJs or offers a comforting and friendly home from home to your guests, we are celebrating the diverse bar and pub offerings and all that they contribute within the tourism sector. 

Winner: Grape and Grain

8. Innovation in Tourism
Supported by Carron-Mumbai and India on the Green

This category celebrates tourism businesses that are looking to the future! From physical expansion to investing in youth training, there are plenty of ways that businesses can take risks to improve and invest in the future. This award looks to honour a business using innovation to commit to the future of tourism in Scotland.

Winner: SnowRoads

9. Regional Ambassador
Supported by Johnston Carmichael

We all have a responsibility in shaping the future of our industry. People with their commitment and passion for the industry are the critical success factors. In establishing this award we are looking to recognise these qualities in an individual who has dedicated their time and energy to making a difference to tourism in their local area.

Winner: David McCubbin, VisitAberdeenshire

10. Regional Rising Star
Supported by Aberdeen City and Shire Hotel Association

People are the essence of the Tourism industry. The future of our industry lies with our young people, having the passion, ambition and dedication to want to have successful careers within this dynamic industry.  This award celebrates an individual who shows real promise as a rising star in Scottish tourism and a passion for their future and the future of the industry.

Winner: Nicola Downie, Meldrum House Hotel

11. Tourism & Hospitality Hero
Supported by RBS

This category celebrates an individual on the front line of the customer service experience. Across Scotland, there are a huge number of people who unlock something special for every visitor – from tour guides to front of house staff – anyone who provides exceptional service and a memorable and personal touch.

Winner: Elma McMenemy – Elma McMenemy Tourism

12. Working Together for Tourism
Supported by Aberdeen International Airport

This category celebrates partnerships, collaborations and team working. This is the category for tourism businesses, both business to consumer and business to business facing and travel trade with new and innovative campaigns encouraging best practice, customer service and drive to offer a great and collaborative experience to every guest.

Winner: Glen Garioch Distillery

13. Best Heritage Tourism Experience
Supported by North Link Ferries

This award is designed to celebrate Scotland’s rich and vibrant heritage and those who bring it to life – placing heritage at the forefront of Scotland’s tourism offering.

Winner: Glen Garioch Distillery