THE countdown has begun for the Scottish Thistle tourism awards, which will recognise businesses and individuals across 14 categories. Dougie Vipond, the TV presenter and Deacon Blue drummer, and Jennifer Reoch, former Miss Scotland, will host the event at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
They were joined by Pavel Karnejenko, 17, a rising star in gymnastics for the Scotland and Great Britain squads, to promote the awards ceremony.
He was there to witness the Glasgow 2015 FIG World Gymnastics Championships, which is one of the nominees for best sporting event.
The date set is March 16, taking place during Scottish tourism week.
Rebecca Brooks, chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards industry panel, said: “The final celebrates the fantastic achievements and innovations of our tourism and hospitality sector which continues to deliver a world-class visitor experience.
“Tourism is more than a holiday experience. It creates jobs and sustains communities in every corner of Scotland all year round and is at the heart of the Scottish economy.”
Also providing entertainment for the night, held in association with Fishers, will be comedian Des Clarke, and Scottish band Prides.
The tourism awards are led by several organisations, including VisitScotland and sportscotland.
The categories range across services including bars, hotels, sporting events, and innovation.
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