Dumfries and Galloway businesses will be taking part in a new category in the tourism industry’s equivalent of the Oscars.
Previously, firms were classed as being in the west region of the Scottish Thistle Awards, which also included Glasgow and Ayrshire.
However, there will now be awards for the south – covering Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders.
The winners of the event will go forward to the national VisitScotland Thistle Awards finals.
The move was announced at the annual conference of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance, which will deliver the awards along with South of Scotland Enterprise.
SSDA chief executive, David Hope-Jones OBE, said: “The creation of the new regional south of Scotland Thistle Awards to celebrate excellence in tourism is a fantastic endorsement of all our region has to offer. For the first time, businesses in the south will be competing against similar rural businesses at the regional stage of the prestigious Thistle Awards.”
VisitScotland’s director Rob Dickson, added: “We look forward to working with our regional partners on the new Scottish Thistle Awards programme for 2023 that, for the first time, will see the introduction of a dedicated south of Scotland region.
“The Scottish Thistle Awards champion the very best of Scotland’s tourism and events industry, helping to shine a light on the positive impact it brings to our country.
“I would encourage people in the south of Scotland to nominate a tourism business, event or individual and help them to earn the recognition they deserve in making the region such a fantastic place to visit, live and work.
Nominations for this year’s awards are now open at www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk
