Finalists for the second Orkney Tourism Awards have been announced this week by organisers, Destination Orkney.
The awards, sponsored by NorthLink Ferries and Orkney Harbours, cover eight different categories - everything from the best visitor attraction and hands-on experience of the year, to the best eating experience and tourism individual of the year. Accolades for accommodation providers, across the hotel, B&B/guest house and self-catering sectors, are also included.
The finalists were chosen from a public vote by local people and visitors to Orkney over the last year.
Winners will be announced at a gala event being staged by Destination Orkney in Kirkwall’s Albert Hotel on Saturday 1 March.
Category winners will receive a special awards trophy - paid for by category sponsoring businesses - with each one an original design by local artist Ruth D Brough of Orkney Inspired Art.
Winners of the inaugural Orkney Tourism Awards, held in 2023.
In addition to being able to highlight their achievement in promotional material and on their websites, winners will be nominated by Destination Orkney for the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards and the Thistle Awards.
Destination Orkney chair, Martin Fleet, said: “Orkney’s tourism businesses work exceptionally hard, with a collective desire to deliver the very best of visitor experiences, underpinning our islands’ reputation as a first-class destination.
"Our awards, which are determined by public vote, recognise their efforts, with the gala event also providing an opportunity for all Destination Orkney members to come together and celebrate ahead of another busy season. Congratulations to all the shortlisted businesses and many thanks to everyone who voted for them. We’d also like to express our gratitude to all our awards sponsors for their support.”
Magnus Dixon, marketing manager for Serco NorthLink Ferries said: “The Orkney Islands offer such a diverse range of exceptional experiences, tourist attractions, and accommodation, and we at NorthLink are very excited to be sponsoring the Orkney Tourism Awards once again! Being shortlisted as a finalist in the awards is no easy feat, so NorthLink would like to express our congratulations to everyone who has made it this far in the competition."
Paul Olvhoj, business development manager for Orkney Harbours, said: “So many of Orkney’s visitors arrive by sea into our harbour facilities and we always strive to give them the best possible welcome ahead of their stay in our islands, confident that every local tourism business they encounter will be looking after them superbly. At Orkney Harbours we’re proud to be part of such a dedicated tourism community and delighted to be sponsoring the Orkney Tourism Awards.”
Destination Orkney is financially supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Orkney Islands Council.
Orkney Tourism Awards 2024 Public Vote Shortlist
Best Eating Experience - sponsored by Lows Orkney Ltd59 Degrees North - Café & Pizzeria | Best Visitor Attraction - sponsored by NB Communication |
Best Hotel Experience - sponsored by Sheila Fleet Jewellery | Best B&B or Guest House Experience - sponsored by Orkney Harbours |
Best Self Catering Accommodation Experience - sponsored by Pentland FerriesThe Slap Cottage & the Gateway Cabin Buxa Farm Chalets & Croft House | Best Outdoor Adventure Experience - sponsored by Excursions Ltd |
Best Hands-on Experience of the Year - sponsored by Skaill HouseScapa Distillery Visitor Centre Skaill House Falconry | Tourism Individual of the Year - sponsored by Loganair LimitedNicky Bichan Jocelyn Harcus Wendy Barker Kathy Bichan |