TOURISM and events businesses in Fife are being encouraged to enter this year's Scottish Thistle Awards.

The industry is worth £11.5 billion to Scotland's economy and nominees should represent the very best of what the country has to offer.

The awards, delivered by VisitScotland, returned last year after the COVID pandemic and crowned 17 winners at a national final in February.

Entries for the 2023 Scottish Thistle Awards close on May 12.

Caroline Warburton, VisitScotland Destination Development Director, said: "The Scottish Thistle Awards offer the opportunity for individuals and businesses in Fife to gain recognition for all the work they do to make the region and Scotland such a fantastic place to visit and stay.

"They mark an important celebration of the best in our industry as we continue to move towards recovery.

"Now more than ever, the Scottish Thistle Awards showcase the very best of Scotland’s tourism sector, helping to ensure that tourism, and the individuals who work in the industry, are recognised for the positive impact they bring to the country and our communities."

"I would encourage those working in tourism and events in the region to get their entries in and help shine a spotlight on our area."

Last year, the Garvock House Hotel in Dunfermline was nominated in the Best Hotel Experience (over 20 rooms) category and was the only West Fife entry to reach the regional finals.

Entrants to all 17 categories must evidence how they have embraced best practice covering the four key areas of a low carbon economy, inclusivity, thriving communities and Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage.

New awards for this year include the Climate Action Award, the Inclusive Tourism Award and the Celebrating Thriving Communities Award.

There will be two regional finals for Central and East and for West.

Winners from all five regional awards, which also include the Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards (HITA) and the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards (ACSTA), progress to the National Final, taking place in December 2023.

For more information and to enter the Scottish Thistle Awards, visit: www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk