Scottish Country Sports Tourism Awards

Best Sporting Estate 2024

This award recognises a market-leading Scottish sporting estate, where land management, collaboration and exceptional sporting opportunities are coming together to deliver responsible, premium experiences and where going the extra mile is the norm. You can nominate your own business for this award, or you can nominate a business you are aware of / have experience of.

Criteria:

• Offer exceptional sporting opportunities as part of your business offering.
• Implementation of land management techniques that promote biodiversity to add to the guest experience of seeing flourishing wildlife, flora and fauna.
• Placing customer service at the heart of everything you do; always looking for ways to go the extra mile and deliver truly memorable, unique and responsible experiences for guests.
• Engagement with the local community, demonstrating a significant contribution to the local economy.
• Showcases responsible tourism practices such as inclusivity, accessibility and sustainability.

Best Sporting Agency 2024

This award recognises a leading sporting agency striving to deliver outstanding sporting experiences in Scotland to a diverse tourism audience. Collaboration and local engagement will be front and centre of the winner’s operation, with exceptional customer service and a track record of delivering truly memorable experiences. You can nominate your own business for this award, or you can nominate a business you are aware of / have experience of.

Criteria:

• Offers a wide variety of responsible sporting opportunities that provides unique memorable experiences.
• Engages with a broad range of visitor profiles, advocating Scottish country sports tourism on local to global scales.
• Placing customer service at the heart of everything you do; always looking for ways to go the extra mile.
• Sustainability and community will be at the core of your business – engaging with the local communities, demonstrating the sustainability of your activities and contributing to the local economies.
• Showcases responsible tourism practices such as inclusivity, accessibility and sustainability.

Best Sporting Innovator 2024

This award aims to recognise individuals or businesses contributing to Scottish country sports tourism in unique and innovative ways while championing responsible tourism practices.
Whether you’re diversifying your business offerings, inspiring new markets through social media or leading the way in sustainable practices, this award seeks to honour those who are making a positive impact in innovative way. You can nominate your own business for this award, or you can nominate a business you are aware of / have experience of.

Criteria:

• A deep passion to see country sports tourism thrive sustainability and grow for future generations.
• Collaborating to bring people together to deliver exceptional experiences with mutual benefits for communities and the environment.
• Changing the way things are done to create a higher quality experience or to enhance sustainability.
• Developing (or have developed) a new product or service as part of the wider business you work in to support financial sustainability.
• Doing something different with the by-products of your sporting activities.
• Engaging an entirely new audience to grow participation and showcase Scotland as the ‘go-to’ place for country sports tourism.
• Demonstrate engagement reach through your social media and digital platforms.
• Showcases responsible tourism practices such as inclusivity, accessibility and sustainability.

Best Sporting Accommodation 2024

This award celebrates an accommodation provider that goes above and beyond to provide an idyllic retreat for guests enjoying Scotland’s country sports.This category recognises providers of quality accommodation that also offer guests the opportunity to experience Scotland’s renowned hospitality and natural landscapes, reminiscent of the country sports experience. You can nominate your own business for this award, or you can nominate a business you are aware of / have experience of.

Criteria:

• Nominees in this category offer quintessentially warm Scottish hospitality, seamlessly blended with modern amenities, to ensure an unforgettable stay.
• Accommodation providers can range from self-catering accommodation, shooting lodges, hotels and B&Bs.
• Judges will assess multiple criteria, such as the proximity to sporting facilities, the quality of on-site amenities, and the provider’s adaptability to meet the unique needs of country sport enthusiasts.
• The winner of this award will be recognised for its commitment to providing the ultimate country sports experience providing the perfect blend of hospitality, quality and authentic Scottish charm.
• Showcases responsible tourism practices such as inclusivity, accessibility and sustainability.

Best Sporting Retailer 2024

This award recognises businesses that promote country sports through their products and services, whether that be food, clothing or equipment.
These retail businesses are the backbone of the country sports experience in Scotland, providing a high-quality service within their local community, and offer an attractive retail experience for guests to visit whilst enjoying their time in Scotland. You can nominate your own business for this award, or you can nominate a business you are aware of / have experience of.

Criteria:

Nominees in this category can be from a combination of;

Showcases responsible tourism practices such as inclusivity, accessibility and sustainability.

Gunsmiths, tackle shops or country clothing companies.

Food retailers or game dealers that stock locally sourced wild game, venison and sustainable products, promoting ethical, affordable produce that promotes healthy living with a true connection to the land, embracing Scotland’s natural larder and country sports.

Benefits from the country sports tourism sector in Scotland