Tourism and hospitality businesses across the North-east have been given a final opportunity to enter the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards 2026, with organisers announcing a one-week extension to the deadline.
Entries will now close at 6pm on Monday 4 May, giving businesses a week to complete and submit their applications.
The decision follows strong interest in the awards, alongside recognition of the continued pressures facing the industry.
The Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards celebrate excellence across the region’s tourism and hospitality sector, with categories including Best Hotel Experience, Best Eating Experience, Best Visitor Attraction, Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival, Employer of the Year, Individual of the Year and Rising Star Award.
Stephen Gow, Chairman of the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards.
Stephen Gow, Chairman of the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards, says: “We know just how busy tourism and hospitality businesses are and the challenges faced by our sector, so we’ve taken the decision to extend the deadline to make sure no one misses the chance to be part of this year’s awards.
“These awards are about recognising the very best of what our region has to offer – the businesses, events and individuals who are delivering exceptional experiences and helping to shape the future of tourism in the north-east.
“If you’ve been thinking about entering, or you’ve started an application but haven’t quite finished it, this is your moment. Take the time, pull your entry together properly, and make sure your story is heard.”
The awards remain free to enter and are open to businesses and individuals across the tourism, hospitality and events sectors. All ACSTA winners go on to the national Scottish Thistle Awards to represent the north east of Scotland. In 2025, Kildrummy Inn, winner of the ACSTA Best Hotel Experience award went on to scoop the national title too, beating off competition from hotels across Scotland like The Torridon and Cameron House.
Stephen Gow continues: “Our region is packed with the highest quality tourism businesses and we’re an area of Scotland which has room for tourism growth. This is our time to showcase just what we have in this corner of Scotland and show we can compete on a national stage like Kildrummy Inn did in 2025.”
Organisers are encouraging entrants to use the additional time to strengthen their submissions by clearly demonstrating impact, innovation and commitment to delivering high-quality visitor experiences.
Entries must be submitted online by the revised deadline of 4 May at 6pm.
For more information and to enter, visit: www.acsta.co.uk