Lorna MacLennan, Vice Chair HITA and Chair of the Independent Judging Panel

How do you go about creating an award-winning entry, one that will really make you stand out from the crowd?

A great entry is easy to read, giving clear and concise information that is supported by your website and echoed by online customer reviews.

To start, take time to select the correct category for your business. Then download the category questions and read them very carefully.

Register the categories you are planning to enter and you will receive your unique passcode. This will allow you to start work on your entry and save it, until you are ready to submit your finished application.

Please answer each question from your heart, it is your business, and you know it best. Fully utilise the word count to provide the information and evidence requested.

The HITA’s are very much the Oscars of the tourism Industry. Not only is winning a HITA a great accolade, even a spot on the shortlist is a fantastic marketing opportunity for your business. If you win you will automatically be put through to the National Thistle Awards short list.

Applying for the award gives you a wonderful chance to reflect on how much progress you have made. The application process is also a great chance to get your staff involved with recognising the many great things about your business, generating a great sense of pride.

What you should write

The awards are all about recognising the very best in true Highland Hospitality. Our judges are looking for the magic, be it big or small!  What makes your business special and why does it stand out from the crowd?

Please tell us a spellbinding story in the application – make it interesting, engaging and concise. The story of your business is ‘your story’. It lets the judges know where you’ve come from, what you’ve achieved and where you are going.

Take time to discuss the questions and your thoughts with your team, if you’re still unsure, speak to the awards’ admin team. Get a few people to proofread your application and make sure you’ve answered every aspect of what is being asked.

If you’re stumped with a particular question or something isn’t clear you can contact Amanda Ewenson amanda@primeeventmanagement.com or 01224 646488 for advice. We’re here to help you ensure your application is spot on.