The Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards (HITA) 2025 are officially open for nominations, celebrating excellence in Scottish tourism. As the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC), we are proud to support these awards, which highlight the best businesses, individuals, and initiatives that contribute to our thriving industry.
With categories that recognise outstanding accommodation, climate action, and exceptional customer service, we encourage our members to nominate those who go above and beyond in self-catering hospitality.
🏡 Best Self-Catering or Unique Stay – This award recognises exceptional overnight accommodations that aren’t hotels, inns, or guest houses but offer a unique and bespoke experience. Celebrating authentic Scottish hospitality, it honors businesses that provide genuine visitor engagement and outstanding service.
🌿 Climate Action – Aligned with the Outlook 2030 strategy and Scotland’s vision as “the Perfect Stage for Events,” this award celebrates businesses, events, and destinations making progress toward Net Zero. It recognises those tackling climate change through emissions reduction, waste mitigation, decarbonisation, and engaging their communities in the climate action journey, all while striving to make Scotland a leader in achieving Net Zero by 2045.
⭐ Individual of the Year – This award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond to deliver exceptional customer service while prioritising inclusivity, sustainability, and community responsibility. It recognises those who act as ambassadors for positive change, championing the tourism, hospitality, and events sector as a force for good and shaping its future.
💡 Innovation Award – This award celebrates businesses making significant strides to shape the future of 21st-century Scottish tourism and events. It honours those driving positive change through innovation and creativity, adapting to the evolving landscape and consumer behavior while providing exceptional visitor experiences.
🏘️ Best Community Tourism & Events Initiative – Recognising partnerships that support local communities while delivering memorable visitor experiences.
👥 Inclusion Award – This award celebrates a business or event that demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusion, providing excellent customer service and setting the standard for diversity. Inclusive practices may include staff training in equality, offering services for specific customer groups (e.g., accessible tours), and creating opportunities for disadvantaged communities to participate in Scottish tourism and events.
🍽️ Best Eating Experience
🍹 Best Bar or Pub
🏨 Best Hotel Experience
🏡 Best B&B or Guest House Experience
🎭 Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival
🏰 Best Visitor Attraction
⛰️ Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience
🏆 Employer of the Year
🌟 Rising Star
🏅 Highland Ambassador
If you know a business, individual, or initiative that deserves recognition, now is the time to nominate them!
Key Dates
Let’s champion the excellence of Scotland’s self-catering sector at HITA 2025! Make Your Nomination now!