An Aberdeen head housekeeper has been named as Scotland’s top ‘hospitality hero’ at Scottish tourism’s equivalent of the Oscars.
Jean Ryrie, who works at Jurys Inn (Aberdeen Airport), picked up Tourism & Hospitality Hero at the Scottish Thistle Awards National Final (16 March).
The glittering ceremony, held during Scottish Tourism Week, took place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre hosted by TV presenter and Deacon Blue drummer, Dougie Vipond, and presenter and former Miss Scotland, Jennifer Reoch.
The 2016/2017 Scottish Thistle Awards, in association with Fishers, recognise innovation, excellence and success in the hospitality and tourism industry – rewarding hotels, restaurants, B&Bs, visitor attractions, events and individuals who go that extra mile to provide customers with exceptional service.
The Tourism & Hospitality Hero category celebrates the front line staff, from tour guides to front of house, who provide exceptional service and a personal touch.
Jean Ryrie, Head Housekeeper at Jurys Inn, Aberdeen Airport, said: “I am very humbled winning this reward as I feel very natural in looking after the customers at all times. I feel it is a big part of my job to respond to the needs and request of the customers and treat them as I would like to be treated.”
A total of 14 awards were handed out on the night including Caledonian MacBrayne Best Cultural Event or Festival, Fishers Most Hospitable Hotel, J Thomson Colour Printers Best Restaurant Experience and ScotRail Best Visitor Attraction.
Comedian Des Clarke and Scottish band, Prides, provided the evening’s entertainment.
Scott Inglis, Commercial Director at Fishers, said: “We have supported the Scottish Thistle Awards for three years and are proud to have been the headline sponsor this year. At Fishers we don’t just think of ourselves as a laundry company, we know that we are an important part of Scotland’s tourism sector and we are happy to show our support to other businesses in this sector.
“All of the finalists deserve to be commended for their contribution to tourism and we would like to extend our congratulations to Jean – a very worthy winner of this award.”
Rebecca Brooks, Chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards Industry Panel and VisitScotland Board member, said: “Congratulations to all of the winners at the 2016/17 Scottish Thistle Awards National Final. They represent the best of the best in Scotland and epitomise the strength and depth of the tourism and hospitality experience across the country.
“The Scottish tourism industry and hospitality sector prides itself on delivering a rewarding experience for visitors and all of our finalists should be proud of their achievements in reaching the final – which, in itself, is both a recognition of excellence and innovation, and a sign of quality.
“Tourism is the heartbeat of the Scottish economy – supporting communities and creating jobs throughout the year in every corner of the country. We look forward to the 2017/18 Scottish Thistle Awards when we will celebrate the achievements of our industry colleagues during our 25th anniversary year.”
Jo Robinson, Regional Director at VisitScotland, said: “Huge congratulations to Jean Ryrie for being crowned the best in Scottish tourism.
“Tourism is more than a holiday experience – it creates jobs and sustains communities across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire and all finalists should be proud of their achievements in reaching this stage.
“These awards recognise the drive and passion the industry has for creating an unforgettable experience for visitors.”
This year the Scottish Thistle Awards received a record-breaking number of entries, totalling 715, amounting to a 16% increase on last year.
The flagship tourism awards are organised by VisitScotland and led by an industry panel, including Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards, Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards, the Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland, Scotland Food and Drink, Scottish Tourism Alliance, the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, sportscotland and Wild Scotland.
The regional finals were: Central, Fife & Tayside; Lothians & Borders; West; Highlands and Islands, organised by the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards; and Aberdeen City and Shire, organised by Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards.