News

The Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA) is delighted to announce the resounding success of the ASVA Annual Conference 2024, held on Thursday 14^th November at Perth Concert Hall. With over 390 professionals from Scotland’s visitor attraction and tourism sector in attendance, the conference marked a record turnout, bringing together industry leaders, representatives from diverse attractions, and a vibrant trade exhibition that showcased innovative products and services from across the UK. This year’s event reflected ASVA’s vision for “World Class Scottish Attractions” and its mission to “Inspire, Represent, and Support the Scottish Visitor Attractions sector.”

Opening the day, Minister for Business Richard Lochhead MSP welcomed delegates with remarks underscoring the importance of Scotland’s visitor attraction and wider tourism sector to both the economy and the shared experiences of our visitors. Mr. Lochhead said: “This conference is an opportunity for Scotland’s vibrant tourism industry to come together and share visions for the future, whilst also appreciating the value of the sector to Scotland.

“Both government and industry share the same ambition to make Scotland a world leader in tourism. This is incredibly important to the country, as a successful tourism industry supports jobs and showcases Scotland to global audiences every year.

“The industry has had some real successes this year, with The Real Mary King’s Close named Britain’s Best Visitor Attraction 2024 by Tripadvisor being one example amongst many. Given this, it’s no surprise that 96% of all visitors to Scotland enjoyed at least one attraction in the last year.”

The conference programme featured diverse sessions that addressed key areas essential to Scotland’s visitor attraction sector, including:

• Beyond the Welcome: Crafting Unforgettable Experiences – Presenters from the Roman Baths, The Royal Yacht Britannia, and Big Ben shared insights into creating meaningful, memorable experiences that improve visitor engagement and foster operational excellence.
• Specialised Thematic Sessions – Delegates participated in breakout sessions tailored to their needs, with topics covering best practice in small and large attractions, digital transformation, sustainability practices, community engagement and inclusion. These sessions offered attendees practical strategies and takeaways to apply within their own organisations.
• Future of Tourism – The day finished with a compelling session featuring influential voices from within the tourism sector, including Rob Dickson from VisitScotland, Bernard Donoghue from ALVA, Marc Crothall from the Scottish Tourism Alliance, and Josh Ryan-Saha from Traveltech for Scotland. They discussed emerging trends and opportunities for growth, emphasising the importance of innovation and collaboration in shaping the future of Scotland’s tourism landscape.
• Scottish Attractions Inspiring People Awards – A highlight of the day was the celebration of the Scottish Attractions Inspiring People Awards, which recognised outstanding contributions from individuals whose dedication, creativity, and passion make Scotland attractions world class.

Following the day’s sessions, the conference concluded with a vibrant evening drinks reception at Perth Museum, generously sponsored by Timberplay Scotland. Attendees enjoyed refreshment from Scottish suppliers, networked with peers and explored the museum’s exhibits, including a guided tour of the iconic Stone of Destiny. This memorable evening fostered connections and allowed delegates to reflect on the day’s insights within the inspiring setting of Perth’s cultural heritage.

This year’s conference was strengthened through ASVA’s valued partnership with the Association of Cultural Enterprises (ACE), providing attendees with even greater access to expert insights across the cultural sector. We would also like to extend a special thank you to our headline sponsor, Dynavics, for their incredible support, as well as to all our other event supporters. Their contributions helped make this year’s conference a truly memorable experience. This collaboration underscores ASVA’s mission to “Inspire, Represent and Support” the Scottish visitor attractions sector, offering a well-rounded experience to equip members with knowledge and resources for sustained growth and excellence.

ASVA CEO, Michael Golding commented on the conference’s success, saying: “The incredible turnout at this year’s conference reflects the strength of the community in the Scottish attractions sector. It also clearly shows our commitment to continually learn and improve the quality of the experiences we provide. I’m inspired by the dedication of our sector and by working together, we are advancing our vision for World Class Scottish Attractions.”

The Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA), the organisation dedicated to inspiring, representing, and supporting the visitor attractions sector in Scotland, is delighted to announce the finalists for the 2024 Scottish Attractions Inspiring People Awards.

This year marks the introduction of the refreshed awards, to better recognise the diversity of talent and dedication across the sector. The awards are all about celebrating individuals who bring passion, creativity, and commitment to their roles, whether they’re on the front lines or working behind the scenes who play a crucial role in making Scotland’s attractions truly world class.

The winners will be announced at the ASVA Annual Conference, to be held at the Perth Concert Hall on Thursday 14th November. The event, which brings together leaders and professionals from across Scotland’s tourism and attractions sector, will provide a fitting stage to celebrate the remarkable achievements of those who have gone above and beyond in their roles.

The awards feature five categories: Rising Star, for the up and comers making waves and showcasing talent in the visitor attraction sector; Experience Maker, to recognise those delivering world class experiences whether face-to-face or behind the scenes; Technology Innovator, celebrating individuals enhancing technologies or implements impactful new solutions; Sustainability Champion, honouring those making an impact on responsible tourism and preserving attractions for future generations; People’s Hero, acknowledging the person who is at the heart of a team or communities, fostering inclusivity, accessibility and building connections.

Celebrate the finalists below (in alphabetical order):

Rising Star:

• Sarah Baudouin (The Real Mary King’s Close)
• Madeline Greene (Black Watch Castle & Museum)
• Lindsay MacAndrew (National Trust for Scotland)

Experience Maker

• Alex Geddes (Peterhead Prison Museum)
• Ashleigh Pink (Dundee Heritage Trust)
• Lindsay Ross (Royal Zoological Society of Scotland)
• Katie Scott (The Real Mary King’s Close)

Technology Innovator

• Emilie Lumineau (The Real Mary King’s Close)
• Grant McGuigan (Camera Obscura & World of Illusions)
• Silvana-Anastasia Neagu (Johnnie Walker Princess Street)
• Sophie Walker (Dundee Heritage Trust)

Sustainability Champion:

• Jonathon Dodds (Mercat Tours)
• Phillipa Lumsden (Camera Obscura & World of Illusions)
• Kirsty Vavasour (Diageo Scotland Brand Homes)

People’s Hero:

• Ciara Courtney (Provan Hall Community Management Trust)
• Fiona Johnston (Palace of HolyroodHouse)
• Elicia Walpole (The Real Mary King’s Close)

ASVA CEO, Michael Golding said: “We’re incredibly proud to celebrate the finalists for this year’s Scottish Attractions Inspiring People Awards. The calibre of entries we received showcases the talent and dedication that make Scotland’s visitor attractions truly world class. These awards not only highlight individual achievements but also shine a spotlight on the collective efforts of our sector to deliver unforgettable experiences.”

ASVA Chair, Paul Nixon said: “The Scottish Attractions Inspiring People Awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise the passion and dedication that individuals bring to our sector. It’s the people who truly make Scotland’s attractions world class, and these awards are about celebrating their hard work, creativity, and commitment. We look forward to celebrating their achievements at the ASVA Annual Conference.”

Following the recent announcement by VisitScotland regarding the retirement of the current Quality Assurance scheme, ASVA has been actively consulting with members to assess the sector’s needs. The feedback has made it clear that a new, improved Quality Assurance scheme is necessary. After careful consideration, we are pleased to share that ASVA intends to launch a new scheme owned and guided by the industry that will be open to all ASVA members and identified categories of businesses determined as part of the scheme design process. This initiative will operate on a break-even basis, aligning with our goal to support and develop Scottish attractions, with the aim to start in April 2025.

In creating this new scheme, we have worked closely with members, industry experts and stakeholders to ensure it addresses the diverse needs, challenges, and opportunities facing Scotland’s attractions. We will continue to work closely with VisitScotland to look at what complimentary industry advice and support they can offer ASVA members as they develop their new model of business support. Our approach is driven by the following core principles, designed to ensure that the new Quality Assurance scheme not only meets, but exceeds, the expectations of the industry and the attractions it serves.

Core Principles of the New Scheme:

• Commitment to World-Class Standards: By incorporating international best practices, we aim to deliver a globally recognised quality scheme.
• Industry-Owned and Agile: The new scheme will be led by ASVA, with the industry actively guiding its strategic and operational development.
• Enhanced Star Grading and Marketing Content: We will continue to provide star gradings while adding new branding and content support to empower our members in marketing their attractions.
• Improved Training: Building on our current offerings, we plan to increase the quality, access, and availability of training specific to this new scheme.
• Data Dashboard and Targeted Learning: A new benchmarking dashboard will inform members about industry standards and support learning trips to improve quality.

While we expect the cost to be higher than the previous scheme, we believe the added benefits – industry-led standards, enhanced training, improved marketing support, and valuable data insights – provide the best value for members.

CEO of ASVA, Michael Golding said: “We are excited to bring forward a Quality Assurance scheme that truly reflects the needs of our industry. We are committed to our vision for world-class Scottish attractions, and the incredible experiences they provide to visitors from around the world, that underpin the success of Scotland’s tourism industry as a whole.”

Chair of ASVA, Paul Nixon said: “This scheme is being developed by the industry, for the industry. We encourage all members to participate in the ongoing consultation to shape a scheme that will drive excellence across Scottish visitor attractions.”

Our priority is to be industry and needs led, and we will communicate transparently and actively as we progress. We invite all members and industry stakeholders to provide feedback on this proposal and contribute to its success as we work together to develop a Quality Assurance scheme that meets the aspirations of our sector.

For further information or to provide feedback, please feel free to contact us:
Michael Golding
CEO, ASVA
Email: michael@asva.co.uk

We’re excited to introduce a brand-new way for you to showcase your affiliation and pride in being a part of the ASVA family.  

The digital membership badge is exclusively for our members and can be proudly displayed on your website, email signature, and social media profiles. This badge showcases your commitment to the visitor attraction sector and symbolises your connection to a community dedicated to making Scottish attractions world-class. As a valued part of our network, we hope you’ll take pride in displaying this logo.

How to use your digital badge:

• Simply download the badge here.
• Add it to your website, or alongside other organisation badges and certifications.
• Share it on your social media profiles to show your commitment to the sector. 

We hope you will take full advantage of the digital membership badge and we can’t wait to see how you use it! If you have any questions or require further information, please email iona@asva.co.uk. 

Scotland’s visitor attractions enjoyed a robust year with visitor numbers up 17.2% despite cost of living and inflationary pressures, according to new figures released today.

Attractions across the country recorded 48,685,638 visits last year, an increase of 7,133,336 on 2022, as the sector saw numbers return to pre-COVID levels.

Data from the Moffat Centre at Glasgow Caledonian University and the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA) shows free attractions racked up 30,605,269 visits, up 4,354,960 on the previous year.

Edinburgh Castle remained in the top spot as Scotland’s most popular paid-for attraction, with visitor numbers increasing 41.5% to 1,904,723.

The National Museum of Scotland remains the number one free attraction with numbers increasing 10.8% to 2,186,841.

The National Galleries of Scotland: National recorded a 43.8% increase to 1,836,057, while St Giles Cathedral, up 37.6% to 1,473,211, and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, up 32.2% to 1,283,882, also enjoyed a busy year.

The Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow, which hosted Banksy’s first exhibition in 14 years, recorded a 60.4% increase in visitors to 510,936, while The Royal Yacht Britannia saw visitor numbers jump 51.1% to 361,175.

Chris Greenwood, Senior Research Fellow at The Moffat Centre, said: “Despite many headwinds experienced by businesses and consumers, visitor numbers have been robust. The overall performance is very positive.

“Consumer sentiment studies have shown greater price sensitivity among consumers relating to travel and tourism but a desire to travel remains.

“Price-sensitive visitors have a wealth of free attractions to choose from and our paid attractions continue to appeal to both international and domestic visitors alike.”

The overall number of visitors to paid-for attractions increased 19.2% in 2023 to 18,080,369.

Strong performers included Culzean Castle and Country Park, up 29.6% to 291,674, Glasgow Science Centre, up 24.2% to 350,441, and Urquhart Castle and Stirling Castle, up 24% and 23.7% respectively.

A total of 616 attractions across Scotland provided data for this year’s Visitor Attraction Monitor report.

Michael Golding, chief executive of ASVA, said:“Our sector’s relentless focus on delivering exceptional visitor experiences has been key to our recovery. The consistent upward trend in visitor numbers year after year is a result of the hard work of businesses.

“This resurgence of visitors is crucial, not only to our attractions and the tourism sector but also plays a significant role in bolstering the wider Scottish economy and supporting the communities that surround these attractions.” He added:“Despite facing ongoing challenges, our unwavering commitment to quality ensures Scotland’s position as a preferred destination for both UK and international visitors, promising continued growth, innovation, and sustainability.”

View the top 10 paid and free admissions here.

To inform the industry and support the work ASVA does to represent it, a benchmarking report was commissioned in 2023. The work was completed by Shanks Research, and we are now pleased to share the results of this research.

This was the most comprehensive data gathering exercise undertaken within the attractions sector in Scotland and the results will be used by ASVA to inform, educate & inspire members and to help shape and influence future policy decisions taken at a Scottish and UK Governmental level.

Within the report you will find insights on: organisation size and structure, funding, marketing, ticketing, HR and employment, sustainability, visitor statistics, finance and more.

Just under 400 individual ASVA attractions submitted data for inclusion in the report, from which some of the key points are as follows:

• In 2022, attractions mainly invested in maintenance and upkeep, into the development of new facilities, and into marketing and promotion. These were common across all types of attractions.
• Visitors tend to be older than the population, with the most common age group being 55-64, and low numbers of under 25s.
• The most common awards held by attractions were the Visit Scotland Quality Assurance award, followed by the Green Tourism Award.
• 99% of attractions offer living wage salaries.
• Increased footfall was the main criteria of success for organisations.
• Funding comes mainly from ticket revenue, with more than a third of revenue coming from this source. Remining funding comes from retail –particularly key for distilleries.
• Half of tickets are still purchased as walk-up tickets. Adult ticket prices averaged around £13, while a child ticket cost £5.50. More than half had set prices, but some attractions are now branching out into variable pricing models.

The full in-depth report can be found in the members area here.

A huge thank you to those who took the time to contribute to the completion of the report, we appreciate your time and hope you find this report useful to use as a reference for future benchmarking and insights.

Please do provide any feedback to ASVA CEO, Michael at michael@asva.co.uk that can help to inform future benchmarking reports. 

Scottish visitor attractions have demonstrated unparalleled excellence in visitor experience, outshining their counterparts across the UK, according to the latest results from the Mystery Visits programme. The results show Scottish attractions have consistently excelled since the initiation of the programme in 2021, consistently surpassing the UK benchmark.

Jon Young, Director of BVA BDRC said:“Scottish attractions have excelled since we started our Mystery Visits programme in 2021, regularly averaging above the UK benchmark. What makes these high scores particularly impressive is that these attractions have achieved top scores in all aspects of a visit. This includes areas where the sector average is low – such as staff proactivity (at arrival and during the visit) and sustainability. In our annual presentation in January (open to all) we will be sharing best practice on precisely what these attractions do so well in these areas.”

The recent ASVA Annual Conference provided a platform for the industry to collectively celebrate the exceptional performance and innovation demonstrated by Scottish visitor attractions. The resonance of key themes throughout the event not only underscores past successes but also sets the stage for a promising future, affirming Scotland’s position in the realm of visitor experiences.

Michael Golding Chief Executive of Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA) said:“The recent ASVA Annual Conference was the largest of its kind in the UK. It cast a spotlight on Scottish attractions outstanding commitment to visitor experience, which was evidenced in the UK leading Mystery Visit results. We’re incredibly proud and we are committed to providing ASVA members with ways to continually improve.”

“To support our industry, the conference also provided delegates with ways to exceed visitor expectations, use valuable insights to improve business performance, incorporate responsible tourism practices, and more as we deliver the ASVA vision to support the industry to create incredible memories for visitors from around the world.”

The recently released Mystery Visits report delves into the intricacies of these visits, unveiling the average scores across the 180 encounters, offering a panoramic view at overall, sector, and category levels. This overview serves as a valuable resource for attractions to assess their performance and identify areas for improvement.

Scotland led the nation’s top scorers, showcasing exceptional visitor experiences and serving as benchmark for industry excellence. Mercat Tours scored 100% and Camera Obscura scored 98.7% elevating Scotland’s commitment to unparalleled visitor experiences.

Kat Brogan, Managing Director at Mercat Tours said:“Striving to be the best is a cycle – ask, listen, reflect, act.

“Our team, our visitors and local community have all supported Mercat Tours to thrive since 1985 and quality has been the foundation of our growth.  The VisitScotland Quality Assurance Scheme pushed us to achieve 5 stars in 2006 and, to further excel, we launched our own rigorous QA scheme which celebrates our team and informs training, challenges us to improve and shapes product development.

“Since 2021 Mercat now benchmarks against the premium experiences offered in the UK with the BVA project.  This has elevated our knowledge and learning from across the country and sector which directly benefits for our team and visitors.  Our results have boosted our team who take great pride and passion in their work and steered future plans.”

The remarkable success of Scottish visitor attractions, highlighted by the Mystery Visits programme and echoed at the ASVA Annual Conference, cements Scotland’s potion as a leader in delivering unparalleled visitor experiences. As Scotland continues to set benchmarks for excellence, the future looks promising, driven by a collective dedication to innovation, sustainability, and the continual pursuit of excellence in visitor attractions across the nation.

The Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA) proudly commemorates its 35th anniversary, marking three and a half decades of unwavering commitment to Scotland’s dynamic tourism sector. In conjunction with this milestone, ASVA is excited to announce the appointment of three distinguished professionals to its Board of Directors. Alex Harvie, Head of Marketing Communications & Destination Marketing at Glasgow Life, Ross McMillan, Head of Destinations at Scottish Canals and Claire Eva, Director of Audiences and Media at V&A, have joined ASVA’s esteemed Board.

The appointments were confirmed at ASVA’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday 7^th December. In their respective roles, Alex, Ross, and Claire have demonstrated exceptional leadership in the tourism and cultural sectors, contributing significantly to the growth and success of their organisations. Their wealth of experience aligns seamlessly with ASVA’s mission to support and elevate visitor attractions across Scotland.

Paul Nixon, Chair of the ASVA Board and General Manager of The Real Mary King’s Close said:“As ASVA celebrates 35 years of dedication to promoting and advancing Scotland’s visitor attractions, I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to our new Board Members. Their wealth of experience and passion for our industry will undoubtedly enhance the strategic vision and dynamism of our Board.

“Together, we look forward to steering ASVA towards exciting horizons, and ensuring the continued success of Scotland’s vibrant visitor attractions. Their leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping our collective journey, and I am confident that their contributions will make a lasting impact.”

The new appointments come at an exciting time for ASVA as the organisation celebrates 35 years and approaches 300 members within the organisation, highlighting a significant milestone in its journey. Founded 35 years ago, ASVA has played a pivotal role in shaping and supporting Scotland’s tourism landscape. With nearly 300 members, ASVA has become a robust community of attractions, dedicated to fostering growth and collaboration within the industry.

As the Head of Marketing Communications and Destination Marketing at Glasgow Life, Alex Harvie plays a pivotal role in the operations of one of Scotland’s largest charities. Eight of Glasgow Life’s venues are ASVA attractions, including the award-winning Burrell Collection, Kelvingrove Art Gallery, and the Riverside Museum.

Alex Harvie, Head of Marketing Communications & Destination Marketing at Glasgow Life said: “As an enthusiastic supporter of ASVA’s mission and recognising the important role our attractions play at the heart of Scotland’s visitor economy, I look forward to supporting this wonderful organisation as a member of the Board.”

With a robust background spanning private, public, and third-sector organisations, Ross McMillan has established himself as a prominent figure in the tourism industry. His expertise lies in the commercial development of attractions, contributing to the success of ventures through strategic vision and effective capital investment.

Ross McMillan, Head of Destinations at Scottish Canals said:“I am delighted to be joining ASVA as a non-executive Board Member. ASVA is an exemplary industry body which truly reflects its values in how it represents and supports its members. I look forward to supporting the team, new and existing board colleagues and meeting many more members.”

In her role at V&A Dundee, Claire Eva leads Media and Audiences, driving initiatives in digital strategies, marketing, and communications. With a career spanning major institutions like Tate and Serpentine Galleries, Claire, a 20-year veteran in strategic marketing, passionately brings brands to life and has played a key role in putting Dundee on the global map and contributing to its reimagined waterfront development.

Claire Eva, Director of Audiences and Media at V&A Dundee said:“I’m absolutely delighted to be joining the ASVA board. ASVA is an essential institution for tourism in Scotland, ensuring our talented workforce has a strong network to help us deliver outstanding experiences for every visitor. It also ensures we are united as an industry in advocating for the outstanding impact of the attractions sector in Scotland.”

The addition of Alex, Ross, and Claire to the Board of Directors further strengthens ASVA’s commitment to providing valuable resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy for its expanding membership. Their diverse backgrounds in marketing, audience engagement, and destination management promise a dynamic and innovative approach to advancing ASVA’s mission. The association eagerly looks forward to benefiting from their leadership as it continues to shape Scotland’s vibrant visitor attractions landscape.

We are seeking to appoint new directors from applicants within the ASVA membership who can support the organisation to fulfil this vision and contribute to the strategy and governance of ASVA, while overseeing the effective delivery of the five-year business plan.

ASVA has a committed Executive Team and Board, with a growing membership and aspirations to further develop membership, as well as further enhancing representation of the Scottish visitor attraction sector. With much of the sector still in recovery from the pandemic and a challenging economic climate, new Directors will play a significant role in the future of the organisation and the important work the organisation undertakes to support the Scottish visitor attractions. In addition to making a meaningful contribution to the future of the sector, Directors will also benefit from developing a broader knowledge of the industry, have the opportunity to enhance their network and participate in other Board specific engagements.

Process and Timeline:

• 10^th October – Nominations open
• Applicants must represent an organisation currently in ASVA membership
• Applications by email to Michael Golding, ASVA CEO michael@asva.co.uk. These should include:
  • CV
  • Covering letter – highlighting how you can support the delivery of the ASVA vision and how, if applicable, you meet the diversity, representation and skills the Board is seeking
  • Nomination requirements:
    • “I confirm that I as candidate allow myself to be nominated at the ASVA AGM to stand for election as an ASVA Board Member” – please copy this without amends into your application email
    • A scanned letter including proposer name, organisation, and a wet ink signature OR an email from the proposer with the proposer name and organisation, stating their support for your nomination
    • A scanned letter including seconder name, organisation, and a wet ink signature OR an email from the seconder with the seconder name and organisation, stating their support for your nomination
• 26^th October 2pm – Nominations close
• Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview following the closing date and successful applicants will be included in the notice of the AGM
• Directors’ appointment confirmed and commence from the AGM

The Role:

• The Board meets four times per year
• Contribute to the strategy and governance of the organisation
• Opportunities may be provided to represent the attractions sector with decision makers
• Provide insight and understanding of the attractions sector
• Support and advise the Executive Team in delivery of the business plan 

The ensure a diverse, representative and skilled board, we are particularly encouraging applications from:

• Under 50
• Male
• Black and ethnic minorities
• Represent organisations in the Highlands and Islands Enterprise or South of Scotland Enterprise regions
• Represent an organisation who is an Attraction member of ASVA
• Skills in any of the following areas: Policy, Governance & Strategy, Value delivery, Sales and Marketing, Finance, HR, Visitor Experience, Technology and Data, Sustainability, Media & Communication

We encourage you to consider this opportunity and share it with those who you think might be perfect for the role, so we can help ensure a bright future for Scottish attractions and ASVA.

The current Board of Directors can be found here. If you have any questions regarding this recruitment process, please contact either the CEO Michael Golding michael@asva.co.uk or Chair Paul Nixon pnixon@realmarykingsclose.com.

We would like to say a huge congratulations to all of the ASVA members who have been crowned regional winners for the 2023 Scottish Thistle Awards. It is great to see so many ASVA members being recognised for their hard work within the industry and we wish them the best of luck at the National Final!   

Regional winners from within ASVA membership include:  

Central and East Regional Winners
Inclusive Tourism Award
RSPB Loch Lomond, Kinross

Best Visitor Attraction
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh

Innovation in Tourism
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh

Tourism Individual of the Year
Katie Scott, The Real Mary King’s Close

Aberdeen City & Shire
Best Visitor Attraction
Gordon Highlanders Museum
Aberdeen Science Centre

Celebrating Thriving Communities
Gordon Highlanders Museum

Tourism Individual of The Year 
Ian Pithie – Gordon Highlanders Museum

West of Scotland Regional Winners
Best Visitor Attraction
The Burrell Collection

Inclusive Tourism Award
Glasgow Science Centre

Tourism & Hospitality Employer of the Year
SEA LIFE Loch Lomond

There are still two more Regional Thistle Awards to take place in the coming months:  

• South of Scotland Thistle Awards: Thursday 5th October. 
• Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards: Friday 10th November.

Winners from all five regions will progress to the National Final. Find out more about the Regional Awards here. 

The Awards, delivered by VisitScotland in partnership with regional award programmes, celebrate the very best of Scotland’s tourism and events industry.  

Wishing all those nominated for upcoming Regional Awards the best of luck!

It gives us great pleasure to announce that bookings are now live for the ASVA Cultural Connections Conference that will take place on the 14th of November at Perth Concert Hall!

Cultural Connections will bring together visionary leaders and experts from all over the country within the visitor attractions sector to share their experiences with you. The conference will provide attendees with benchmarking and best practices, unparalleled networking opportunities and, of course, the chance to come together to socialise and celebrate at the end of a long season. We’re also delighted to let you know that Cultural Connections sees a new partnership with the Association for Cultural Enterprises (ACE), to provide you with an enhanced programme, making it simply unmissable.

We have a special Early Bird ticket price on offer until midnight on Friday 13th October, so be sure to secure your spot early and enjoy significant savings. Prices are outlined below:

• Member: £125 (+VAT)
• Non-Member: £170 (+VAT)
• Group Discount (4 or more attendees): £99 (+VAT)
• Trade Exhibition: £350 (+VAT)

To view our full programme and further event details, please click here.

Our Trade Exhibition will be a key part of the Conference activities, and an excellent opportunity for Trade Members to showcase their organisation to our attraction industry audience. There will be a limited number of trade stands available, so we advise booking as early as possible to ensure you secure your spot and avoid missing out. For any questions related to the Trade Exhibition, please email helen@asva.co.uk.

To book, please visit the ASVA website here.

Last week (21st July), ASVA’s CEO and Members of the ASVA Board, were pleased to have the opportunity to meet with the Minister for Small Business, Innovation, Tourism & Trade, Richard Lochhead MSP, to discuss the current opportunities and challenges facing the Scottish attractions sector. The meeting took place in the inspiring setting of the Billiard Room in Mackintosh at the Willow (many thanks to ASVA Director Pauline Young for allowing us to use her venue) and, whilst the meeting was scheduled to last one hour only, we were delighted that the Minister actually gave us more than three hours of his time to fully discuss the various issues raised. As well as sharing the latest visitor information and some key highlights from ASVA’s recently conducted benchmarking survey of the sector, there were detailed discussions on a wide range of issues including: 

• Our sector’s commitment to the fair work agenda and how we are trying to combat the current recruitment crisis 
• Current challenges with domestic visitation & spend over the summer and the implications this could have for the sector in winter
• The impact of rising costs, and most specifically energy bills, on our sector 
• Innovation within the sector and our ongoing commitment to invest (where possible) in this arena 
• The improvements required in tourism infrastructure in Scotland 
• The Transient Visitor Levy (TVL) Scotland Bill and the important role the Scottish Government must play in ensuring that this funding mechanism is used by local authorities to invest in tourism.  

On that last point, all attendees at the meeting were at pains to point out to the Minister that, when this draft Bill is passed into law by the Scottish Parliament, it is essential that the monies raised by local authorities are ringfenced for improving tourism and tourism related infrastructure. Mr Lochhead took this on board, but was keen to emphasise that if we want to see this happen as a sector, we must all collectively respond to the current Call for Evidence on the proposed Bill, which has been put forward by the Local Government, Housing & Planning Committee in the Scottish Parliament. ASVA will, of course, be submitting our own response to this consultation, but we would urge all of our members to do similarly, as volume of responses will undoubtedly carry influence.  

We would urge all members, when responding, to emphasise the importance of local authorities being required to ringfence monies raised from this levy to be spent on local tourism infrastructure and marketing. The consultation has 13 main questions to answer but respondents are not required to answer every question and can focus on the questions most relevant to them.. Our colleagues at the Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) are developing a visual guide with key considerations and suggested responses to the questions in the consultation. ASVA will share this guide with our members when it is published in early August.

  You can respond to the consultation by clicking here.