Highland Tourism CIC confirms sponsorship at region’s Media Awards
New category of Environment and Sustainability reflects changing times and priorities
Sponsorship enables showcasing of area’s quality journalism
Highland Tourism CIC has confirmed its sponsorship of a new category for this year’s Highlands and Islands Media Awards (Kingsmills Hotel, February 4th).
The new award for Environment and Sustainability enables showcasing of the area’s quality journalism in these vital subject areas which have taken on new importance due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the Climate Emergency.
The category is the first of its kind for the awards which highlight and reflects on the work of journalists and media outlets operating in the Highlands and Islands.
Winners will be presented with the coveted accolades at the Highlands and Islands Press Ball which hosts the awards.
Highland Tourism was created by co-founders Yvonne Crook and Sam Faircliff and the organisation has delivered a roadmap strategy for ensuring the region is at the forefront of sustainable tourism in the global tourist market.
Highland Tourism Chairperson, Yvonne Crook, said: “We are delighted to show our support for the region’s journalists and media. They are vital in telling the story of sustainability and the environment which is so important to our way of life and the future of the crucial tourism sector. Going forward, we believe the interest in this category and this area of journalism will surely grow and grow.”
One of the directors of Highland Tourism, George Baxter, joined the panel of judges in reviewing this year’s entries for the category. He said: “The judges have been hugely impressed with the entries in this new category and I particularly liked the engagement with local people and the topics like Covid-19 recovery and community resilience. I think these are really important matters, especially in the context of environment and climate change. I was delighted by the refreshing prose and engaging style of entries, often telling a positive story which makes you want to read more. The standard has been very high with great quality entries.”
Gordon Fyfe, Highlands and Islands Media Awards chairman, said: “We want to thank Highland Tourism for having the vision to sponsor this new category. In light of developments like the pandemic and climate change, people, businesses and organisations are reassessing their priorities and fashioning solutions.
"They want to know more about sustainability and the environment. Our journalists and media outlets in the area are doing a crucial job in difficult times to deliver that for them, so it is right to recognise their quality work.”