Making the shortlist of the Aberdeen City & Shire Thistle Awards is an achievement in itself. Every finalist has already been through a rigorous judging process and has been recognised as one of the very best tourism and hospitality businesses or individuals in the north east.
But don't let the announcement be the finish line.
The weeks between becoming a finalist and the awards ceremony are a golden opportunity to raise your profile, celebrate your team and remind customers exactly what makes you special. Whether you lift the trophy in September or not, finalist status is something that can continue to deliver value long after the applause has faded.
Here are a few ways to make the most of it.
Tell everyone – and then tell them again
One social media post on announcement day isn't enough.
Over the coming weeks keep reminding people that you're an Aberdeen City & Shire Thistle Awards finalist. Share the story from different angles:
- What the recognition means to your team.
- Why you entered.
- What makes your business special.
- Behind-the-scenes preparations for the awards evening.
- Staff reactions when the finalists were announced.
Your customers enjoy seeing the people behind the business just as much as the finished product.
Follow the awards on social media
We'll be shining the spotlight on every finalist across our Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn channels in the run up to the awards ceremony.
Make sure you're following us on all three platforms.
When we feature your business:
- Like the post.
- Share it to your own pages.
- Comment on it.
- Tag members of your team.
- Encourage your staff, supporters and customers to engage too.
Every interaction helps more people see your business.
Update your website
Don't leave your finalist status hidden away on social media.
Add it to:
- Your homepage.
- Your news section.
- Your email signature.
- Your booking confirmation emails.
- Your recruitment pages.
The "Aberdeen City & Shire Thistle Awards 2026 Finalist" graphic instantly reassures potential customers that they're choosing a recognised business.
Tell your local media
Your local newspaper, magazine, community website or local radio station may be delighted to feature your success.
Don't just tell them you've become a finalist.
Tell them why it matters.
Talk about your team, your journey, your investment, your customers and what tourism means to your local community. A good human story will always travel further than a simple announcement.
Celebrate your team
Awards aren't won by one person.
Take the opportunity to thank the people who helped get you here.
Whether that's a staff breakfast, a team photograph, a small celebration or simply recognising individuals on social media, people enjoy being part of success. Recognition boosts morale and reminds everyone that their efforts are noticed.
Give your customers a reason to celebrate too
Your customers helped get you to the final.
Invite them to join the celebrations.
Ask them to:
- Share their favourite memories.
- Post photographs from their visits.
- Leave a review.
- Comment on your finalist announcement.
- Recommend you to friends.
User-generated content is often more powerful than anything you can write yourself.
Keep using your finalist status
Don't pack it away after awards night.
Whether you become a winner or remain a finalist, you've still been recognised among the very best in the region.
Use that recognition in:
- Tender submissions.
- Funding applications.
- Recruitment campaigns.
- Sales presentations.
- Marketing literature.
- Exhibition stands.
- Email signatures.
- Social media profiles.
A finalist logo can continue to work for your business for months to come.
Support your fellow finalists
The Aberdeen City & Shire Thistle Awards celebrate an industry that succeeds together.
Follow the other finalists, congratulate them, comment on their posts and share the excitement.
Today's finalist could become tomorrow's business partner, supplier or collaborator.
Finally...
Take a moment to enjoy it.
Running a tourism or hospitality business is demanding. Most teams move straight on to the next guest, the next booking or the next event without stopping to recognise how much they've achieved.
Being named an Aberdeen City & Shire Thistle Awards finalist is independent recognition of the quality, passion and hard work that goes into your business every day.
Celebrate it.
Talk about it.
Share it.
Make it work for you.
We'll be celebrating every finalist over the coming weeks across Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, so make sure you're following the Aberdeen City & Shire Thistle Awards and keep an eye out for your feature. We can't wait to tell your story.