Ingliston Country Club and Hotel staved off fierce competition to be named the inaugural winner of the Excellence in Tourism award at the ROCCO Business Awards 2018, hosted by Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce.
The hotel was part of a stellar shortlist which also included Scottish Opera for their performance of Pagliacci at ‘Paisley Opera House’ and the five-star Visit Scotland entertainment and leisure venue, The Experience in Hillington.
Each finalist gave a presentation to a judging panel and the family-run business took home the accolade after being praised for their innovation and care for their staff, as well as their aim to establish the venue as a must-visit attraction in the Renfrewshire area.
Paul Fraser, Ingliston Country Club & Hotel Owner, said: “I could not be more proud that the team at Ingliston has collected this award.
“It’s fantastic for the local area to have so many thriving businesses and we were up against tough competition. It really is a team effort and it’s a fantastic moment for me to see everyone’s hard work and commitment recognised in this way.”
Renfrewshire’s innovative new tourism brand PaisleyIs was the title sponsor of the 2018 awards, which aim to recognise excellence in the business community.
Embracing this theme, PaisleyIs introduced the Excellence in Tourism Award this year which set out to identify the businesses that create a fantastic visitor experience in the area.
Louisa Mahon, Head of Renfrewshire Council’s events, marketing and communications, said: “We’re delighted to sponsor the ROCCOs this year as we celebrate excellence in the business community across all sectors and with PaisleyIs being the official guide to visiting and investing in Renfrewshire, it was clear the brand was the perfect choice to be the headline sponsor.
“Our new award was closely contested, and it showed the fantastic tourism options that Paisley and Renfrewshire has to offer and we’re delighted to be able to recognise these fantastic businesses through these awards.”
Renfrewshire Council Depute Leader, Councillor Jim Paterson, gave the business community an insight into the new brand on the night and outlined why it is such an exciting new venture for the area.
Councillor Paterson said: “PaisleyIs is an exciting opportunity to grow Renfrewshire as a visitor destination and our businesses will be at the heart of this transformation.
“It was great to see so many businesses from all sectors being recognised for their innovation, workforce development and outstanding customer service.”
VisitScotland have worked closely with PaisleyIs as the destination brand develops and their Regional Director, Gordon Smith, was on hand to present the award at the Normandy Hotel in Renfrew.
Gordon Smith, VisitScotland Regional Director, said: “It was a pleasure to present the Excellence in Tourism Award to the Ingliston Country Club and Hotel at the ROCCO Awards and a big well done to the other finalists, The Experience and Scottish Opera. Ingliston has done an incredible job of adding stunning visitor accommodation to their first-class equestrian centre.
“Ingliston Country Club and Hotel is an example of tourism being more than a holiday experience – tourism is the heartbeat of the Scottish economy and touches every community, generating income, jobs and social change.
“We need to continue encourage the industry to provide world class service, facilities, events and attractions to keep up with ever-changing consumer demands and ensure visitors continue to have memorable experiences.”
The ROCCOs are in their 15th year and have established themselves as Renfrewshire’s principle business event, bringing together business from across all sectors.
£11,000 was raised on the night for local charities and good causes, with the main beneficiaries being St Vincent’s Hospice and Paisley YMCA digital fabrication project.
Renfrewshire Chamber Chief Executive Bob Grant, said: Rocco 2018 will be remembered as a Rocco record-breaker. The event sold out in record time, we had a record number of awards and raised a record amount for our two Rocco charities.
“A massive thank you to all our sponsors, those who donated raffle prizes and a hearty congratulations to all who made the shortlist and our 17 worthy winners.”
For more information on new destination brand for Paisley and Renfrewshire, visit www.paisley.is and follow on social media @paisleyis.