This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Five star quality for Shetland hostel
30/08/2002
Scotland's Tourism Minister will congratulate one of Shetland's tourism enterprises when he presents a Five Star Quality Status Award to Islesburgh Youth Hostel in Shetland.
On the second of a two day visit to the islands, Mike Watson was shown round the hostel which is one of two in the country to share the quality grading.
Islesburgh (or Lerwick Youth Hostel) is owned and run by the Islesburgh Trust, a local charity delivering services concerned with youth and children's work, tourism and arts, community and learning development.
It gained the quality marking following an incognito visit by a Quality Advisor who was impressed by the friendliness of the staff and the quality of the facility.
Mike Watson said:
"Today's tourists are far more discerning than they have ever been in the past, demanding quality and value for money whatever their budget. This balance has been struck at Islesburgh where the rough and ready corners traditionally associated with youth hosteling have been smoothed away to provide comfortable, clean and affordable accommodation.
"This change in approach and improvement to the quality of product offered to our tourists is something the Executive, in conjunction with VisitScotland and area tourist boards is striving to achieve across the sector.
"Much positive work is being done to ensure Scotland is a must-visit destination with all those involved recognising the value of the industry and that tourism is everyone's business. Shetland is no exception.
"Only this morning, VisitScotland announced its shortlist for this year's prestigious Thistle Awards. Fetlar Interpretive Centre and Shetland Amenity Trust have both been shortlisted.
"Fetlar Interpretive Centre has been nominated for the Cultural Tourism Award. The centre, awarded a Scottish Museum of the Year Award in 2000, is a small community run museum and visitor centre on the island of Fetlar. The variety of displays and multi-media exhibits housed in the museum demonstrates what can be achieved through an imaginative approach and dedication to quality.
"Shetland Amenity Trust has been nominated for the Area Tourism Initiative Award for its achievements in promoting tourism facilities on the islands through its project - Shetland Interpretive Leaflets. A high quality suite of leaflets, covering a range of subject matters, have been produced to cater for the diverse interests of visitors to Shetland.
"These examples reflect the work being undertaken by hotels, bed and breakfast facilities and visitor attractions throughout Scotland who are up-grading the products they offer to ensure they survive in an increasingly competitive market."
VisitScotland Thistle Awards will be presented by Mike Watson on October 25. Fetlar Interpretive Centre provides displays on local history, archaeology, folklore and wildlife, including interactive multi-media exhibits. In 2000, it became to first museum in Shetland to achieve full registration under phase two of the national museums registration scheme.
Shetland Amenity Trust began producing interpretive leaflets in 1996 with a project budget of £79,500. Leaflets cover a variety of topics including natural heritage, museums, arts, recreation, crafts and cuisine. The leaflets are available free of charge at strategic tourist sites.