Camera Obscura crowned National Winner for Tourism & Hospitality Employer of the Year

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is celebrating a monumental win after being crowned National Winner for ‘Tourism & Hospitality Employer of the Year’ in Scotland at the 2024 Scottish Thistle Awards.

Above: The team celebrate their monumental win at the awards ceremony

The Scottish Thistle Awards honour the very best in the hospitality, tourism and events sector and winning is the highest accolade. For over thirty years these awards have celebrated excellence, innovation and collaboration within Scotland’s tourism industry. A total of 19 businesses and individuals were honoured at the national final on 21 November 2024, marking the awards' 30^th anniversary.

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions was recognised for providing an inspiring and supportive working environment, with a commitment to diversity and development opportunities. Staff feedback systems and training is a top priority. Partnerships with local schools and initiatives ensures fresh talent is welcomed and the future of the hospitality workforce is nurtured.

Camera Obscura was also a finalist in the Climate Action Award category, winning the Edinburgh and East Regional Final in September. The judges commended the attraction's proactive approach in making use of tools and resources to help understand their carbon footprint and putting plans and targets in place. Ownership of climate action is demonstrated across every corner of the business, from the cleaning team through to how they develop their exhibitions. The team are passionate about extending their climate action much wider than their own business, having established and contributed to many innovative partnerships.

Camera Obscura has also just won the Forth Awards, Visitor Attraction Award 2024, at a celebrity filled ceremony last Thursday.

“We are incredibly honoured to receive the National Thistle Award for Tourism and Hospitality Employer of the Year,” said Andrew Johnson, General Manager of Camera Obscura & World of Illusions. “This award is a testament to our dedication to creating an inspiring and supportive workplace that values diversity and prioritises the development of our team. By continually evolving our feedback systems and making training a top priority, we ensure that every member of our staff has the tools they need to succeed. We would like to congratulate everyone who was nominated for an award.”

Above: Camera Obscura guide Issac with the Scottish Thistle Award

Steven Walker, chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards industry panel said: “Congratulations to all our finalists. For over 30 years, the Scottish Thistle Awards have championed the very best of our tourism and events industry. To this day, they continue to shine a spotlight on our countries best, celebrating innovation, collaboration, and hard work.”

Around 400 guests attended the special event that marks the culmination of the Scottish Thistle Awards programme for 2024. The evening was hosted by TV presenter Jennifer Reoch and comedian Craig Hill with entertainment by Cammy Barnes.