Have you had a memorable experience when visiting Orkney? If so, the organisers of the 2026 Orkney Tourism Awards want to hear from you!
The Orkney Tourism Awards, launched in 2022, recognise local businesses, attractions and services that go the extra length to make visits to the islands so special.
Voting for the 2026 awards, organised by Destination Orkney, is open now with eleven different categories available, including best visitor attraction, best hotel experience, and best adventure/activity experience. In addition, there are categories for tour guide of the year, Orkney ambassador and a rising star award for those at the start of their tourism or hospitality career.
Local folk can take part too, with shortlists for best eating experience and tourism individual of the year also on offer. Members of the public can submit their votes on Orkney.com, where the full list of categories is available, and be entered into a prize draw.
Main event sponsor for the awards, which run every two years, is the Orkney Islander magazine, with additional sponsorship coming from Serco NorthLink Ferries and Orkney Harbours. Several local businesses and organisations are also sponsoring individual award categories.
Nominations will remain open until December of this year, and the winners will receive their awards at a special celebration early in the New Year. They’ll also be put forward by Destination Orkney for the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards and the Thistle Awards.
Chair of Destination Orkney, Martin Fleet, said: “We’re delighted to be launching the 2026 Orkney Tourism Awards ahead of the main visitor season getting underway. Tourism is a vital part of the Orkney economy and all the businesses and individuals within the sector work incredibly hard to ensure visitors get the best possible experience while guests in our islands. It’s nice to give the folk who use all those services the chance to recognise and reward that commitment. We’d urge everyone to get involved, both visitors and local folk, cast their votes and give our tourism businesses a well-deserved boost!”
Leah Seator, managing director of the Orkney Media Group, publishers of the Orkney Islander magazine, said: “The Orkney Islander magazine is a huge supporter of tourism in Orkney, working with local industry representatives and businesses to showcase the very best of our islands.
"We are therefore thrilled to team up with the Orkney Tourism Awards this year, to help celebrate the stars of this industry, and shine a light on those who work so hard to make the visitor experience here stand out. We look forward to working with Destination Orkney on this wonderful initiative.
Voting is under way - please do take part and get behind your favourites!"
Previous award winners have been speaking about the positive impact the accolades have had for their businesses.
Nicky Bichan, from Shorelands Orkney, said: “We were genuinely surprised and honoured to receive the award for Best B&B or Guest House Experience at the Orkney Tourism Awards 2024. With so many wonderful places to stay across Orkney, it really meant a great deal to us to be chosen. As the awards are voted for by guests and the public, it makes the recognition even more special. The award now proudly sits in our hall for guests to see when they arrive, and we’re very grateful to everyone who has supported us and made it possible.”
Kathy Bichan from Buxa Farm Chalets and Croft House, said: “Winning both Best Self-Catering Accommodation Experience and Tourism Individual of the Year in 2024 was a tremendous honour and a valuable recognition of the hard work and dedication behind providing an exceptional guest experience. It has given a real boost to the business and reinforced our commitment to quality tourism in Orkney.”
And Jon Chapman, from 59 Degrees North, Sanday, added: “Winning Best Eating Experience at the awards meant so much to all of us at 59 Degrees North. We set out to create a relaxed, welcoming space where people can come together over great pizza and to have that recognised is incredibly special. We’re passionate about what we do - from the dough we make each day to the atmosphere we try to create, and this award feels like a real reflection of that care.”
Find out how you can vote in the 2026 Orkney Tourism Awards.