The SEARCH is on to find the most dynamic and talented women in Scotland for this year’s Women in Hospitality, Tourism and Food & Drink Awards, organised by Business Women Scotland.

The Awards, now in their fourth year, shine a spotlight on events and festivals, tours, marketing and rising stars – giving them the recognition they deserve for going above and beyond to look after customers and staff.

The 2020 awards were launched at a fundraising dinner in Glasgow’s Eusebi Deli for Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland, in support of the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship.

Last year, Giovanna Eusebi was presented with the prestigious Bar/Café/Restaurant of the Year award.

Giovanna said: “I’m delighted to support the Women in Hospitality, Tourism and Food & Drink Awards. This is a real celebration of the best female talent in the hospitality industry and a wonderful way to help put women in this important sector on the map.”

“I was overwhelmed to win an award last year and there’s a whole team behind me who helped make that happen.”

This year’s event takes place in a glittering ceremony on May 1 at the Waldorf Astoria in Edinburgh.

The Awards will feature new categories that celebrate inspirational women at all stages of their career including chef of the year, travel blogger of the year and visitor experience of the year.

Lynne Kennedy MBE, founder of Business Women Scotland, said: “Recognising the number of women working in senior leadership roles across the visitor economy is vital to encourage more females to join the sector.

“In these awards we pay tribute to the incredible achievements of both established and rising stars.

“They are an inspiration not just to their peers, but to the next generation of women considering a career in Scotland’s thriving hospitality and tourism sectors.”

Judges for the 2020 awards include Dale MacPhee of the Waldorf Astoria and Maria Huggett of the Tourism Excellence Consultancy.

The deadline for the 2020 awards is March 9.