Shetland Museum and Archives have been announced as winners in two categories of the first UK Theme Park and Visitor Attraction Awards. These are the only awards specifically given for this important aspect of the UK tourism and leisure industry sector.
The categories of "Children's Visitor Attraction of the Year" and "Best Museum or Gallery" for 2010 have both been awarded to Shetland Museum and Archives.
The judging panel for these awards included experts on marketing, customer service and the tourism industry and was overseen by Dr Osman Khan. Dr Kahn has worked with many multinational organisations in the tourism, travel and hospitality industries.
Emma Miller, Marketing Officer with Shetland Amenity Trust, said “The fact that Shetland Museum and Archives has been recognised and awarded at this national level, amidst high quality competition, is something we are all very proud of. Our facility offers a high standard of service, education, entertainment and experience to all our visitors and both of these awards are well earned by the hard work of staff involved.”
Winners of other categories in this award scheme include Manchester Utd Football Club, The Science Museum and Chessington World of Adventures.
A third award has been received from netmums.com – the UK's fastest growing online parenting organisation. Netmum's members voted Shetland Museum and Archives as one of the top free places to go in the UK. As a "mums choice" award, voted for by the public, this acknowledges the family friendly nature of the building and its facilities and services.