A GROUP of Borderers have been recognised as some of the top 100 women in tourism.

The 2024 Top 100 Women In Tourism award winners were selected by industry leaders from a peer-nominated group of 250 women.

They were chosen for their 'passion' for Scottish tourism. 

The initiative, which was first launched in 2018 by Women In Tourism (WIT), aims to recognise the challenges and opportunities for women within the tourism sector.

The winners from the  Borders are Fiona Drane, Sandy Maxwell-Forbes, Sarah McDonald, and Kirsty Innes.

Ms Drane is an independent marketing and tourism consultant as well as a director at SCOTO.

Ms Maxwell-Forbes is the director at the Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor centre in Galashiels.

Ms McDonald works as a development agent at the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA), while Ms Innes is an independent PR and tourism consultant.

Ms Innes works with various businesses and organisations across the Borders and southern Scotland, including the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project.

Susan Russell, chair of Women In Tourism, said: "The Women in Tourism Top 100 is now firmly established as one of the most prestigious honours in the Scottish tourism industry.

"On behalf of the entire Women in Tourism Board, I'd like to congratulate our 2024 Top 100 on everything they've achieved, and for their continued passion for our industry.

"We were overwhelmed with the response to the call for nominations and loved reading each and every one.

"Today is a moment for celebration and recognition for those that go above and beyond on a daily basis.

"I'd like to give a huge thank you to every person that took the time to nominate someone doing amazing things within Scottish tourism.

The winners include women from almost all areas of the industry, including front of house, tour operators, bloggers, golf specialists, food and beverage experts, back of house, event organisers, HR professionals, destination leaders, rural trailblazers, and transport operators.

Ms Russel also spoke about the tourism industry within Scotland: "While the sector continues to recover from the pandemic, we know that there are new challenges ahead.

"It's important to recognise the wealth of talent we have here in Scotland and we hope that the Top 100 inspires and motivates future tourism leaders.

"I encourage you to connect with them, celebrate with them, and continue to shine a light on the thousands of passionate women working across Scottish tourism."