Tourism Industry Award Finalist Success

Grampian Campervan Hire is celebrating after reaching the final stages of the 2023 Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards.

The company, which is located at Kennethmont near Huntly, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Best Self Catering Accommodation Experience category.

The business was started by Mieke Guijt and husband Jan during the challenges of Covid, with the purchase of their first campervans in December 2020. The budding entrepreneurs then welcomed their first customers in April 2021.

The company has continued to flourish, with nine campervans now in the fleet and over 100 bookings secured this year to date.

Additionally, the couple opened an adjacent Campra accredited campsite in April, with plans progressing towards developing a facilities block on site by summer 2024.

Commenting on the award finalist success, company founder, Mieke Guijt, said, “We are absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted as a finalist in these coveted industry awards. We took a risk when we set up the business, but we had a vision and have worked hard to develop and grow the company over the past couple of years. To be recognised amongst the finest businesses in the industry across the north east is a great personal and business achievement. Our biggest motivation has been the positive feedback we get from our happy customers, who recognise our efforts and who we are able to assist in experiencing and enjoying our beautiful country. We are really looking forward to attending the awards ceremony and celebrating with other finalists from across the industry.”

A total of 47 tourism and hospitality businesses and individuals from across the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire region have been shortlisted for final judging across the various award categories.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony to be held at The Chester Hotel in Aberdeen on Friday 22 September.