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Visit Scotland | Alba
Article published 05/07/2021

Finding the future of tourism and hospitality

A campaign has launched encouraging people to choose a career in Scotland’s valued tourism and hospitality industry.

The initiative, funded by the Scottish Government and supported by a range of organisations and charities, will support businesses to fill staff shortages that have occurred as a result of Brexit and encourage those aged 18-30 to play their part in helping businesses recover from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic by applying their skills to the diverse job opportunities available now.

The advertising campaign launched today, Monday 5 July, will promote the range of roles within the industry and help people find a job that suits different skill sets.

Whether it’s meeting new people, being part of a team, or working with food, the campaign highlights that ‘whatever you love doing, there’s a job in hospitality for you.’

The campaign has been developed in conjunction with the sector, and lead partner the Scottish Tourism Alliance, and is supported by £100,000 funding. 

Scotland is home to 14,000 registered tourism business such as restaurants, pubs, accommodation providers and visitor attractions. From tour guiding to working as a chef, hotel management to digital development, the industry has transformed its operations in the past decade to include a variety of role across all entry levels.

As well as highlighting career options, the campaign will showcase the unique benefits of working within Scotland’s tourism and hospitality sector, which includes the fact that no two days are the same, the scope for meeting people and for travel. The campaign will demonstrate the range of roles to be enjoyed within the industry and how to find a role that suits different skill sets.

It is hoped the campaign will encourage young people within Scotland to play an important role in helping the struggling sector back on its feet after the events of the past 15 months.

Tourism and hospitality businesses have been extremely hard hit by the pandemic and the ability to employ committed, talented and enthusiastic staff will be an important part of the recovery.

There are a host of job opportunities needing filled right now to suit a range of passions and interests and the possibilities for a career in hospitality are endless. Whether it’s meeting new people, being part of a team, or working with food, this new campaign highlights that ‘whatever you love doing, there’s a job in hospitality for you’.

We had pledged £25 million for tourism recovery in the first 100 days of this government and this recruitment campaign will play a key part in that recovery. I hope this recruitment drive will encourage young Scots who perhaps hadn’t considered a job in this sector to look at the many opportunities available to them.

Ivan McKee, Business and Tourism Minister, Scottish Government

Tourism and hospitality has been one of the greatest economic casualties of the pandemic. It will take time for it to fully recover and the ability to employ committed, talented and enthusiastic staff will be an important part of that.

However, there is no need to wait until the sector is back on its feet, there are a host of jobs opportunities currently available to suit a range of passions and interests. This is a chance to do something you love and play a part in the recovery of this valuable Scottish industry at the same time.

Unlike other sectors, the possibilities for a career in hospitality are endless, there are jobs to suit all personalities, interests and skill sets. It is a diverse and varied sector. So, if you enjoy eating out, going to a bar or visiting an attraction then why not consider being part of that and see if from the other side with an exciting career in tourism and hospitality?

Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive, VisitScotland

The campaign, will run from 5 July - 15 August and is supported by the Scottish Tourism Alliance, Skills Development Scotland, Springboard, HIT Scotland, VisitScotland, UKHospitality Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and South of Scotland Enterprise. 

Recruitment toolkit

Help us to encourage people to choose a career in Scotland’s valued tourism and hospitality industry. This toolkit has resources for you to get involved.

Take me to the toolkit.

#DoWhatYouLove

Useful resources

For more information on jobs available in the hospitality sector visit: careerscope.uk.net

Take a look at the website - myworldofwork.co.uk - for tourism and hospitality career information advice.

Related links