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

Business and Tourism Minister Ivan McKee said:

“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.”

Scottish Tourism Alliance Chief Executive Marc Crothall said:

“The jobs are here in Scotland’s tourism industry and employers are doing more than ever to support and encourage people to come and work in these roles, whether it’s for the short or longer term.

“The career opportunities are varied and numerous and in a people based sector. There are the added softer benefits such as being a valued part of a team and having something to be proud of – maybe a service that you have delivered or someone’s day that you’ve made with a great hospitality experience.

“This new campaign highlights the possibilities that exist right now for all abilities, skillsets and levels of experience. This summer is absolutely the time to become part of Scotland’s tourism industry and enjoy the buzz and reward that brings.”

Executive Director at UKHospitality Scotland Leon Thompson said:

“This is an important and very welcome campaign, demonstrating the Scottish Government’s support for the country’s hospitality sector. Right now many businesses are struggling to recruit a full workforce, resulting in closures and scaled back service. The campaign, with its focus on young people, helps illustrate the variety of the jobs on offer and the terrific career opportunities that can be enjoyed by people entering hospitality.

“Hospitality is all about people and that starts with a talented and skilled workforce. UKHospitality is delighted to be supporting this campaign.”

Background

The campaign will run from 5 July to 15 August.

Supporters of the campaign include the Scottish Tourism Alliance, UKHospitality Scotland, Skills Development Scotland, Springboard, HIT Scotland, VisitScotland, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and South of Scotland Enterprise.

As part of the campaign, tourism employers are asked to list vacancies on the Careerscope jobs portal. The jobs will then be available to all the Careerscope users and those with profiles will be matched to suitable vacancies.

Employers are encouraged as far as possible to advertise roles as being flexible and to offer training where required as this will encourage more young people to apply.