Bringing Tourism into Focus

As thousands of graduates and school leavers across Scotland consider their next career move, a new digital campaign by VisitScotland is highlighting the valuable role of young people in the country’s thriving tourism and hospitality sector.

Future Focus, inspired by Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018, explores the journeys of a range of young tourism ambassadors working in the industry.

The campaign, which launches today (Thursday 9 August), aims to encourage businesses and organisations to celebrate young employees and inspire future generations to consider tourism as a career.

Scotland’s tourism industry accounts for approximately 217,000 jobs across 14,000 tourism businesses. Every £62,000 spent by visitors supports one job across Scotland’s economy.

Malcolm Roughead, VisitScotland Chief Executive, said: “Scotland is famous for many things; our stunning scenery, rich history, diverse culture and, of course, our warm welcome. If we want to continue keeping Scotland at the top of everyone’s now list we need to attract staff with the skills, passion and desire to ensure visitors leave with lasting memories of their time here.

“Throughout the Year of Young People 2018 we have been celebrating the astounding talent and priceless contributions of those aged 8-26 years old. We want to inspire the next generation to choose tourism as a career and join this fast-paced, exciting and vibrant industry which is the heartbeat of the Scottish economy.”

From chefs to tour guides, event organisers to marketeers, a series of specially-created videos and blogs throughout the year, will share the stories of those helping ensure Scotland is a must-visit destination.

Joe Posnett from Edinburgh is one of 54 apprentices working with Apex. The 21 year old is completing an apprenticeship at Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel, gaining experience in a range of areas, from waiting and kitchen work to reception and housekeeping.

As he explains in his video, an apprenticeship was an ideal alternative as Joe prepared to start his career. Joe said: “Learning and working is amazing, I didn’t get on at school because I’m not a book learner and there was a lot students like me with so much potential in different areas. A big part of what I would like to do in the future is to help those that still don’t know what is out there for them. There are so many avenues that hospitality can take you down.”

Robert Allan, Human Resources Director at Apex, added: “We were thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase the journey of one of our apprentices - we hope this will help to inspire even more people who want to forge a career in an exciting industry.

“Right now we have more than 50 apprentices working across a variety of roles which is testament to our commitment to investing in skills development. They receive tailored support that’s right for them, with mentoring, coaching and confidence building.

“The Year of Young People has provided an excellent opportunity for us to show the array of opportunities out there and is sure to capture the imagination of the industry’s next generation of stars.”

Tourism businesses across Scotland are now being urged to shine a light on their own young rising stars and join the conversation on social media using #FutureFocus and #YOYP2018.

For more information about #FutureFocus visit www.visitscotland.org/future-focus