Volunteering the importance of tourism

Scotland’s national tourism organisation is highlighting the importance of volunteers within the tourism industry to mark International Volunteers Day 2020.

VisitScotland is promoting the value and importance of volunteers to tourism, as it continues to support the industry to rebuild following the devastating impact of COVID-19.

Many tourism businesses across Scotland – especially those operating as charities – use volunteers within their service delivery. Their roles range from tour guides, offering local and expert knowledge of visitor attractions and historical events, to train drivers and bakers. 

Volunteering contributes £5.5billion to the economy in Scotland every year, with 48% of adults having volunteered on an informal or formal basis.* 

Volunteers bring unique insights and knowledge to the tourism industry, while volunteering within tourism gives people the opportunity to gain new skills, learn more about their country and give something back.

“Scotland is world famous for its warm welcome and we are very proud of the volunteers that play an important role in this. On International Volunteers Day we want to showcase some of the individuals who give up their time to offer a friendly smile, a unique tale and their own expertise to enhance the visitor experience. 

“Every corner of tourism has been affected by COVID-19. As part of our recovery strategy, we are working with businesses and organisations across the country to ensure we support them as much as possible as we look to rebuild this vital part of Scotland’s economy. 

“Tourism is a force for good and has a part to play in not just providing jobs and economic benefits to every corner of Scotland but also bringing benefits to wellbeing and society.”

“Visitors are increasingly looking forward to special experiences to remember, and connecting with our volunteers from all backgrounds, ages, and interests makes a fantastic positive difference.”

 We have over 300 volunteers and they put their passion in to creating something really special that can be enjoyed by the thousands of people who visit every year. Our volunteers are highly regarded as one of the best parts of the visit and they always go the extra mile to please. They are often seen engaging in conversation and listening as people recall their personal memories which creates a bond between us and our visitors.”

 “Volunteers also make a substantial economic contribution. Collectively in 2018/2019, volunteers contributed over 13,000 hours to Abbotsford; a substantial amount of time equivalent to several staff members. For a small independent charity such as The Abbotsford Trust – which receives no core government funding – this support is fundamental to our charitable mission to keep Abbotsford’s doors open.

 “Our volunteers are our ambassadors and through them we have fostered close links with our local Borders communities. Many have spent their lives locally and they form an important link between Abbotsford as it was during the time of Dame Jean Maxwell-Scott (the last direct descendent of Sir Walter Scott to live here) and as it is now in the ownership of the Abbotsford Trust. This continuity with the past ensures we never lose sight of where we have come from.”

For more information on International Volunteers Day and to read more about volunteers working in tourism, visit https://www.visitscotland.org/news/2020/international-volunteers-day-2020