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30th June 2008
Tourism In Aberdeenshire
North East MSP Alex Johnstone is calling for
a more structured approach to careers in the service
industry.
Mr Johnstone said "Figures show that in
Aberdeen and Grampian, the tourism industry is becoming more
and important to the economy of the North East, but the fact
is that many of our young people do not seem to view a
career in the service sector as a long term or rewarding
option. This can be demonstrated by the high number of
tourist businesses which are currently dependent on seasonal
and immigrant workers to maintain their services."
The most up to date research from
VisitScotland shows that during 2006, it is estimated that
UK residents took 1.5 million trips to Aberdeen and
Grampian, with visitors from overseas taking 0.25 million
trips staying 1.8 million nights. Overseas tourists also
spent a staggering £92 million in Aberdeen and Grampian,
with Crathes Castle alone attracting over sixty four
thousand visitors in 2006.
Mr Johnstone continued "8% of all employment
in Aberdeenshire and Grampian is in the tourism industry,
although slightly lower than the national average of 9.2%
and I believe that this figure is set to rise in the medium
term. To attract people into the industry, and to ensure
continued growth in the tourism and hospitality industry, we
need to demonstrate that a long term, structured career is
both viable and attractive."
"We need only look to countries such as
America, where the hospitality and tourism industry is
viewed as both a potentially fulfilling and lucrative career
option. I applaud the work that has already been done with
hospitality specific vocational courses an important part of
many college and university prospectuses, but we must do
more to promote tourism in the north east, not only to
provide an enjoyable and memorable experience for our
visitors, but also to maximise the benefits from the
industry."
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