The efforts of the helpers have been marked as part of International Volunteers Day 2020
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.
VisitScotland chief executive Malcolm Roughead said: “We want to take the opportunity this International Volunteers Day to celebrate the many volunteers working within the tourism industry right across Scotland.
“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.”
Volunteer Scotland chief executive, George Thomson, said: “I’m delighted to see this recognition of volunteering in Scotland’s tourism. International Volunteers Day is an ideal time to say thank you to the volunteers who help make the welcome of tourists from home and abroad as good as it gets.
“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.”
Amanda Kilburn, business development director, Scottish Railway Preservation Society, Operators of The Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway, said: “Almost all of the people who work here are volunteers, from those who maintain the track, carriages and steam engines, to the many who welcome visitors to enjoy the ambiance of a golden age. Without them giving up their precious time there would be no heritage railway in Bo’ness and the skills they bring are so valuable in preserving Scotland’s railway history.
“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.”
Dr Sandra Mackenzie, heritage engagement manager at The Abbotsford Trust in the Scottish Borders, said: “Abbotsford’s team of 130 dedicated volunteers play a hugely significant part in our operations and are at the heart of everything we do. Under normal circumstances, volunteers are involved in various roles including guiding visitors around the historic house and gardens, assisting with admissions, driving the minibus and maintaining our gardens and estate.
“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.”
