Welcome to the Employers Toolkit
This section of our toolkit provides a comprehensive overview of the tools and resources available to employers in Scotland’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Here, you'll find valuable information on everything from training and development to visa support for your business.
Working in tourism and hospitality can be incredibly fulfilling, but it can also come with its challenges, such as recruitment issues, navigating to net zero, and creating fulfilling workplaces. This toolkit is designed to equip you with the resources and knowledge you need to support your employees effectively.
We encourage you to explore the toolkit and share it with your colleagues and peers in the industry. Together, we can create a more informed and supportive workplace for everyone in hospitality and tourism.
Welcome to the Tourism and Hospitality Toolkit
Tourism and Hospitality mean so many things to me as I've dedicated much of my life to this industry. But, if I had to sum up all these years in a single word, it would be: people.
The hospitality industry is all about people. Every interaction—from the chef in the kitchen to the server at the table, the receptionist welcoming guests, or the manager planning operations—creates memorable experiences for customers and colleagues alike. It’s an industry that thrives on teamwork, passion, and a shared commitment to delivering great service.
I've always believed that tourism is everyone's business. It reaches into every corner of our communities, touches every type of business, and makes a real difference to the lives of people across Scotland, contributing greatly to our country’s economy.
Our Tourism and Hospitality Industry Leadership Group (ILG) mission for “proud and valued people”, sets out a bold vision for the future. We want Scotland’s tourism and hospitality sector to have an outstanding, resilient, and flexible workforce who are proud of what they do. We need our people to understand and love the sector they work in and be able to meet the requirements of the 21st century workplace.
The sector should continue to develop a strong focus on training, fair work, sustainability, and promoting equality and mental wellbeing as tourism is about so much more than just great destinations. It’s a vibrant industry with many moving parts, countless voices, and a strong desire to work together toward a shared goal: for Scotland to lead the way in tourism for the 21st century.
But that won’t happen by chance.
This toolkit has been designed for hospitality employers and employees alike with the support of the Industry Leadership Group and the Tourism and Hospitality Skills Group, providing practical guidance and resources to support a thriving industry. From information on educational pathways, to creating inclusive and respectful workplaces, it brings together key information, case studies, and actionable steps to help make hospitality a great place to work.
This toolkit one of the most comprehensive resources available for anyone working in our tourism and hospitality sectors, and I hope it helps you see the true value of people in our industry. Please feel free to share it with your colleagues, friends, and anyone else in your network.
Marc Crothall
Chief Executive, Scottish Tourism Alliance
Select an area of interest
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Skills
Running a successful business in tourism & hospitality means having the right people with the right skills.
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Achieving net zero
Scotland is taking action to tackle the global climate emergency.
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Recruitment and retention
Empowering everyone to reach their full potential.
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Fair work overview
Fair work is all about creating a good work environment.
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Other useful resources
Organisations supporting the Hospitality & Tourism sector.