Paying the real living wage can help attract and retain staff
amid recruitment challenges in the sector, Tourism Minister
has heard.
The Scottish Government encourages all firms to pay the real
Living Wage (RLW) – which stands at £12 per hour.
Visiting Camera Obscura & World of Illusions in Edinburgh to
mark the beginning of Scottish Tourism Month, organised by the
Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA), Mr Lochhead heard how the RLW
had raised staff morale, and strengthened the business.
Scotland’s national tourism strategy, Outlook 2030, developed in
partnership with the industry and Scottish Government, sets out
ambitions to be a world leader in 21st century tourism
and recognises the crucial role workers play in providing
memorable experiences and boosting the country’s reputation to
visitors.
Mr Lochhead said:
“Scottish Tourism Month is a major industry event and an
opportunity to highlight how crucial the sector is for our
economy, society and international standing.
“I know the whole industry is committed to fair work and Camera
Obscura has been recognised by The Living Wage Scotland Awards
for showing exceptional leadership.
“Tourism is an attractive and rewarding long term career and
paying the RLW brings tangible benefits to businesses, as the
sector faces post-Brexit recruitment challenges and cost of
living pressures for staff.
“I am grateful for the important contribution tourism makes to
our economy and wish STA well for its Tourism Month programme.”
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions general manager said:
“We know others in the sector have faced recruitment challenges
since freedom of movement changed with Brexit. Since becoming a
real living wage employer, we have not had any problems
attracting quality candidates and know from our staff that paying
the real Living Wage is a key factor.
“Ensuring our team members receive the real Living Wage is not
just about fairness, it's about recognising the invaluable
contribution they make to the success of Camera Obscura &
World of Illusions every day.
“I've seen first-hand how this commitment boosts morale, enhances
job satisfaction and fosters a more dedicated and motivated
workforce. We're not just investing in our people, we're
investing in the extraordinary experiences they provide to our
visitors, making our business stronger and more sustainable in
the long run.”
Scottish Tourism Alliance chief executive said:
“The purpose of Scottish Tourism Month is to raise the profile of
the sector. It’s about the industry coming together to listen,
learn and be inspired by others, connect and share best practice.
But most of all it’s about celebrating Scotland’s excellent offer
- more than 16,000 businesses, and our people. It is encouraging
to see that the sector continues to show a firm commitment to the
fair work agenda.”
Background
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions has been a Real Living
Wage employer since 2021.
Scottish Tourism Month will
see more than 4,000 industry employees - and many others who are
connected to, or supply, the sector - attend a variety of
events across Scotland, with more than 20 conferences, trade
shows, receptions, business lunches and awards dinners. The
flagship event, the Signature Conference, is being held in
Aberdeen on 12 and 13 March.
