In our final Sector Spotlight on Tourism, we speak to Vita Colborn-Veitch, an Entrepreneur and Collaborator at Island Smart and Orkney Island Tours. Her career journey has included studying Law at university and working in the tourism industry in various roles. Can you describe a typical day? “During Winter, my typical day starts by arriving at the office around 9am. I then answer any emails in my inbox and continue working on bookings/organisation for cruise shore excursion or work on new projects which we are working on. “During Summer, my typical day starts by arriving on the pier 45 minutes before the cruise ship arrives I then prepare coaches and guides for dispatch and greet Shore Ex from the ship and check the plans for the day and carry out Dispatches. Then drink some tea and do some work on my laptop then prepare for returns. If there is a second dispatch of the day; I re-prepare coaches and guides, I dispatch them and then do some work in the office until returns. Once all returns have taken place, I confirm with the ship everyone has arrived back and wave the ship off.” How did you end up in your current role? “I gained my first job working in the tourism industry as a seasonal steward at Maeshowe while I was still in school. The next summer I then worked at Maeshowe and VisitScotland. “I then went away to Abertay University to study Law but in my Summer holidays I worked for European Cruise Service as a Tour Operator. “I then partnered with my colleague to run Island Smart, which deals with cruise shore excursion, tourism and consultancy.” What is the best thing about your job? “Being my own boss, working in a sector I feel passionate about and everyday being different.” What is the worst thing about your job? “Not being able to take a holiday in the summer.” What skills do you need to do your roles? “The ability to work in a team and individually. Flexibility in any situation and communication skills.” What qualifications do you have?
Why would you recommend working in the Tourism industry? “Working as a Shore Excursion provider in summer is a great opportunity for young people deciding whether they would enjoy working in tourism. It has provided me with so many opportunities to further my career and ultimately to have my own business working in a sector I love.” Visit Island Smart on: Twitter - https://twitter.com/_islandsmart_ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_islandsmart_/ Visit Orkney Island Tours on: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/orkneyislandtours/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/orkney_island_tours/ Comments are closed.
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