Two Falkirk Council employees helping the local area recover from the devastation of the pandemic have been recognised in this year's Top 100 Women in Tourism list.
The list, established to highlight women working to boost Scottish tourism, features the women behind promotions for attractions including the Kelpies, the Falkirk Wheel and Callendar House.
Tracey Martin leads the team responsible for all Visit Falkirk promotional work, although her official title is economic development officer - marketing and tourism.Jillian Schofield is the team leader, sales and marketing for Falkirk Council promoting arts, culture, parks and heritage.
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Their brief is to maintain Falkirk’s national and international reputation as one of Scotland’s top tourist destinations although recently efforts have focused on helping the local tourist industry recover as the economy reopens.
Tourism was the fastest growing sector in the local area pre-pandemic. From 2009 to 2019, visitor numbers increased by 53 per cent to around 950,000; employment in the sector by 31.4 per cent to just over 2200 jobs, and the overall economic impact of tourism increased by 87.9 per cent to £136 million.
Then the pandemic struck, and the global industry was devastated.
Now, with travel back on the cards, Tracey, Jillian, and colleagues are working hard to help the local industry recover and regain lost ground.
Tracey said: “I was amazed when I heard I was on the list, given the other professionals that feature, and really excited – it’s a great honour to be nominated by your peers.
"This year the awards are even more special as it’s a recognition of all the work we did through the pandemic to support an industry devastated by COVID-19.”
Jillian said: “I am genuinely thrilled to be included in the list. The awards came about in July 2018, in response to the Caterer Magazine’s Top 100 most powerful people in hospitality which recognised only 13 women, so I think it’s important to recognise the role women not only have in Scottish tourism but also in driving recovery from the pandemic.”
Susan Russell, chair of Women in Tourism, said "I’d like to congratulate our 2022 Top 100 Women in Tourism on all they’ve achieved, and continue to do. Without their passion, resilience and dedication, tourism in Scotland simply wouldn’t be what it is today.”
