Once upon a time, long before the notion of a staycation ever existed, many Scots chose to spend summers at home.
Back then, of course, Granny Ina and Grampa Jack simply called it their ‘holidays’.
Today we modern timers think nothing of jetsetting off to far lands . . . but expectations are high for homegrown tourism in 2017.
In fact, a report from Barclays Corporate Banking suggests our hospitality and leisure sectors can look forward to a record-breaking year from none other than Scots.
In fact, two-fifths plan to choose a holiday at home rather than shell out on an international vacation.
This is great news if you’re looking for a new role alongside those in the hospitality, catering or tourism sectors.
Never before have your skills been so much in demand by this particular tartan army.
It also means you’re going to have to be right at the top of your game.
While foreign visitors may be happy to take snaps of Edinburgh Castle and fire-breathing bagpipers before savouring haggis and chips with Irn Bru – and why ever not? – Scots will be looking for something a little less ordinary.
So if you’re a tour guide or hotel manager, bar person or waiter, staycationers will expect to feel you’ve gone that extra mile for them – offering ideas for attractions and dishes as distractions they don’t get to experience every day.
The first trick is to learn a little local knowledge you can share with visitors who may be from only just up the road but have never been to your village, town or city before.
Every area of Scotland has its own unique attractions so do your homework on the best museums, galleries, gardens . . . anywhere that staycationers can visit and expand horizons with new takes on art, history, sport and culture.
If you’re involved in catering why not ensure you source the freshest local produce for your menu?
Scotland is lucky enough to a wonderfully varied natural larder and so Glaswegians in Tarbert will love seafood caught fresh off Kintyre.
Similarly, Aberdonians will savour the delights of Glasgow’s vibrant curry scene, so restaurant managers should look to spice up those summer menus.
Whatever area you’d like to work in, remember you don’t have to travel far to find great opportunities in Hospitality, Tourism, and Catering with s1jobs.