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NCW2023 – Hospitality, Tourism, Leisure and Retail

Continuing the celebration of National Careers Week 2023, we are looking at some of Plymouth’s key sectors, and today’s focus is on Plymouth’s ‘visitor economy’.

The tourism, hospitality, leisure and retail sector in Plymouth has grown significantly over the past 10 years and now employs just under *8% of people in the city.

As a vibrant waterfront city packed full of attractions, activities, shopping, entertainment and sightseeing opportunities, it’s not surprising that the city hosts just under five million visitors annually, generating £316 million in spending, and supporting 7,500 jobs.


The sector has a very wide range of careers available from traditional hospitality roles including chefs, waiting and front of house staff, baristas and food supply chain roles to taxi, drivers, tour guides, cruise and cabin crew, shop staff, managers and marketing roles the opportunities are nearly endless.


Leading the way for these ongoing developments are Destination Plymouth, the City Centre Company and Plymouth Waterfront Partnership.


There are also many Plymouth-based companies to consider for roles within tourism and leisure. These include Adrenalin, Brittany Ferries, Drake Circus, The Barcode, Plymouth Active, National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth Boat Trips, Plymouth Gin Distillery, Plymouth Ski Slope and Snowboard Centre, The Box Plymouth, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Clip n Climb, Super Tramp, Paradise Island Adventure Golf. Plymouth is also home to more than 50 accommodation providers including hotels and independents, a wealth of restaurants, pubs and cafes, each with numerous job roles within each of them.


Looking to train in the hospitality and tourism industries? Outside of school-based provision, Achievement Training Plymouth, City College Plymouth, Plymouth Marjon University and the University of Plymouth are great places to start. You can also access this industry through apprenticeships. Click here for our latest Apprenticeship Bulletin.


To explore specific job roles in these industries, as well as information on salary, work patterns, the different entry routes and what skills you will need, click the links to explore free resources via the National Careers Service.


For more localised information on Plymouth’s tourism and leisure sector, click here for the Invest Plymouth’s Tourism and Leisure Fact Sheet.



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