What is your job title?
Events Co-ordinator
On a day-to-day basis, what do you actually do at work?
Day to day, I coordinate a range of events, from intimate private dining to large exclusive-use bookings. My day-to-day responsibilities include liaising with clients both digitally and in person, crafting tailored proposals, managing bookings, and ensuring every detail runs smoothly. I also handle key administrative tasks, including communication with Concierges, and supporting our events marketing and market research.
Where did your career in tourism begin?
I joined Contini in Autumn 2023 as a part-time Welcome Host while completing my Marketing degree at the University of Edinburgh. After graduating in Summer 2024, I moved into a full-time Welcome Host role for a year before management encouraged me to consider the next step in my career. With support from our Events & Sales Manager and General Manager, I transitioned into an administrative assistant position within the Events department. After a few months gaining experience and a feel for the role, I was promoted to my current role as Events Coordinator.
What do you love about your job?
No two days are the same within Hospitality, and this very much remains the same within the Events team! There’s always something different going on, with opportunities to learn new skills, and to hone my existing ones. I feel incredibly supported by the senior management team, who have helped nurture me from a part time floor role to my current position, and who are always available to bounce ideas off of, and voice any concerns. Beyond the company itself, I truly love helping people plan their perfect celebrations, and to help them enjoy important milestones in their lives.
In one sentence how would you sell Edinburgh to a potential visitor?
Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and full of historic charm. Personally, I love that it walks the line of having so many attractions, restaurants and things to do, while still maintaining large areas of green space and beautiful architecture.
What’s your favourite place in Edinburgh and why?
My favourite part of Edinburgh has to be Stockbridge: it’s a truly gorgeous part of town, with lovely walks, bakeries and restaurants to visit. My ideal Sunday morning involves my morning hot yoga class, followed by a visit to my favourite bakery, and a lovely walk through Inverleith park with my pastries and coffee in hand. A great opportunity to disconnect from the world a little bit and focus on myself!
What advice would you give someone considering a career in tourism?
Travel! I love to visit other cities and soak up all the ways in which they promote their culture: from architecture, to restaurants and tailored events for tourists. I like to take what I have come across and use it to provide an enhanced experience for our guests. I would also advise to always keep an open mind, and listen to management, who will see potential in you that you may not yet be able to see. Stay open to slightly veering off the career path that you had maybe pictured, and jump at any opportunities that you’re given!
We’re celebrating the past 25 years of tourism in Edinburgh, but looking forward what would you like to see happen in next 25 years for Edinburgh as tourist destination?
Edinburgh is one of the best places to live in the world, and becomes so lively during the Fringe and Christmas time. My wish for the city moving forward would be to find new attractions, occasions and ways to encourage more tourism and visitors during our low seasons, and keep the city feeling lively all year around. While encouraging people to visit Scotland in February is certainly challenging, the city has so much amazing history, beautiful architecture and so many stories to tell our visitors from around the world.
