What is your job title?
Engagement and Access Manager

On a day-to-day basis, what do you actually do at work?
I manage the projects and programmes that aim to make the Fringe a more accessible and inclusive festival. Daily this could involve meeting with my team to check how projects are running, monitoring our budget, planning for the year ahead, or talking with stakeholders about how we can make things better at the Fringe for them.

Where did your career in tourism begin?
I’ve never actually thought of myself as working in tourism, more the heritage & arts sector. However, I appreciate that the two sectors are closely linked, particularly as Edinburgh’s festivals are a key tourism offering for the city. I completed a master’s in museum studies, and began my career working in a very small local history museum in Hertfordshire. Since then, I’ve worked in national and regional museums, in museum learning and engagement before branching out to the Fringe.

What do you love about your job?  
I love how challenging it is. The Fringe is complex, with lots of moving parts and multiple stakeholders. Working on how to make this huge event inclusive and accessible keeps it extremely varied. And the people I work with are wonderful as well.

In one sentence how would you sell Edinburgh to a potential visitor? 
It has easy access to the seaside, a whacking great hill, a beautiful historic Old Town and some of the best performing arts you will ever see!

What’s your favourite place in Edinburgh and why?
Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat, or anywhere in the Pentland Hills. Or Portobello. It’s so hard to pick just one! Being able to access the outdoors easily is part of what makes Edinburgh special. 

What advice would you give someone considering a career in tourism?
Be persistent and be bold. Half the battle is getting to know people in your field. Contact someone who has the job you would like and ask for advice. Most people are more than happy to help out if they can.

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 a wonderful place to work and live in – Id’ love it in the next 25 years Edinburgh was a more inclusive tourist destination, with space for everyone to feel welcome.