A bus driving home the message that working in hospitality can be an amazing career path has officially taken to the roads across the BCP area.

The specially commissioned bus wrap was unveiled by Yellow Buses and BH Area Hospitality Association (BAHA) as more than 200 hoteliers assembled for the inaugural Recognition Awards.

It will be seen out and about for at least the next 12 months.

The joint Yellow Buses/BAHA project was created and funded as part of BCP Council’s Bounce Back scheme.

Tim Seward, Chair of BAHA, said: “The bus is aimed at encouraging young people into careers in hospitality and shows images of young people photographed whilst working in hotels in the BCP area.

“The wrap on the double decker will remain on the bus for at least the next 12 months.

“It will no doubt go someway to show people that working in hospitality can be an amazing career path to choose.

“Working with local education providers in the area we hope to increase the number of home-grown local employees in the sector.

“This, in turn, should help with staff shortages that many hoteliers have been facing in recent months

“We are delighted to have worked with Yellow Buses on this project and look forward to seeing the bus out and about over the coming weeks and months.”

David Squire, Managing Director of Yellow Buses, said the locally owned and managed bus company was proud to support and celebrate the work of BAHA.

It is a Platinum Patron of the association.

He added: “Tourism is an integral part of the local economy.

“It accounts for a proportion of our summer revenues through our leisure related services – Buster’s Beach Bus, Buster’s New Forest Explorer and our partnerships with Golden Tours and megabus.

“We are delighted to partner with BAHA to raise the profile of the organisation and to assist them in recruiting young people into the hospitality industry.”