SECOND jobs for MPs may be a controversial subject, but Tobias Ellwood and Conor Burns were happy to be caught moonlighting in two Bournemouth hotels.

Bournemouth West MP Mr Burns donned chef whites and showed off his culinary skills as he helped prepare lunches at the Connaught Hotel, while Mr Ellwood, who represents Bournemouth East, surprised guests at the Marsham Court Hotel by serving afternoon teas and drinks.

Both MPs swapped the House of Commons for the hospitality industry to show their support for Tourism Constituency Day and raise awareness of how important tourism is in Bournemouth.

Their serving skills may have left a bit to be desired, but what they lacked in experience they made up for in enthusiasm and both were keen to stress the benefits of a career in the tourism industry.

Mr Burns said: “Tourism is a major economic driver for Bournemouth. It’s the town’s second biggest industry, worth some £501m to the town annually.

“The tourism and hospitality industry offers enormous opportunities for school and college leavers with a large choice of apprenticeships available right on the doorstep.

“And it offers good career progression with lots of on-the-job training to ensure candidates climb the career ladder fast.”

Mr Ellwood added: “Bournemouth has been forward-thinking in its approach to tourism – we’ve got a lot of excellent tourism businesses and it’s great to see new hotels and restaurants opening and expanding.

“However, domestic tourism is highly competitive and we need to encourage more year-round growth and offer the type of quality today’s visitors demand.

“It’s good to see young people attracted to the industry to raise standards and offer new ideas.”

The politicians’ visits were organised by the National Coastal Tourism Academy, which helps to create jobs and economic growth in the tourism industry.

Rosie Wallace, whose family have owned the Marsham Court Hotel for the past 28 years, said: “There is a myth that hospitality is low paid and offers few opportunities.

“The truth is that the industry needs 133,700 managers and directors by 2020 and whether you start a career in a multi-million pound business, prefer an intimate family-run business or even want to travel the world, the possibilities in hospitality are endless.”