IRISH TOURISM INDUSTRY SEEKS TO RECRUIT 6,000 ENTRY-LEVEL EMPLOYEES

Each year hospitality and tourism businesses around Ireland look to recruit over 6,000 entry-level employees across all areas of their operations, according to research from the Irish Hotels Federation. Tourism now supports an estimated 230,000 jobs in Ireland, equivalent to 11% of total employment. With over 60,000 new jobs created since 2011, the industry is well-positioned to create in excess of 40,000 additional jobs over the next five years. The research was released yesterday at the National Tourism and Hospitality Careers Roadshow for 15-18 year olds organised by the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) and Dublin Regional Skills in association with the Irish Hospitality Institute (IHI), Fáilte Ireland and Technological Higher Educational Association (THEA). Over 400 students from second level schools and Youthreach centres across Dublin gathered at the Aviva Stadium where some of the city’s leading hotels, travel, catering and tourism businesses gave them a first-hand view of the career choices available in the sector. The students heard from a panel of young individuals about careers in food and beverage, catering, accommodation services, reception, leisure centre and spa facility management, sales and marketing, human resources, travel, tour guiding, IT, management and finance. Speaking yesterday, Chief Executive at the Irish Hotels Federation, Tim Fenn said, "The Tourism and Hospitality sector offers thousands of opportunities for young people interested in pursuing an exciting career. The National Tourism and Hospitality Careers Roadshow has been developed to give young people an introduction to those opportunities. It is also an important event, for us as an industry, where we can engage with potential employees and help them explore the different avenues, including apprenticeships, traineeships, diplomas and the many degree courses available to them throughout the country. This industry prides itself in nurturing talent and providing potential to climb the ladder quickly to senior management." Written by Robert McHugh, on 29th Sep 2017. Source: