Young people urged to CONSIDER A CAREER IN TOURISM

·        Tourism businesses looking to recruit 6,000 entry-level positions every year

·        Wide range of exciting career opportunities available

Monday, 21st August 2017:         As thousands of students deliberate their first round offers from the Central Application Office (CAO), the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) is encouraging young people to consider a career in tourism.  Hospitality and tourism businesses around the country are looking to recruit over 6,000 entry-level employees each year across all areas of their operations.

There is a variety of career options available through the CAO, PLC courses as well as opportunities for those who wish to start working straight from school. Areas include food and beverage; catering; accommodation services; reception; leisure centre and spa facility management; sales and marketing; human resources; IT; management and finance.

The IHF has a dedicated website, Get a Life in Tourism, supported by Fáilte Ireland, which offers comprehensive information on the many careers available in the sector and how to get started. The website also includes personal stories that offer a realistic picture of what to expect from a career in the tourism and hospitality sector as well as some of the many courses and training schemes that are available, providing young people with valuable first-hand information to help them make their course or career choice. 

Joe Dolan, President, IHF commented: “Tourism is Ireland’s largest indigenous industry, providing employment in every town and county in Ireland. It offers thousands of opportunities for young people interested in pursuing a career in tourism with enormous potential for professional development and advancement. We’re encouraging school leavers especially to explore the many options available, including the hundreds of specialist third-level courses on offer throughout the country for those interested in obtaining a recognised qualification. If you are looking for an exciting challenge, with endless career possibilities then this is the path for you.”   

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.

ENDS

Irish tourism sector at a glance

·        Irish tourism set to increase 40,000 jobs by 2021

·        Tourism industry as a whole now supports approximately 230,000 jobs - equivalent to 11% of total employment in Ireland with almost 60,000 of these jobs in the hotels sector alone

·        Tourism accounts for almost 4% GNP

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:

Press Office, Irish Hotels Federation, 01 679 8600   

Ger McCarthy/Barry Ryan, Weber Shandwick PR, Mobile: 086 233 3590 / 085 728 7326