Hotels Offer Many Careers

Irish hotels offer a wide variety of careers other than those traditionally associated with the kitchen and bedrooms, delegates to the Irish Hotels Federation Conference were told.

Hotelier Michael Vaughan, who chaired a panel discussion at the Great Southern Hotel in Killarney, said that the industry does not always emphasise this range of career options which includes roles in HR, Accountancy, Marketing, Facilties Management, Digital Marketing and more.

The Conference continues today, and once again The Firm and Hospitality eNews will welcome delegates to stand C38 at Showtel. Micheline Corr, director of The Firm, is pictured at the stand with IHF President Denyse Campbell.

Sharon Belmaine of Failte Ireland said that the organisation is developing a major skills training programme which will be widely accessible to anyone seeking employment in the tourism sector.

Aine Doyle of Dalata said that the hotel company is investing heavily in staff development through its Academy, with staff completing 30,000 learning courses last year.

Dr. Donagh Davern of MTU also emphasised the range of careers available, saying that there is a need to effectively communicate this diversity to teenagers through Tik Tok and other social media. "Other industries have poached hospitality when recruiting staff, and it is now time that our industry recruited from other sectors."

He said that despite wide availability of places, fewer young people are opting for hospitality courses.