By Business & Finance 
The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) is encouraging students to consider a career in tourism by highlighting the wide variety of career opportunities and educational courses available across the sector.
Launched by Paschal Donohoe TD, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, the initiative targets second-level students aged 15 to 18 years.
The industry is on track to cater for 8 million overseas visitors this year and contributes over €5bn in revenues annually to the Irish economy.
Tourism now supports an estimated 205,000 jobs in Ireland, equivalent to 11% of total employment. With over 33,000 new jobs created since 2011, the industry is well-positioned to create in excess of 45,000 additional jobs by 2025.
The IHF is publishing a free print and digital magazine supported by Fáilte Ireland entitles Get a Life in Tourism, which will be distributed to over 700 second-level schools.
Paschal Donohoe TD said: “In the context of continued tourism growth, supported by strong Government policy and good prospects for the future, there are thousands of job opportunities in this sector. I commend the IHF, supported by Fáilte Ireland, for playing a proactive part in promoting careers in the industry with the well-presented and informative Get a Life in Tourism magazine. By presenting in this way the many rewarding and exciting educational and employment opportunities available, I think this publication should grab the attention of second-level students and will, I hope, encourage many of them to embark upon a career in tourism.”
Stephen McNally, president, IHF, commented: “It is a very exciting time for Irish tourism with enormous career opportunities available as our industry continues to grow and create new jobs. We’re encouraging students to explore the many options available, including hundreds of specialist third-level courses throughout the country for those interested in pursuing recognised qualifications. It is a thriving industry offering excellent career prospects, swift promotional opportunities and a life less ordinary where you get to meet and work with great people.”
John Mulcahy, head of Food Tourism and Skills Development, Fáilte Ireland, added: “Tourism is one of Ireland’s most important economic sectors and has significant potential to play a further role in Ireland’s economic renewal. As tourism returns to sustained growth we must be cognisant of the growing need for skilled staff within the Hospitality sector and we in Fáilte Ireland are delighted to support Get a Life in Tourism which will showcase the variety of career opportunities available in Ireland today and encourage more students to consider choosing tourism for their future.”
