Green Limerick: New event places a spotlight on Tourism

THE TECHNOLOGICIAL University of the Shannon played host to the inaugural Spotlight on Tourism careers event at their Moylish Campus, Limerick.

The clear message from tourism industry leaders was that tourism graduates are in high demand and critical to the future success of the sector.

Students were given insight into career opportunities in the Irish tourism sector, while also offered an opportunity to meet with more than 30 industry partners and potential employers.

TUS head of Department of Hospitality, Tourism and Wellness, June O’Byrne-Prior, said, “It is crucial that third level institutions work closely with industry to understand how we can best equip our students to take on the mantle of leadership for tourism and hospitality amongst our new graduates. At TUS Mid-West, we see ourselves as the shapers of excellence, in research, education, and practical application, for our graduates joining the sector and contributing in a meaningful and constructive way.”

Addressing students Elaina Fitzgerald Kane, chair of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation, spoke of the importance of creating pathways from education to industry. “The tourism and hospitality sector rely on a skilled graduate cohort willing and able to apply their learned skills and acquire on-the-job learning, to secure the next generation of tourism careers. I see work experience, placements, and early career mentorships as cornerstones to safeguarding excellence in tourism and hospitality futures.”

Tourism remains Ireland’s largest indigenous industry and regional employer, with 13% of the Irish population employed in this sector and a further 20,000 vacancies to be filled.

The panel discussion was headlined by Kate Harold, manager, Lough Gur Visitor Centre and Lakeshore Park; Ollie Gleeson, CEO at Ollie's Tours, and Ivan Tuohy, founder Great Visitor Experience.

At the tourism and education event, Catherine Flanagan, CEO of the Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions urged students to consider a career working with some of Ireland’s most iconic tourism offerings.

“Visitors to Ireland come because of the highly recognisable landscape, our culture and heritage, and our people, and we need to develop core skills in our young people to ensure we continually deliver on high expectations. Ireland is not a once in a lifetime destination; we want visitors to return again and again, to discover the wonderful experiences and attractions, and to enjoy longer, more meaningful stays.”