A new campaign has been launched by Fáilte Ireland in a bid to address staff shortages in the tourism industry.
The €700,000 national awareness campaign 'Works for Me' aims to attract more people, across all ages and demographics, to jobs in the tourism industry.
The campaign comes as the sector heads towards its busiest time of year.
Before the pandemic, tourism accounted for 260,000 jobs across the State, providing as many as one in five jobs in some counties.
However, the sector has struggled with staffing problems since the implementation of Covid-19 restrictions in 2020.
Fáilte Ireland launches new €700,000 national awareness campaign ‘Works for Me’ to address staff shortages in tourism industry as recruitment & retention challenges impact recovery. Campaign runs across radio, print, online & social media https://t.co/3imAr2teqW #TourismRecovery pic.twitter.com/BnlqFpZYSK
Advertisement— Fáilte Ireland (@Failte_Ireland) May 18, 2022
Fáilte Ireland’s director of sector development Jenny de Saulles commented: “The current staffing and skills shortage in tourism and hospitality is heightened as we head into the busy summer season, which is often the only time that is feasible for smaller businesses to operate.
“Fáilte Ireland is working closely with the industry on a range of initiatives to help businesses access a greater range of potential candidates, stand out in a competitive market and rebuild skills that have been lost during the pandemic.
“The campaign we have devised will be key to unlocking potential staff by showcasing how working in the industry suits a wide range of lifestyles.
“We know that many businesses across the sector have had good success in hiring these potential employees who are looking for flexibility.”
As part of the new campaign, there will be a particular focus on retirees and parents who, according to Fáilte Ireland’s research, are seeking flexible working arrangements and patterns.
Almost a third of current employees said flexible working hours is one of the main reasons for working in tourism and hospitality.
Meanwhile, for those not working in the sector, almost 50 per cent said they would consider a career in tourism and hospitality if they were offered a predictable working schedule that suits their work-life balance.
A national database of live opportunities in the tourism industry is available at tourismcareers.ie.
