A new employer-led network has been launched to spearhead delivery of an action plan aimed at supporting the attraction and retention of talent in Northern Ireland’s tourism sector.
The HATS network project, supported by Invest Northern Ireland under its Collaborative Growth Programme, is committed to working closely with employers, education, government and delivery partners to transform perceptions of the tourism industry and to attract, retain and develop talented people with the skills it needs both now and in the future.
It has launched a three-year action plan to address the skills challenges faced by employers.
With a shared vision to grow a skilled and professional workforce to support the projected growth in tourism, the network’s collaborative approach will unite employers, government and education providers to tackle skills challenges once and for all.
Northern Ireland’s dynamic tourism sector has been enjoying significant success and has its sights firmly set on growing further over the next decade, increasing employment opportunities by creating an additional 25,000 jobs. Currently worth £968million and employing over 65,000 people across Northern Ireland, it provides opportunities for local people to develop their own tourism businesses as well as providing flexible pathways for careers.
However, skills challenges risk undermining the sector’s economic performance and profitability.
Network chair, Ciaran O’Neill from Bishop’s Gate Hotel in Derry/ Londonderry and a former Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF) President, commented: “The people who work in hospitality and tourism are the cornerstone of the sector’s growth and vital in providing our visitors with a warm welcome and fantastic service. Yet, attracting and retaining skilled employees remains a major business challenge. To remain internationally competitive the industry has to become more productive, flexible and innovative. The need to find, nurture and retain talent therefore is critical.”
The HATS network brings together a diverse mix of employers from across the hospitality and tourism sector alongside industry associations and key delivery partners from government and education. Members will collectively address issues around sector image, attractiveness and skills development into and within the sector.
Encouraging more employers and partners to get involved, Mr O’Neill added: “Now is the time for us to collectively embrace the opportunity to grow a motivated and talented workforce that will sustain all our businesses in the long-term and ensure that tourism continues to be a success story for Northern Ireland.”
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