The Irish tourism industry will create up to 8,000 jobs over the course of 2014, according to figures released by Failte Ireland this week.
Failte Ireland's Annual Tourism Industry Review yesterday revealed that confidence about prospects for the year ahead is at its highest level for many years with almost all accommodation providers in the sector expecting to increase or maintain business in 2014.
Visitor numbers grew by 7% and foreign earnings rose by €300m boosting overall confidence in the sector and business sentiment (regarding 2013 and looking to 2014) is also on the up for seven out of ten tourism operators, a long way from the lows of 2009-10.
The review estimates that 137,700 people are employed in the accommodation and food service sectors alone, representing an increase of almost 12% (14,700 extra jobs) since 2012. Furthermore, in 2013, more than half of tourism businesses (54%) surveyed by Fáilte Ireland increased employment and, looking at anticipated growth in tourism for the year ahead, it is estimated employment could increase by 6,000 to 8,000. This is based on projected overseas demand and trade sentiment for the coming season.
Speaking at the review, Fáilte Ireland CEO Shaun Quinn emphasised that "tourism has a spring in its step once more and is poised to play a pivotal role in the continuing national recovery.
"Crucially, when it comes to job creation, the sector can reach those parts that other industries don’t. With €100 million invested in Fáilte Ireland initiatives in recent years, including the new Wild Atlantic Way, and an overall increase in overseas visitors anticipated during 2014, tourism is well placed to deliver additional revenue and employment to many areas outside the major metropolitan hubs.”
© 2013 - Hospitality Ireland Magazine by Gordon Hunt
