Tag Archives: hospitality

HOPES continue to be expressed that the tourism season in East Clare can be salvaged to some degree, despite the severe blow dealt to the region by Covid-19. Chairperson of East Clare Tourism Arlene White said the season to-date “has not been a total washout” and that the potential of the area to offer people activities in nature and at uncrowded locations continued to be realised. “It is nothing like it should be, naturally,” she said. “People are out and about walking and kayaking though and it’s not quite bad as people had feared.” There is a widespread acknowledgement that, when it comes to accommodation, self-catering providers are faring best. “In some cases,” Arlene said, “demand is out-stripping supply and self-catering is booming.” That situation contrasts with the plight faced by traditional Bed and Breakfast accommodation. “I do know of some in East Clare who have decided, for the protection of their own health, that they won’t open this year,” …

ALMOST 9,000 jobs in hospitality and tourism in Clare are at immediate risk, with the sector braced for what industry leaders are calling “an impending disaster”. While hotels and pubs serving food are set to re-open from next Monday, representative groups are concerned about the chances of salvaging the 2020 season. An industry briefing for Clare, prepared for the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF), reveals that 8,800 jobs are at risk in 2020. The figure represents close to 75% of all jobs in the industry in Clare, and the same percentage of the total revenue the sector generates for the county. “Up until recently, tourism and hospitality across Clare supported 12,000 jobs and generated €266 in revenues annual for the local economy,” the IHF briefing stated. “We are now facing a deepening crisis with 8,800 tourism jobs at risk across Clare and local tourism revenues estimated to drop by €200 million as businesses fight for survival,” Responding to the figures, North …

A NEW survey carried out by Ennis Chamber of Commerce has provided a localised view of how businesses across Clare have been impacted by COVID-19. The COVID-19 Business Survey, conducted in conjunction with Clare FM, also gauges reaction to the suggestion that the town centre be pedestrianised to facilitate social distancing. Ennis Chamber CEO, Margaret O’Brien said the response reveals just how stressed and anxious business owners are. “Although we now have a government roadmap for reopening our economy,” she said, “the level of uncertainty evident from the responses by business owners in County Clare, suggests that those fears, rooted in uncertainty, are set to continue. Shops, cafés, pubs, hotels, hairdressers and beauticians now know when they can open, but that knowledge does little to quell the fear that co-existing with COVID-19 restrictions could mean trading to break even, as opposed to turning a profit.” The strongest sectoral response to the survey, came from retail, representing 42% of all respondents, with hospitality and tourism accounting …

The CEO of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB) and the president of Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) have signed an agreement to step up their collaboration. LIT already enrols 300 students through the further education and post-Leaving Certificate colleges sector every year. This number is set to grow significantly as LIT and the LCETB have now formalised their links, which will help to create smooth and seamless pathways for students. Such pathways will be supported by a bonus points system on the CAO for students entering first year. In cases of a good subject match, students completing Advanced Certificate Level 6 with LCETB affiliated schools and colleges will be offered advanced entry straight into second year for linked programmes. Currently, LIT students coming through from Further Education and Training (FET) are attending a diverse range of programmes including Applied Biology, Hospitality, Applied Social Care, Music Technology and Business. George O’Callaghan, CEO of LCETB said,  “We look forward …

THE Irish Hotels Federation is calling on Leaving Certificate students to consider a future in tourism. President of the IHF, Michael Vaughsan said that there are excellent career opportunities within the tourism and hospitality sector, particularly for skilled and qualified employees looking to progress rapidly to management roles. He noted that by now students throughout the country will have submitted their CAO applications. However, over the coming weeks, thousands will continue to examine their course options further and many will opt to avail of the change of Course facility, which is available up until March 1. Commenting on the career opportunities in the sector, the Lahinch hotelier said, “The outlook for Irish tourism is very positive and there are many exciting opportunities for anyone beginning a career in the sector. We’re experiencing strong growth with trips to Ireland up significantly over the last 12 months and this is having a direct impact on employment.” There are a large number of …