Hotels struggling to find qualified staff

HOTELIERS are finding it more difficult to find qualified staff for entry level positions.

That’s according to Brian Pierson, Chair of the Sligo Branch of the Irish Hotels Federation.

He said this would significantly hinder the prospect of achieving the target to increase tourism related jobs in excess of 40,000 between now and 2020. Seven out of ten ( 73%) hotel and guesthouse owners have expressed difficulty recruiting qualified craft/ entry level staff compared with 64% at the same time last year. Mr Pierson said: “Despite the upturn, the hotels sector is still a number of years away from achieving sustainability and Irish tourism still faces some serious challenges. “As we seek to secure growth in the tourism industry, the barrier to stifle that growth must be addressed.

“So far this year the domestic market is performing well and there has been a welcome increase in visitors from the United States.

“However, the industry is weighed down by cost concerns such as public sector charges which the Government needs to address.

“We can build the tourism industry from strength to strength as long as we continue to have the right environment to encourage domestic and

overseas visitors and continue to invest in protourism marketing measures.”

Along with ensuring qualified staff are available for upcoming positions hotel and guesthouse owners expressed concern regarding rates.

Some 81% say Local Authority rates are having a negative impact on their business.