IHI HNN May 2024 Issue

HOSPITALITY NETWORK NEWS

Industry & Education Event celebrating our Academic Partnership with the Technological University of the Shannon at their Limerick campus.

PRESIDENT'S NOTE

Dear Member,

As I begin my second year as your IHI President, I would like to take the opportunity to thank and acknowledge our directors who recently stepped down from the Board; Kathleen Linehan, Trigon Hotels, Mark Dunne Mout Juliet Estate and Deborah O’Hanlon, Shannon College of Hotel Management. Their contributions to the IH Board have been invaluable and we thank them for their generous time and continued support.

I am delighted to welcome our newly appointed Board Directors; Adrian Sylver MIHI, Head of School, Shannon College of Hotel Management, June O’Byrne Prior MIHI, Head of Department of Hospitality, Tourism, Wellness, Technological University of the Shannon: MidWest and Ralf Burbach, Head of Hospitality Management Discipline- School of Tourism and Hospitality Management at Technological University Dublin.

I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Board and Executive. It remains critical that we continue the work being done at the IHI to enhance the reputation of our industry as it strives to attract people at all levels. The IHI will continue to look at new and innovative ways of building membership, member engagement and professional development to support our members.

I would also like to take this opportunity to advise you of a few important dates:

16th July, IHI Hospitality Management Award Nominations open

27th July Nominations close

7th & 8th October

28th November, IHI Founder’s Evening & Hospitality Management Awards

Please be sure to mark your calendars.

All the best,

Daragh O'Neill FIHI IHI President

Fernando Dominguez

Front Office Manager

Mespil Hotel

Angel Birt

Nadia Shields

Business Development Manager

Mespil Hotel

Chief Operating Office

Press Up Hospitality

Liam Shaughnessy

Chief Financial Officer

SLW Asset Management

IHI Featured Business Partner

Journey is a hotel e-commerce and technology business. We partner with over 750 hotels to help them increase their online bookings, drive direct revenue and manage experiences easily.

Established in 2010, we have a team of around 150 industry experts at the forefront of hotel e-commerce innovation.

Our portfolio includes:

The world’s first all-in-one hotel Ecommerce Platform enables guests to customise their stay by booking rooms, spa, dining and retail products in a single shopping basket.

An Experience Management System- unifying activities and facilities such as spa treatments, golf, bicycle hire, EV charging and more into one central system.

Journey Vouchers- market leading hotel gift voucher platform.

Website and Digital Marketing Services, to improve hotels’ digital marketing performance and web presence.

Journey won the Exceptional Customer Satisfaction award at the Business Awards Information Technology 2024, Best Hotel Technology Product (over 100 employees) at the Boutique Hotelier Awards 2023, ‘Innovation in Tech’ award at the Business Awards- Travel 2023, and GloucestershireLive’s Innovation Award 2023.

Journey was also shortlisted for the Best Hotel Booking Solutions Provider at the 2023 World Travel Tech Awards.

Contact: Elli Regan

Number: +44 7708 123521

Email: Elli@journey.travedy

Horwood House Hotel sees online bookings double since working with Net Affinity

We recently sat down with Karim Kassam and Caroline Morrone from Horwood House Hotel, in Milton Keynes, UK to ask them about what it’s been like to work with us.

Karim, Hotel Owner, said; "It's been fantastic, we have regular calls with them, so if there are any issues or questions, or we need clarification, Julie is our first port of contact. It doesn't feel like you are talking to customer services, it's someone who is part of the team "

He continues; "Our online bookings have doubled in quantity, the number of room nights has doubled, revenue has probably gone up a bit more than double because our average room rate has gone up over the same period."

Caroline, General Manager at Horwood House said; "They are real experts in their field They really know our business, they understand it and they understand where we are coming from."

Watch the full video case study below for more information.

Elevating Hospitality with Guestline at The Heights Hotel

Guestline delves into its strategic partnership with The Heights Hotel in Killarney, a charming retreat just a 5-minute drive from the bustling heart of the town.

In an insightful interview, Andrew O'Connor, Account Manager at Guestline, unravels the reasons behind The Heights Hotel's choice of Guestline and the anticipated benefits they aim to achieve. Nestled amidst the landscapes of Kerry, The Heights Hotel, with its unique ambiance and panoramic views of the Flesk Valley, Torc, and Mangerton mountains, sets the stage for a hospitality experience unlike any other.

Here Guestline explores the synergies between its cutting-edge technology and the aspirations of The Heights Hotel for enhanced efficiency and an elevated guest experience.

How does Guestline's technology fit with The Heights' objectives?

They expressed a desire for a more consistent and reliable service, a goal that perfectly aligns with what Guestline strives to provide Our technology is designed to provide stability and reliability in the services we offer The Heights explained that “constant engagement on the best way to use the product was key for us, and how to maximise the capacities of the system on an ongoing basis ” The Heights also stressed the importance of having a supplier that truly cares about their needs And at Guestline, we pride ourselves on the fact that customer satisfaction is the number one priority and that our clients feel genuinely cared for. Our commitment to attentive service and robust technology aims to create a partnership that goes beyond the transactional and fosters a genuine sense of support.

Could you outline the unique advantages that The Heights Hotels expects to gain over its competitors by adopting Guestline's technology?

The decision to move to Guestline was driven by frustrations with their previous processes Guestline will provide The Heights with a comprehensive suite of solutions These include a PMS, GuestStay, Point of Sale (POS), GuestPay, a gift voucher solution, an advanced conferencing and banqueting solution tailored for events such as weddings, and a Channel Manager, all wrapped up in The Guestline Platform.

Our aim is to improve the efficiency of all aspects of their business, enabling them to manage the processes from the initial enquiry through to the event in a seamless way. For example, with weddings, the integrated PMS keeps everything in one place, ensuring a streamlined and efficient workflow. This integrated approach will not only remove the frustrations they have been experiencing but it will also position The Heights Hotel competitively by providing a comprehensive and efficient solution.

Were there any standout features of Guestline's technology that particularly impressed The Heights Hotel during the evaluation process?

Absolutely! Guestline's technology had some standout features that resonated well with the hotel.

First, GuestStay demonstrated its effectiveness by breaking through the OTAs and successfully capturing guests' personal email addresses. This not only strengthens the hotel's direct communication with guests, but also aids in the building of a more personal relationship.

In addition, the 'Pay by Link' feature has proven to be a invaluable tool. This functionality allows The Heights Hotel to effortlessly collect payments, including deposits, whether it's for hotel stays, reservations, room bookings or events like conferences and weddings This simplified payment process increases convenience for both the hotel and the guest

Also, consolidating various technologies under the Guestline umbrella, including Channel Manager, POS, voucher solution and more, provides The Heights with a comprehensive and integrated solution This consolidation of both the supplier and the technology was a key factor that stood out during the evaluation process

In terms of customisation, how adaptable is Guestline's technology to the unique needs of Killarney Heights?

Guestline takes a bespoke approach rather than an out-of-the-box solution Throughout the introduction process, we discuss & recommend solutions that are specific to the client This will be established through various meetings and a thorough understanding of the client's needs.

In terms of the PMS, it offers a high level of customisation. The Heights Hotel has the flexibility to configure the layout, look and feel and use templates and automation.

This level of customisation extends to a variety of functionalities that improve the efficiency of reservations, bookings, conferences and much more. In essence, the technology enables them to tailor the system to its unique needs and operational requirements

How does Guestline enhance the overall guest experience?

As mentioned, our GuestStay programme is a significant enhancement that is tailored to our clients' specific needs As an example, during the wedding season, when the reception area tends to be very busy, GuestStay allows their guests to register in advance This proactive approach significantly reduces the workload on reception, resulting in a more efficient check-in process.

The 'Pay by Link' feature, part of Guestline's GuestPay offering, plays a vital role in increasing efficiency at weddings It facilitates quick and convenient payments, allowing guests to receive a payment link on the day of departure and settle their bills independently

Can you highlight any specific efficiencies or cost savings that The Heights Hotel expects to achieve through Guestline's technology?

Guestline is expected to deliver significant efficiency gains and a reduction in queuing times, particularly around critical events such as weddings and banquets. This system aims to streamline the check-in and check-out processes during these peak times.

Efficiencies are also expected in the management of tour groups, a prominent feature of The Heights' operations during peak seasons. The system introduces a more efficient way of handling tour groups, eliminating the need for manual data entry The integration of a pick list along with guest names received from tour operators can now be seamlessly and automatically entered into the system

The overall aim of the system is to increase efficiency throughout the hotel's operations And by allowing the software to handle complex tasks, it frees up valuable staff time

Are there any plans for ongoing training or support to ensure the seamless integration and use of Guestline technology at The Heights Hotel?

Absolutely. Now the implementation is complete, The Heights Hotel will enter a period during which, they'll have direct access to a member of our project management team for any specific questions or issues. This will ensure a smooth transition and address any immediate queries. After the implementation, hotels are transferred to our customer support team, most of whom are former hoteliers. This team's industry expertise allows them to provide comprehensive answers and support for any challenges that may arise.

We also provide a content library of resources, webinars and other materials to keep hotel teams updated on new releases and features This ensures that there is always content available, which is beneficial not only for existing employees but also for the onboarding of new team members

We are also committed to continually improving automation For example, recognising the importance of weddings to The Heights Hotel, we want to focus on solutions that further improve their efficiency, possibly exploring the implementation of kiosks to further streamline wedding processes

For further information visit www guestline com

Sodexo Ireland wins Awards for Net Zero Progress and Health & Safety

Workplace services provider Sodexo Ireland has won two business Awards, the Net Zero Carbon Award at the 2024 Business & Finance ESG Awards and Team of the Year at the 2024 Health & Safety Excellence Awards

Sodexo has stated its commitment to reach net zero by 2040 across scopes 1, 2 and 3, a roadmap that has been validated by Science Based Targets Initiative. In the last financial year, Sodexo has seen a 37% absolute reduction in GHG emissions across Scopes 1, 2 and 3, exceeding its 2025 target of 34%.

According to the judges, the Net Zero Carbon Award was presented because ‘Sodexo is ahead of its time with their ambitious commitment to carbon neutrality since 2010 and for clearly defined and significant results, as well as ambitious future Net Zero targets across all elements of their businesses’.

Sodexo’s all-Island health and safety team impressed the judges for the Team of the Year category at the Health & Safety Excellence Awards ‘with its systematic approach to setting targets, monitoring success and addressing challenges effectively.’ The judges praised the award entry for its ‘clarity and the structured presentation showcasing comprehensive initiatives that enhanced health and safety across various areas and its well documented array of roles, skills and expertise’.

Padraic O’Brien of Diligent, the award sponsor, presenting the Net Zero Carbon Award to Angela Halliday, director of social impact, Sodexo UK and Ireland and Marian Cronin, business development director, Sodexo Ireland

With safety a core value, the team is focused on developing and delivering initiatives to raise the awareness of changing behaviours and to inspire a mindset of continuous improvement around health, safety and wellbeing to make Sodexo a safer place to work for its people and clients.

David Fox, managing director, Sodexo Ireland said, “Our purpose as a business is to enhance everyday life for everyone, aiming to forge a brighter future for all. Our dedication to making a positive impact on society and the environment shapes every aspect of our operations. Receiving both the Net Zero Carbon Award and the Team of the Year at the Health and Safety Excellence Awards is a powerful affirmation of our environmental and safety values. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of our colleagues for their dedication in delivering exceptional services to our clients every day.”

Sodexo in Ireland is part of the global Sodexo Group, a world leader in delivering services that improve the quality of life to clients in business and industry, education, financial, pharma and healthcare These include food services, infrastructure build, facilities and estate management, optimising the workplace experience, wellness experiences, personal and homecare services

Owen Roddy, health and safety lead, Sodexo Ireland; Siobhan Cast, cleaning supervisor and safety champion, Sodexo Eli Lilly Kinsale; Coleman Yates deputy managing director, Bretland; Donnchadh Kelly, health and safety advisor, Sodexo Ireland and Alan Sutcliffe business development manager, Sodexo Ireland

How to Boost your Rosé sales this Summer

In the dynamic world of hospitality, creating memorable guest experiences is key to standing out. As a leading partner to the on trade in Ireland, we understand the importance of innovative and engaging promotions to drive sales and enhance customer satisfaction. This month, we are excited to share some effective strategies to elevate your rosé offerings, from top-tier hotels to restaurants and bars.

Engaging Point-of-Sale (POS)

POS displays are a powerful tool to inform customers about your latest rosé promotions Our specialist design team at Classic Drinks produces captivating POS materials for our customers Whether it's sleek table tents or card menus, we provide designs that ensure fantastic visibility for your products

2. Tiered Pricing

Cater to a diverse consumer base by offering a rosé selection with at least three choices. We recommend starting with a blend as the entry-level wine (e.g. Bobal and Garnacha), as this will encourage less price-sensitive customers to look for a something more familiar like Provence rosé, even if it costs more This approach not only provides variety but also positions the mid-tier option as a value-for-money choice, appealing to budget-conscious customers without compromising on quality

3 Tasting Flights

Offer your guests an exploratory journey with tasting flights, such as "The 3 Shades of Rosé" Provide customers with a selection of mini-serves to encourage discovery and enhance their tasting experience For example, showcase a range from a pale Provence rosé to an off-dry, deep rosé from California

4. Summer Rosé Stations

For busy bars and nightclubs, particularly those with outdoor areas, setting up a dedicated rosé station can be a game-changer. Sponsored rosé stations not only streamline service during peak times but also create a focal point that draws attention and increases sales. These stations can be stylishly branded and equipped to serve a variety of rosé options, enhancing the overall guest experience.

5 Signature Rosé Cocktails

Develop unique cocktails featuring rosé as a key ingredient, like rosé sangria or the trendy frosé (frozen rosé) These creative adaptions not only taste great but also photograph well, encouraging social media sharing and organic promotion

By implementing these strategies, you can create an engaging and memorable rosé offering that appeals to a wide demographic From eyecatching POS displays to innovative tasting experiences, your establishment can become a go-to destination for rosé lovers.

30 Years as a Talbot Collection Hotel

For 30 remarkable years, Talbot Hotel Stillorgan has been an integral part of the esteemed Talbot Collection. Nestled in the heart of South Dublin, this four star gem has consistently delivered warm Irish hospitality to its guests.

From its 150 modern, air-conditioned rooms to the award-winning Purple Sage restaurant with it’s renowned carvery, contemporary Brass Bar & Grill, not to mention their state of the art conference facilities and TalbotFit gym Talbot Hotel Stillorgan embodies comfort and elegance. Its prime location near Dundrum Shopping Centre, the RDS, and Dun Laoghaire makes it a favourite choice for visitors.

As we raise our glasses to this milestone, we invite you to join us in celebrating the enduring legacy of Talbot Hotel Stillorgan a true testament to the spirit of Irish hospitality

Booking.com is now a gatekeeper

In a significant development for the hotel industry and online booking landscape, this week the European Commission has officially designated Booking com as a gatekeeper under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) This decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for the company’s business practices and therefore the hotel industry and the buying public

Following this designation, Booking com has a six-month window to align its operations with the DMA’s comprehensive set of obligations. These obligations are designed to foster greater choice and freedom for consumers, while ensuring fair access for businesses utilising the platform.

The potential changes for Booking.com could include removing price parity clauses, granting hoteliers access to valuable data generated by their listings, and allowing them to opt out of certain services that may have previously tied them to the platform. These shifts could lead to a more open and competitive online booking market, potentially empowering hotels to offer better deals directly on their own websites.

While the full extent of the impact remains to be seen, this development could mark a turning point in the ongoing efforts to level the playing field in the digital marketplace, particularly for smaller players like independent hotels.

The Commission’s decision to designate Booking.com as a gatekeeper is a clear signal that the DMA is actively shaping the digital landscape, with the potential to reshape the dynamics of online booking and empower both consumers and businesses in the hospitality sector.

More on the Hotel Industry

Consumers are already seeing changes in online information when searching for hotels, but the impact may yet go even wider into large industry players in hospitality This could create opportunities that hotels could capitalise on to improve their direct business It remains to be seen what changes Booking com will implement, but we are already seeing the changes in travel search from Google

As the dominant search platform, Google has altered some services to better comply with the DMA and continues to make changes.

Search Results for hotels now show dedicated units that include a group of links to comparison sites from across the web, and query shortcuts at the top of the search page to help users refine their search, including by focusing results just on comparison sites. Google also start testing a dedicated space for comparison sites and direct suppliers to show more detailed individual results including images, star ratings and more.

In terms of Consent, Google’s European users now see an additional consent banner to ask them whether some services can continue to share data to help personalise content and ads. Users can change their choice at any time.

Google also enhance its capabilities in Data Portability to make it easier to download the data it holds on you and to facilitate moving data to other providers

About the Digital Markets Act

The Digital Markets Act, which came into force in May 2023, is about regulating the behaviour and platforms of the large digital companies that we all use on a daily basis It is specifically targeted at those that have significant market-wide influence through their products, platforms or services

The purpose of the DMA is to

open up marketplace competition, in particular to level the playing field for start-ups and SMEs; drive increased innovation and growth through fairer competitiveness; ensure consumers have greater freedom of choice.

The DMA does not directly apply to every company in the digital space, but it will have a significant impact on everyone who operates digitally. The DMA identifies gatekeepers in the digital market, which will have to comply with the do’s (i e obligations) and don’ts (i e prohibitions) listed in the DMA in order to ensure fair competition and protection of their users Initially, in September 2023, the European Commission designated six companies as gatekeepers, namely Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, Meta and Microsoft These cover platform services such as Operating systems, Search engines, Messaging, Browsers, Video Sharing, Social Networks and Intermediation

Apart from Google’s changes and the new designation of Booking.com, we have already seen Apple change its approach in the EU to the App Store, to iOS and to Safari, though the company remains in dispute with the European Commission on aspects of compliance.

Sandra Russell

Senior Sales Executive UK & Ireland

086 331 8184

sandra russell@bookassist com www bookassist com

In the dynamic world of hospitality, the landscape of hotel payments is undergoing a profound transformation

From the rise of pre-payment demands to the complexities of processing virtual credit cards, hoteliers face a myriad of challenges in meeting the evolving needs of modern guests. However, amidst these challenges lies an opportunity to redefine guest loyalty through seamless payment experiences.

Understanding Guest Behaviour: Bridging Expectations and Reality

Imagine yourself at a bustling supermarket checkout, laden with groceries waiting to be paid for As you approach the register, you expect a smooth and efficient transaction process It's a fundamental aspect of consumer behaviour – we don't pay for our groceries after we've consumed them, so why should hotels operate any differently?

In today's digital age, guests are accustomed to seamless and convenient payment experiences across various aspects of their lives. Whether it's ordering a ride through a mobile app or making online purchases with a single click, they expect transactions to be quick, secure, and transparent.

As hoteliers, it's imperative to recognise and adapt to these expectations to foster guest satisfaction and long-term loyalty To help, Guestline has created this GuestPay e-book, Unlocking the Value of Integrated Payments, identifying guest touchpoints and the benefits and future of integrated payments

Enter Guestline GuestPay: Pioneering Seamless Payment Solutions

In the quest to meet the evolving needs of modern guests, Guestline GuestPay emerges as a beacon of innovation for hoteliers. With its intuitive features and seamless integration capabilities, GuestPay offers a comprehensive solution to streamline payment processes and enhance guest satisfaction.

Guestline GuestPay goes beyond traditional payment methods by providing hoteliers with a suite of tools to mitigate risks and ensure seamless transactions. From fraud prevention through secure payment links to real-time updates and reconciliation, GuestPay empowers hoteliers to navigate the complexities of payment processing with ease

Embracing Adaptability: From Expectations to Success

Andrew O'Connor, Guestline Account Manager for Ireland, underscores the necessity for Irish hoteliers to evolve alongside shifting guest expectations. "In a world where convenience is king and technology leads the way, hoteliers must reimagine the guest experience. Just as we don't wait to pay for flights until after we've landed, or for a show after the performance, hotels should adopt seamless payment processes to ensure guests feel valued and respected throughout their stay It's not just about meeting expectations; it's about setting the standard for hospitality excellence in Ireland's tech-forward landscape "

Put yourself in the shoes of a guest When they choose to stay at your hotel, they're not just purchasing a room – they're investing in an experience. And just as they anticipate a seamless and enjoyable experience during their stay, they similarly expect a smooth and hassle-free payment process from start to finish.

The complexities of holding deposits on debit cards, often resulting in delayed refunds for up to five days, can lead to guest dissatisfaction and inconvenience. “No guest should leave an establishment with funds pending in their account” says Andrew “In today's fast-paced world, where immediate access to funds is essential, such antiquated practices can leave guests unable to make important purchases or fulfil their needs promptly ”

With Guestline GuestPay, hoteliers have the opportunity to surpass these expectations and craft memorable experiences that resonate with guests long after their departure. By prioritising transparency, security, and efficiency in payment processes, hoteliers can cultivate enduring loyalty and drive repeat business, ultimately positioning their properties for sustained success in the fiercely competitive hospitality landscape.

Uncovering the Advantages of Guestline GuestPay

The advantages of Guestline GuestPay extend far beyond its intuitive interface and seamless integration capabilities By leveraging GuestPay, hoteliers can unlock a host of benefits that elevate the guest experience and drive long-term loyalty

Fraud Prevention: Secure payment links and integration with GuestPay mitigate the risks of chargebacks and fraudulent transactions, safeguarding both hoteliers and guests from financial losses and reputational damage.

Seamless Transactions: GuestPay ensures frictionless payment experiences for guests, weddings, conferences, and accommodation, allowing hoteliers to streamline payment processes and enhance operational efficiency

Transparency: With GuestPay, hoteliers have a transparent view on fees, being able to account for every penny

Driving Long-Term Guest Loyalty

At its core, Guestline GuestPay is not just a payment solution – it's a strategic tool for building long-term guest loyalty By prioritising seamless payment experiences and aligning with guest expectations, hoteliers can create memorable stays that keep guests coming back time and time again

As the hospitality landscape continues to evolve, Guestline GuestPay remains a trusted partner in helping hoteliers navigate the complexities of payment processing and deliver exceptional guest experiences. It's time to reimagine hospitality payments, exceed guest expectations, and unlock the full potential of your hotel's success.

Hospitality Skills Development Course

On Saturday 11th May 2024, we welcomed students from across the country to join us on our Shannon Campus to discover more about the hospitality industry The students got to experience the world of Front office and guest relations, accommodation services to include towel art and floral arrangements, they cooked their hearts out with our culinary team and learned the art of the barista, making coffees in our restaurant. The students gathered to learn about skills for work life, brand awareness and competed in team building competitions. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting all of these students and look forward to seeing them explore the industry and potentially become students of Shannon College of Hotel Management in the future. Thank you to Fáilte Ireland for sponsoring fabulous Tote bags and goodies for our event If you are interested in a course like this, keep an eye on our website and social media platforms for updates

EM CUP TEAM 2023/2024

Every Year, 5 of our year 3 students apply to take part in the European Mise en Place Competition to represent Shannon College of Hotel Management. This years team includes, Lauren McCormack, Iuvali Cazacu, Kollete Kucinskas, Emer Ryan and Sarah O’Connor. The team will be guided, and mentored by Ms. Celine Ryan, lecturer in HRM, Management, Entrepreneurship and Marketing. The team have been working hard over the last number of months and are getting ready to fly to Maastricht in February 2024 to compete against the top hospitality schools in Europe, representing Ireland and the College. The theme of this years competition is “When Artificial Intelligence meets Human Intelligence - The rise of a new generation”. We are so proud of our students and excited to follow and support them along their journey! Follow the team on Instagram - shannons reality emcup2024

IISMA 2023

We were so delighted to welcome this semesters group of IISMAVO Indonesian students on their study abroad programme The 12 students joined our current year 1 UnderGraduate students in their practical and theory classes as well as fully immersing themselves in the Irish culture, visiting the surrounding towns and cities, and learning the true meaning of Irish Hospitality! We so enjoyed seeing each of the students getting involved, sharing their knowledge, experiences and skills as well as opening our own students eyes to the wonderful Hospitality of Indonesia. Students pictured in Shannon College with Head of College, Mr. Adrian Sylver, Programme Leader, Ms Edmeia Oneda Kearney, as well as College Lectures and staff. The students generously gifted the college gifts from their home Universities. Thank you for your incredible hospitality.

Shannon College of Hotel Management Announces Formation of School Advisory Board

Shannon College of Hotel Management is proud to announce the establishment of its School Advisory Board, aimed at providing independent external guidance to the Head of School and School Executive Board, and actively supporting the delivery of the school’s mission and strategy. Comprised of esteemed regional, national, and international members from diverse fields and sectors, the School Advisory Board brings a wealth of experience and expertise to support the holistic development of students and the advancement of the hospitality industry.

Chairing the Advisory Board is Mr. Gerald Lawless, former CEO of Jumeirah Group and former Chair of the World Travel and Tourism Council The Board includes prominent industry leaders such as Mr Frankie Whelehan: Managing Director of the Chesway Group, Ms Mary Considine: CEO Shannon Group, Mr John Brennan: Owner Dromquinna Manor, Prof Tom Garavan: Professor of Leadership Practice in CUBS, UCC, Mr Quinn Pu: Hotel Manager, Mandrian Oriental, Shanghai, Ms Gillian Horan: Owner, The Pudding, Mr John Clendennen: MD of Giltraps Pub, Townhouse and Glamping & President of the Vintners Association, Ms Elaina Fitzgerald Kane: Fitzgerald’s Woodland House Hotel & Chairperson Irish Tourism Industry Confederation, Mr Paul Carty: Tourism Consultant & Former MD of Guinness Storehouse and Ms Niamh O’Neill: International Business Development Manager for the O'Donoghue Ring Collection

In a statement, Mr. Lawless expressed his honour at leading the Advisory Board, highlighting the strong track record of Shannon College of Hotel Management in shaping successful careers in the hospitality industry. He emphasized the Board's commitment to providing guidance and mentorship to the future leaders of the industry.

"Shannon College of Hotel Management has been the foundation of so many successful careers in the Hotel industry It has the proud record of having a 100% employment at graduation for its students since the founding of the college by Brendan O'Regan in 1951 I am deeply honoured to have been asked to chair the newly formed Advisory Board The members of the Board greatly reflect the strength of the industry in Ireland and overseas We look forward to our engagement with the College and to assisting Head of School Adrian Sylver and his colleagues with advice on the future strategy and direction of Shannon College of Hotel Management Finally, we all recognise our responsibility to the students of the college where we can offer advice and mentorship to the future leaders of this great industry "

Head of School, Mr. Adrian Sylver, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration with the Advisory Board, stating, "We are thrilled to have such a distinguished group of industry experts on board to support our mission of providing a world-class education in business and hotel management”.

Excel Recruitment Launches New Finance Recruitment Division

Excel Recruitment is excited to announce the launch of our new Finance Recruitment Division, with Luca Zelli appointed as Senior Principal Consultant Luca brings over a decade of senior-level recruitment experience, with seven years specifically focused on finance placements across SMEs, corporate, and multinational environments

Luca began his professional journey with Excel and has since gained a global presence, successfully placing candidates in major financial hubs such as Ireland, London, Singapore, and New York. His strategic expertise has driven pivotal hires, team expansions, and exclusive placements, reflecting his commitment to fostering mutually beneficial outcomes for both clients and candidates.

This development uniquely positions us to better support the hospitality industry in building strong finance teams. Leveraging our deep expertise in both the financial and hospitality sectors, we can identify candidates who possess exceptional financial skills and understand the unique financial dynamics of the hospitality industry. Whether you require chefs, bar staff, wait staff, cleaners, managers, or CFOs, we have the expertise to find the perfect fit for your organisation.

Barry Whelan, Group CEO, commented on the announcement: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have Luca back at Excel. Our connection with him has remained strong over the years, and it’s truly gratifying to see his growth and achievements since his first recruitment role within our company His journey has been remarkable, and we’re excited to have him back in a leadership capacity With Luca leading our Finance Division, we are poised for even greater success ”

Luca also expressed his enthusiasm about returning to Excel Recruitment: “Returning to Excel feels like coming home It’s where my recruitment journey began and where I laid the foundation for my career growth I’m genuinely excited to lead the expansion of Excel’s Finance Division, especially given Excel’s robust client base, which includes premium blue-chip brands I look forward to introducing impactful recruitment solutions that will benefit our clients, candidates, and company. Watch this space.”

For more information about our new Finance Recruitment Division or to discuss your recruitment needs, please contact Luca Zelli at luca@excelrecruitment.com.

Mentors Matter

Career Development Theories & Mentoring

Back in the 1950s American psychologist and Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Johns Hopkins University, John L Holland created the career development model, Holland Codes His premise was that someone’s occupational choice was an expression of their underlying characteristics He identified six characteristic traits linked to a person’s career choice: Realistic (Doers), Investigative (Thinkers), Artistic (Creators), Social (Helpers), Enterprising (Persuaders), and Conventional (Organisers) The Holland Code Test works by combining three of the personality types together. These combinations create a whopping 720 combinations of different “types” somebody can be. This leads people to very specific jobs they would both enjoy doing and do well in based on their personality.

Around the same time the Myers Briggs Type Indicator was being developed. The indicator was started by Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers, a duo who had been inspired by the personality theories of Swiss psychoanalyst Carl Jung. The system measures people across four different spectrums: extroverted versus introverted, intuitive versus sensing, thinking versus feeling, and judging versus perceiving. In the mid-1950s, the Myers-Briggs entered the corporate world The Home Life Insurance Company used the test to both determine whether a job applicant would make a successful life insurance salesman General Electric also asked Isabel to type their highest-ranking executives Whilst she identified the combination of personality types who were more likely to arrive at the profoundest decisions; it would be other personality types who were more likely to convince others they were right through “free and tactful communication ” Isabel’s conclusion was that there was no perfect executive type Each one had its different strengths

Psychologist Donald E Super’s theory brought a different complexion to career development His approach recognised that people aren’t fixed quantities but develop and mature over time This career maturity means that decision-making is a lifelong process reflecting different stages in life. Super’s ‘lifespan’ theory included a lifecareer rainbow, which takes account of the different roles we play in our lives at different stages and arguably led to the idea of the work-life balance.

Other career development theories include Social Learning identified by Stanford Professor John D Krumbolz. Krumbolz identified four factors which influence career decisions: beliefs about our own abilities which influence our future planning; beliefs about our environment or context, upon which we make assumptions about the future; beliefs around the skills we think we have, whether innate or learned; and actions we take based on these beliefs and what we learn as a result

More modern theories include Pryor & Bright’s Chaos theory, which recognises the rapid pace of change and its unpredictable effects and how we should therefore plan for unpredictability by developing our networks and connections, building our skills, and being open to unexpected opportunities, ready to grab them when they arise.

So what can we learn from these various career development theories in terms of mentoring. Firstly regardless of the mentee’s personality type, they will have strengths and areas for development. As Isabel Briggs Myers concluded there is no perfect executive type – each one has its different strengths. The role of the mentor is to help the mentee recognise their strengths and areas for development and identify how to develop themselves. Secondly where a mentee is in terms of their life stage will have an impact on their ambitions, their self-belief and their objectives. Thirdly the mentee’s beliefs about themself, their environment and their skills will affect their actions and what they learn from those actions.

Returning to Pryor & Bright’s Chaos Theory key skills which we should encourage any mentee to develop include: curiosity – the skill of being open and interested in new information, experiences and perspectives; persistence – the skill of being committed and resilient in pursuing goals and overcoming obstacles; flexibility – the skill of being adaptable and responsive to changing situations and demands; optimism - the skill of being positive and confident in your abilities and opportunities; and risk-takingthe skill of being willing and courageous to try new things and face uncertainty.