Impact and Success Stories

How the Employer Excellence Programme has made a difference

Launched in 2022, the Employer Excellence Programme was designed specifically for tourism businesses to address one of the sector’s biggest challenges: attracting and retaining top talent. At the time there were 40,000 vacancies across all levels of the sector, with acute retention challenges. Perceptions of working conditions were low, driving talent out of the sector and there was a critical skills gap at management level.
 

Programme reach and scale

• 300+ tourism businesses participating across Ireland

• 30,000+ employees positively impacted.

• 18,000+ hours of people management training completed

• 26 tourism businesses now ranked among Ireland’s top 130 employers - up from zero in 2021

Outcomes and results

• 89% of businesses report the programme has driven long-term change in employee engagement strategies

• 86% say it challenged and changed their thinking around workplace culture and leadership

• Participating businesses have reported staff retention improvements of up to 19%

• Notable gains in areas such as onboarding, communication, recognition, career development, and team morale

Recognition and awards

• Businesses who complete the programme requirements will be recoginised and certified annually as a Fáilte Ireland Excellent Employer.

• Participation opens access to the Employer Excellence Awards, recognising top-performing businesses each spring

• Ongoing Employer Exchange events bring leaders together to share knowledge, innovations, and international best practice