Shannon College of Hotel Management partner with Education in Ireland to forge a greener path with an exclusive competition – “Sustainability – The Future of Hospitality”.

Shannon College of Hotel Management, University of Galway in partnership with Education in Ireland, the national brand representing Irish Higher Education Institutions worldwide, is pleased to unveil the Shannon College High School Star Competition 2024. Titled “Sustainability: The Future of Hospitality“, the competition serves as a remarkable platform that not only addresses sustainability in the hospitality sector but also offers an exciting €6000 scholarship for winners of the competition to pursue their education at Ireland’s premier College of Hotel Management.

The competition invites participants to design a comprehensive sustainability plan tailored to a hotel in their city. The goal is to empower hotels to meet the increasing demand for sustainable options, retain environmentally conscious customers, and communicate their social and environmental responsibility to the global audience in the face of climate uncertainty.

Ross Curran, Director for India and South Asia at Enterprise Ireland, the Irish Government agency overseeing the international promotion of Education in Ireland, speaks on the importance of sustainability within the evolving hospitality industry: “As the hospitality industry continues to evolve to meet the demands of discerning consumers and travellers, embracing sustainability is both a moral and commercial imperative. This competition presents an excellent opportunity for aspiring hospitality graduates to play a part in shaping an environmentally responsible future.“

“Consumers are increasingly seeking out businesses that prioritise sustainability and demonstrate a commitment to reducing their environmental impact. By designing comprehensive sustainability plans for hotels, student participants in this competition can help meet this demand and position themselves as future leaders in the industry, unlocking new professional opportunities.” Mr. Curran added.

The organizers have created guidelines to ensure fairness and inclusivity. Each participant is required to have a teacher or school counsellor as a mentor, offering valuable guidance. Moreover, there are no limits on the number of students that schools can nominate. Students in grades 10, 11, and 12 are eligible to participate. In line with the College’s commitment to nurturing responsible hospitality professionals, the competition awards the top five entries with presentation opportunities, prestigious scholarships, masterclasses, trophies, certificates, and gift bags.

Helena Doody, College Manager and Head of Sustainability at Shannon College of Hotel Management, adds, “Sustainability is no longer a choice, but a necessity. This competition encourages students and professionals alike to develop innovative sustainability plans that will not only benefit the environment but also enhance the reputation and profitability of hotels. The imperative to embrace sustainability isn’t just an ethical obligation; it’s a strategic imperative in today’s hospitality landscape. Forward-thinking hotels understand that eco-friendly practices enhance their appeal to conscientious travellers, leading to increased customer loyalty and long-term profitability.”

The University of Galway, the driving force behind this endeavour, stands as a sustainability pioneer, and holds the top spot in Ireland and the 34th position globally in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023 for its successful commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The Shannon College High School Star Competition beckons aspiring hospitality graduates, inviting them to shape a more sustainable industry. The scholarship offered by Shannon College of Hotel Management underscores their dedication to nurturing the next generation of responsible hospitality professionals.

To Register, please visit:

https://www.universityofgalway.ie/shannoncollege/international-students/scholarships/