Addressing talent attraction and retention in hospitality and tourism through collaboration

Hospitality and Tourism Skills (HATS) Network

The HATS employer-led network brings together a diverse mix of employers from across the hospitality and tourism sector in Northern Ireland alongside industry associations and key delivery partners from government and education to collectively address issues around sector image, attractiveness and skills development into and within the sector.

Three year action plan

Through a three year action plan informed by robust evidence, HATS Network is focused on addressing three key priorities for the hospitality and tourism sector:

The HATS network project is supported by funding from Invest Northern Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation and facilitated by People 1st International.

Founding members: Bishops Gate Hotel, Airporter, Coppi Restaurants, Fitzwilliam Hotel, Westville Hotel Group, James St & Co, Hastings Hotels Group, Titanic Belfast, McKeever Hotels Group, Dalata Hotels, Andras House Hotels, Beannchor, Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort, and Northern Ireland Hotels Federation.

Partners: Department for the Economy, Department for Communities, Invest NI, Tourism NI, Institute of Hospitality, FE Tourism Hub, Ulster University, Springboard, NI Tourism Alliance, Hospitality Ulster, Bus & Coach NI and Education Authority.