As part of Hospitality and Tourism Week 2025, Daly Recruitment and the Department of Hospitality Tourism and Events Management at Ulster University hosted an exclusive industry forum titled “The Future of the Luxury Hospitality Market: Are We Ready to Attract and Retain the Next Generation of Managers?”
Held at the Academy Restaurant, Ulster University Belfast, the event brought together leading figures from the luxury hotel sector alongside students from the university’s award-winning BSc (Hons) International Hospitality Management programme.
With the rise of the luxury traveller continuing to redefine global tourism, discussions focused on how the sector can respond to increasing expectations of personalised service, exclusivity, and experience-driven stays.
Central to the debate was how the industry can build and sustain a strong talent pipeline while addressing the needs of a new generation of managers who prioritise career development, work-life balance, and inclusive workplace culture.
The forum also underlined the critical importance of creating closer connections between employers and students, ensuring graduates are equipped to deliver the elevated standards demanded by luxury hospitality.
Nichola Daly, Director of Daly Recruitment, said: “This forum highlighted both the challenges and opportunities facing luxury hospitality employers. With the growth of the luxury traveller, the demand for exceptional leadership has never been greater. The open exchange of ideas between hoteliers and students was invaluable in shaping how we attract and retain the next generation of managers.”
Simon Russell, Programme Director BSc (Hons) International Hospitality Management at Ulster University, added: “The event reinforced the importance of industry and academia working together. By engaging directly with employers, our students gain unique insights into career pathways while contributing fresh perspectives to the sector.
“Events like this not only prepare our students for the realities of the luxury hospitality market but also ensure that our curriculum remains relevant and responsive to industry needs. Collaboration is key to developing the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of hospitality, and we are delighted that Daly Recruitment have given us this opportunity”
Eimear Callaghan, Head of Experience and Industry Development at Tourism Northern Ireland, said: “We very much welcome today’s event as part of Tourism and Hospitality Week. The rise of luxury travel presents a unique opportunity for our tourism sector here as we aim to grow the value of the sector here to £2 billion per annum by 2035. A combination of authentic experiences, high quality accommodation and a strong talent pipeline is critical to realising this ambition. The excellent attendance at this event from the industry’s key players demonstrates that collaboration and vision in action.”
Dan Worgan, Regional Director of HR, Europe at Schulte European Group, Slieve Donard and Adelphi Hotel Portrush, said: “As Northern Ireland continues to grow as a world-class tourism destination, there is an urgent need to invest in developing luxury hospitality skills. Guests expect exceptional, personalised experiences, and it’s vital we equip our teams with the training and confidence to deliver this consistently. At Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts, we see luxury skills development as key to sustaining growth and attracting global visitors.”
Final-year International Hospitality Management student, Luke Guy, added: “My placement year in industry gave me first-hand insight into the standards set by global luxury hotels and highlighted how important it is for our generation to learn directly from industry leaders. The experience gained through my studies at Ulster University and on placement has inspired me to aim higher in my career and to play a part in raising standards in luxury hospitality here in Northern Ireland.”
The forum commenced with a networking lunch, providing employers and students the opportunity to build meaningful connections that will support future placements and long-term career development within the luxury hospitality industry.
This is just one of the many events taking place throughout Tourism and Hospitality Week, across the industry from Tuesday 23rd September until Wednesday 1st October and will include a number of signature and supporting events.
