MARKETING MAVEN

An interest in travel attracted ORLAITH GILTINAN into the tourism industry.

Fact File

**Name:** Orlaith Giltinan
**Job:** Sales & Marketing Executive
**Works:** Actons Hotel and Trident Hotel
**Courses:** Tourism Bachelor of Business Degree at CIT

“It’s a busy industry and you often have to juggle a lot of tasks so you need to be organised and good at time management.”

Why tourism?

When I was younger I couldn’t decide between tourism and social care so I volunteered part-time in the Tourist Office in Kinsale and that gave me a really good insight into the industry. I have a huge interest in travel and different cultures, so I decided to give tourism a chance and enrolled in a Tourism Bachelor of Business Degree at CIT.

What was your course like?

The course takes four years. As well as learning about hospitality, aviation and other tourism sectors, you get a good grounding in general business and you learn about marketing, law and finance. Even if you don’t go into tourism at the end of the course, it is a good business degree.

Was it easy to get a job after college?

I got a job straight away. At the end of fourth year we had a careers day where you get to meet with prospective employers and I was offered a position as marketing assistant with Millstreet Country Park which is an eco-tourism destination in Cork. Since then I have moved to the Actons and Trident Hotels in Kinsale in a sales and marketing and revenue management role.

What does the role entail?

Surprisingly, anything and everything as no two days are the same. Throughout the day, and allyear round, I am involved in all aspects of salesand marketing, advertising, revenue management, managing the hotel website and developing brochures. There is a constant demand for ideas and suggestions and I must have my finger on the pulse of the two hotels. I enjoy the diversity and the range of subjects covered. The next phone call is always something new and a fresh challenge.

What’s the best part of your job?

Location, location, location! My office overlooks the beautiful harbour of Kinsale which, just like my work, is different every day. I enjoy being part of an enterprising and happy team and being surrounded by guests from all over the world. I love it!

What characteristics do you need to succeed in tourism?

It’s a busy industry and you often have to juggle a lot of tasks so you need to be organised and good at time management. It helps to be outgoing and you have to be a people person.

What advice would you offer someone considering joining tourism?

Try and get experience first before you go to college to see if this is the right industry for you. When you’re in college, get as much experience as possible – it will help you in your career.