A new scheme will encourage secondary students to study hospitality, as the government aims to create 45,000 extra jobs in the tourism industry over the next ten years.

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) has launched a nationwide drive aimed at encouraging 15 to 18 year olds to study courses in tourism and hospitality.

The IHF has created a free magazine, supported by Fáilte Ireland, which will be distributed in 700 schools.

There are currently 205,000 people working in the Irish tourism industry, which generates €5 billion in revenue annually.

Megan Elsey from Cork studied hospitality management in CIT two years ago and is now working on the front desk at the River Lee Hotel:

"Once you start you will definitely find your feet. It's amazing the opportunities. The hospitality industry is growing so much now. Ireland is booming. And with it - the hospitality degree - you can travel all over the world. There's hotels everywhere."