What is Hospitality and Tourism?
The hospitality is a large industry that includes restaurants, bars, hotels, entertainment and events, and other tourism-related services. The hospitality industry involves people from all backgrounds and skill sets, though they all share the same goal of providing the best customer experience possible. Though hospitality has historically been one of the largest industries in the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic has hit this industry very hard. Many restaurants and other establishments have closed permanently and many more are at risk. With the pressure of quarantine, hotels and other hospitality businesses are ripe for innovation as they learn to adapt to a new market.
Why we love Hospitality and Tourism
Hospitality is all about customer experience and customer service, so if you thrive on interacting with different people, or have a knack for communication, this is an excellent industry for you. Hotels and restaurants need friendly, helpful employees to ensure their customers have a positive experience. Working in hospitality also boasts discounts for staff members. Working for a large company, such as a hotel chain or airline can get you discounts on your travel expenses. It’s also a well-known secret that the hospitality industry places a lot of value on networks and connections with other members in the industry. Working even at an entry-level position for one large hotel chain can help you find better jobs at other hotel chains. Having the right names on your resume can boost your candidacy. Food-related industries are similar. Many individuals can earn a good wage with no college degree through the restaurant or hospitality industry. Tips, flexible schedules, and holiday work can help you get ahead.
What are the most important things you need to know about pursuing Hospitality and Tourism?
Many people thrive in an environment of constant social interaction. To them, it might make time go faster, make work more exciting, and feel more satisfying at the end of the day. To others, constantly working with customers face-to-face can be draining. Make sure you’re up to the task if you take a position that has a lot of customer facetime.
Many of the positions in these industries, such as waiting tables, operate in shifts so schedules are flexible. However, holidays, weekends, and evenings can be some of the busiest times so businesses expect employees to work during these hours. Many employees will earn tips during their shift, but that can result in inconsistent amounts of pay from week to week. Aside from upper management, benefits such as healthcare or parental leave are not available for most positions.
For people with specialized positions, such as chefs, sommeliers, or directors, companies often pay for certifications and industry-related trips. These trips are all-expenses paid opportunities to grow your skillset. Conferences, sales pitches, dinners, and other food events allow professionals to network and make sales.
Learn more about what working in hospitality is like with the video below.
Hospitality and Tourism Sub-Categories
Culinary
Hotels
Tourism
Catering