Careers in the Hospitality & Tourism Industry

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“There is only one boss. The Guest. And he can fire everybody in the company from the chairman on down, simply by spending his money somewhere else”.

Top Jobs in hospitality & tourism - Check out some of the fastest growing jobs

flight attendants

  • Job outlook: 17% increase from 2019-2029  (BLS)
  • Average salary: $56,540 per year (BLS)
  • Education requirement: High School Diploma or Equivalent

food and beverage serving and related workers

  • Job outlook: 10% increase from 2019-2029 (BLS)
  • Average salary: $23,000 per year/$11.06 per hour (BLS)
  • Education requirement: No Formal Education but Some May Request Certificate

Bartenders

  • Job outlook: 6% increase from 2019-2029 (BLS)
  • Average salary: $23,680 per year/$11.39 per hour (BLS)
  • Education requirement:No Formal Education but Some May Request Certificate

gaming services workers

  • Job outlook: 10% increase from 2019-2029 (BLS)
  • Average salary: $23,520 per year/$11.3` per hour (BLS)
  • Education requirement: High School Diploma or Equivalent



hospitality & Tourism occupations

careers within hospitality & tourism

Confidence in domestic travel will rise although travelers will still be cautious. The Covid-19 tsunami has transformed many of the old ways of thinking about hotel strategies. In the long-run, hoteliers will need to adapt to fit to the new status-quo, and the new normal. As a direct result, travel behavior worldwide has shifted, in terms of people’s comfort levels regarding staying in hotels. This being said however, according to surveys, 60 percent of participants stated that they would feel comfortable staying in hotels if there is an increase in frequency cleaning and disinfecting procedures.

The hospitality & tourism industry has a multitude of opportunities for you. Explore all  the paths you can take in this industry or explore some of the top occupations by checking out the top jobs.

general managers

General Managers oversee all lodging operations at a property. At large hotels with several departments and multiple layers of management, the general manager and several assistant managers coordinate the activities of separate departments. These departments may include housekeeping, human resources, room operations, marketing and sales, purchasing, security, maintenance, recreational facilities, and other activities. 

food & service managers 

Food service managers are responsible for the daily operation of restaurants or other establishments that prepare and serve food and beverages. They direct staff to ensure that customers are satisfied with their dining experience, and they manage the business to ensure that it is profitable. Managers coordinate activities of the kitchen and dining room staff to ensure that customers are served properly and in a timely manner. They oversee orders in the kitchen, and, if needed, they work with the chef to remedy any delays in service. Food service managers are responsible for all functions of the business related to employees. For example, most managers interview, hire, train, oversee, appraise, discipline, and sometimes fire employees. Managers also schedule work hours, making sure that enough workers are present to cover each shift. Managers also arrange for cleaning and maintenance services for the equipment and facility in order to comply with health and sanitary regulations. Most managers prepare the payroll and manage employee records. They also may review or complete paperwork related to licensing, taxes and wages, and unemployment compensation. Although they sometimes assign these tasks to an assistant manager or a bookkeeper, most managers are responsible for the accuracy of business records.

flight attendants

Flight attendants provide routine services and respond to emergencies to ensure the safety and comfort of airline passengers. Airlines are required by law to provide flight attendants for the safety and security of passengers. The primary job of flight attendants is to keep passengers safe, ensuring that everyone follows security regulations and that the flight deck is secure. Flight attendants also try to make flights comfortable and stress free for passengers. At times, they may deal with passengers who display disruptive behavior. About 1 hour before takeoff, the captain (pilot) may conduct a preflight briefing with flight attendants about relevant flight information, including the number of hours the flight will take, the route the plane will travel, and weather conditions. Flight attendants check that emergency equipment is working, the cabin is clean, and there is an adequate supply of food and beverages on board. Flight attendants greet passengers as they board the aircraft, direct them to their seats, and provide assistance as needed. Flight attendants demonstrate the proper use of safety equipment to all passengers, either in person or through a video recording before the plane takes off. They also check that seatbelts are fastened, seats are locked in the upright position, and all carry-on items are properly stowed in accordance with federal law and company policy. A flight attendant’s most important responsibility, however, is to help passengers in the event of an emergency. This responsibility ranges from dealing with unruly passengers to performing first aid, fighting fires, protecting the flight deck, and directing evacuations. Flight attendants also answer questions about the flight, attend to passengers with special needs, and generally assist all passengers as needed.

lodging managers

Lodging managers ensure that guests on vacation or business travel have a pleasant experience at a hotel, motel, or other types of establishments with accommodations. Lodging managers also ensure that the establishment is run efficiently and profitably. A comfortable room, good food, and a helpful staff can make being away from home an enjoyable experience for guests on vacation or business travel. Lodging managers occasionally greet and register guests. They also try to make sure that guests have a good experience. Lodging establishments vary in size, from independently owned bed and breakfasts to motels with just a few rooms or to hotels that can have thousands of guest rooms. Larger hotels with more amenities lead to a greater range of duties for lodging managers, such as granting access to a swimming pool, operating a casino, or hosting conventions.

convention service managers

Convention Service Managers coordinate the activities of various departments, to accommodate meetings, conventions, and special events. They meet with representatives of groups to plan the number of conference rooms to be reserved, design the configuration of the meeting space, and determine what other services the groups will need, such as catering or audiovisual requirements. During a meeting or event, they resolve unexpected problems and ensure that hotel operations meet a group’s expectations.

travel agents

Travel agents sell transportation, lodging, and entertainment activities to individuals and groups planning trips. Travel agents typically work in offices, but some work remotely because much of their time is spent on the phone and the computer. Most travel agents work for travel agencies. Employment of travel agents is projected to decline 26 percent from 2019 to 2029. The ability of travelers to use the Internet to research vacations and book their own trips is expected to continue to suppress demand for travel agents. Job prospects should be best for travel agents who specialize in specific destinations or particular types of travelers.

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