2. Tourism is a dynamic and competitive industry that
requires the ability to adapt constantly to customers'
changing needs and desires, as the customer’s satisfaction,
safety and enjoyment are particularly the focus of tourism
businesses.
There are different ways to measure the size of the tourism
industry, as tourism does not conform to the usual ways
that industries are defined, such as manufacturing, forestry
and other industries.
Tourism constitutes a wide variety of sectors that provide
diverse products and services to visitors.
However, these businesses also provide products and
services to local residents.
3. The hospitality industry is a broad category of fields
within service industry that includes lodging, event
planning, theme parks, transportation, cruise line, and
additional fields within the tourism industry.
The hospitality industry is a multibillion-dollar
industry that depends on the availability of leisure
time and disposable income.
A hospitality unit such as a restaurant, hotel, or an
amusement park consists of multiple groups such as
facility maintenance and direct operations
4. Careers within hotels and accommodation can vary
greatly depending on the kind of establishment one
works.
Depending on the size of the organisation and what
services they provide, you will be able to explore many
different career paths.
Every establishment requires managerial staff to
oversee the general operations.
Larger hotel chains are also likely to employ financial
staff, marketing departments, human resources and
administrative staff.
5. Understandably, there are also many opportunities in
the hotel and accommodation industry for:
Restaurant staff
Chefs
Cleaners
Bar staff
Concierges
Kitchen assistants
Customer service staff
Entertainment organisers.
6. Careers in restaurants, catering and eateries are
hugely dependent on the people doing the cooking, slicing
and dicing.
Chefs, sous chefs, cooks, and kitchen staff are much
sought after individuals for their specialist skills.
Eateries also require managerial staff to make the
important decisions and to ensure that the front-of-house
team is working efficiently.
Understandably, waiters, bar staff and sometimes
professional sommeliers are also required.
Larger restaurant chains also employ business managers
and financial, human resources and marketing staff.
7. Conferences and cultural events require
hospitality staff to ensure they run smoothly, from
customer service representatives to promotional teams
and bar staff.
Catering and hospitality staff are also especially
important within public service institutions, such as
hospitals, schools and universities
8. Caterering Manager
College Housing & Food Service Manager
Conference and Event Manager
Consultant
Convention Service Director
Event Panner
Executive Housekeeper
Facilities Manager
Food and Beverage Manager
Food Equipment Specialist
9. Food Production Manager
Food Services Supervisor
Food/Restaurant Critic
Front Office Manager
Golf/Country Club Manager
Hotel Supplier
Hotel/Convention Salesperson
Hotel/Motel Manager
Industrial Caterer
Marketing/Sales Manager (Hospitality)
Menu Design Consultant
Menu Planner
Public Relations (Hospitality)
Restaurant Manager
10. Tourism is a diverse industry which offers long-term career
opportunities for enthusiastic individuals who want to put
their education and skills to work in various environments.
People in tourism may work indoors or outdoors, standard
hours or on a flexible schedule, seasonal jobs or all-year-
round.
It’s one of the most exciting and diverse career paths out
there.
The tourism industry can be divided into five career areas:
accommodation, food and beverage services, recreation
and entertainment, transportation and travel services.
11. From operational positions to management and
executive-level responsibilities, one can find
opportunities for solid training, knowledge and skill
development along with unlimited career growth.
The tourism industry also offers a unique
environment for those who wish to start their own
business.
12. Operational Positions
These usually involve direct contact with tourists and
are often the first step in a lifetime career.
Sample jobs include:
Ski Repair Technician
Bartender
Concierge
Adventure Tour Guide
Cook
Sales Coordinator
13. Supervisory Positions
These people hire, manage, motivate and schedule
operational positions as well as provide key functional
expertise. Sample jobs include:
Guest Services Supervisor
Ski Patrol Supervisor
Event Planner
Restaurant Shift Supervisor
Team Leader Accounting
Maintenance Supervisor
14. Management Positions
These positions involve budgeting, analysis, planning
and change management in order to help employees
and the organization to grow and prosper. There may
also be interaction with other tourism sectors and
community involvement. Sample jobs include:
Director of Sales and Marketing
Head Chef
Ski Area Manager
Rooms Division Manager
Adventure Company Owner
Attractions Operations Manager
15. Executives
Executives are often responsible for several
departments or divisions and usually work at a
regional, national or international level. They are
responsible for strategic planning and have significant
budget responsibility. Sample jobs include:
Hotel General Manager
Regional Manager of Restaurant Chain
Vice President of Human Resources
Tour Company President
Convention Centre Executive Director
CEO of Destination Marketing Organization
16. Employers in hospitality, leisure and
tourism will also be looking for an array of
‘soft’ skills, including:
Communication
Teamwork
Flexibility
Commitment to the industry
Commercial awareness
Enthusiasm
17. The tourism industry incorporates many of the same
careers as the hospitality industry. However, many other
careers impact on people’s tourist activity.
People who work in travel agencies and tourist
information centres provide valuable services, which
facilitates people’s holiday experiences.
Their specialist knowledge of certain areas is greatly
important in helping people to make the most of their free
time in new places.
Admittedly, the internet and travel literature are becoming
increasingly popular alternatives to dealing with people
face-to-face in these kinds of establishments. However, if
people want a slightly more personal touch when planning
their adventures, tourism staffs are needed.
18. Similarly, tour operators, tour guides, holiday reps and
staff who work at tourist attractions help people to
make the most of their experiences.
These kinds of roles are also especially important
within slightly more extreme areas of tourism, such
as adventure sport holidays, where people with
specialist skills, and safety and technical knowledge
are required.
