tourism and hospitality careers

The magazine of Glion Institute of Higher Education

Careers in hospitality and tourism: Job list of opportunities for learning and travel

Hospitality careers

In this article

World-class hospitality qualifications

Download a brochure and see for yourself

The hospitality and tourism industry is booming thanks to accessible international travel and consumers’ enthusiasm for discovering new places.

Continuing growth in the industry means there is an enticing range of career paths in hospitality and tourism you can consider when deciding on your future, such as event manager, luxury manager, marketing manager, and more.

If you’re curious about what type of role might be best for you, there are plenty of options that combine exciting opportunities for personal development and working around the world.

In this article, we’ll go over the different hospitality and tourism career pathways you could aim towards. We’ll also discuss what the different roles entail and how you can gain the skills and knowledge to succeed in hospitality and tourism.

What is a hospitality and tourism career?

Career opportunities in the hospitality and tourism industry include a wide range of roles and responsibilities. The hospitality field revolves around providing exceptional experiences for guests and travelers.

While the stereotype may portray hospitality as simply serving drinks or waiting tables, the reality is far more varied. Hospitality is all about providing services and amenities to guests, ensuring their comfort, satisfaction, and enjoyment during their stay. This includes accommodations such as hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals, as well as food and beverage services, event planning, entertainment, and recreational activities.

Tourism involves the travel activities of individuals and groups for leisure, business, or other purposes. It encompasses everything from sightseeing and adventure tourism to cultural exchanges and eco-tourism.

A career in hospitality and tourism can take many forms, depending on one’s interests, skills, and qualifications. You can find everything from entry-level roles to managerial and executive careers, which are ideal roles for a lot of people.

Why pursue a career in the industry?

With tourism and hospitality booming there are more reasons than ever before to consider a career path in this rewarding sector.

Hospitality venues are keen to employ skilled and qualified individuals who can help their businesses thrive. The industry itself can be an exciting and endlessly interesting area to work in.

In this field, you’ll get to work with people from all over the world. You’ll also be able to work in a range of appealing locations since hospitality is truly a global industry. It’s also a great option for people who like to challenge themselves to continuously improve.

Find your path to success: hospitality and tourism jobs list

There are plenty of different employment opportunities in tourism and the hospitality industry, meaning that there are roles that suit everyone. Explore the wide array of opportunities available in this exciting industry as we look at a list of careers in hospitality and tourism, each offering pathways to success and fulfillment.

Hotel operations

This is a catch-all term that encompasses the various departments and functions within a hotel that work together to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the establishment. From front-of-house services that directly interact with guests to back-of-house operations that support the overall infrastructure, hotel operations are essential for delivering exceptional guest experiences.

What different hotel operations jobs are there?

Hotel operations roles include everything that makes a hotel run smoothly. These include:

• Front desk agent/receptionist
• Front of house manager
• Housekeeping
• Food and beverage service
• Food and beverage management
• Revenue management
• Sales and marketing
• Engineering and maintenance management
• General manager

Every department will have a hotel management role associated with it, such as the front of house manager overseeing all front desk agents and receptionists. At the very top is the general manager or executive manager, who ensures that all these different departments run smoothly together.

What are the different departments in a hotel?

There are a range of different departments in a hotel, including:

• Front of house
• Back of house and housekeeping
• Maintenance
• Event management
• Food and beverage services
• Guest experience

Hotels also need general managers who handle the overall operations of all these departments.

What skills are required to work in hotel operations?

To work in hotel operations, you should work on building skills such as:

• Time management
• Team leadership
• Organization
• Analytical skills
• Communication

These useful transferable skills will set you up well for a hospitality and tourism career and in other areas too.

How can I start a career in hotel management?

There are two main routes to working in hotel management. You can either start working your way up from entry-level roles via other careers in the hotel industry or you can study for a hospitality degree .

Salaries in Hotel operations

Working in hotel operations can be lucrative if you aim for a hospitality management career. Some of the top salaries are:

• Assistant hotel manager: $64,993
• Hotel general manager: $118,000
• Hotel finance director: $195,241
• Housekeeping manager: $62,601

Travel and tourism

Unlike hospitality, which focuses on providing accommodation, food, and other services to guests, travel and tourism encompass a broader spectrum of experiences and activities beyond the confines of a hotel or resort. While hospitality is an integral part of the travel and tourism industry, the latter extends to include transportation, attractions, tour operators, travel agencies, and destination management organizations.

List of professions in the tourism industry

There are also a wide range of travel and tourism industry jobs, such as:

• Travel agency management
• Tour guide positions
• Event planning and coordination
• Transportation and logistics in the tourism industry
• Adventure and eco-tourism careers
• Destination marketing
• Cruise ship management
• Tourism research and analysis

These will have many of the same requirements as hotel roles. However, they can lead to working in varied environments, especially if you work in luxury management , which focuses on high-end services.

Salaries in travel and tourism

Choosing these careers in tourism and travel can lead to high salaries, such as:

• Cruise ship director: $64,267
• Travel agent: $59,263
• Destination marketer $108,782
• Tourism manager: $76,729

Restaurant and culinary services

This sector of the hospitality industry focuses on providing food and beverage services to customers, offering a diverse array of culinary experiences tailored to meet varying tastes, preferences, and occasions. From the ambiance and presentation to the quality and taste of the food, restaurant and culinary services play a pivotal role in creating memorable dining experiences for patrons. 

Interesting roles in the restaurant and culinary services

Hospitality careers also include food and beverage services work, which includes:

• Restaurant management positions
• Bar managers
• Culinary arts and chef careers
• Front-of-house and back-of-house staff for restaurants
• Sommeliers and beverage professionals
• Catering and event management

Salaries in the restaurant and culinary services

If you are looking at culinary job opportunities in the tourism and hospitality industry, you could expect salaries such as:

• Restaurant manager: $58,442
• Bar manager: $76,586
• Catering manager: $53,566
• Head chef: $95,100
• Sommelier: $63,788

What skills are required to work in restaurant management?

As well as the management skills you’d need for any of these hospitality careers, you’ll also be expected to have culinary experience for a role in restaurant management. You could gain this either through specialized study or by working in a professional kitchen environment, a bar or with a catering company. The skills you will need include:

• Customer service
• Multi tasking
• Organizational skills

What is the role of a sommelier?

A sommelier is a wine expert. They are usually responsible for choosing and updating a venue’s wine list. They’ll also work with chefs to make sure dishes have suitable wine pairings and they can often give advice to customers on wines that enhance their menu selections.

Hospitality marketing and sales

This industry encompasses a range of activities, including market research, advertising, branding, digital marketing, sales campaigns, and customer relationship management. The goal of hospitality marketing and sales is to identify target markets, communicate the value proposition of hospitality offerings, and drive bookings and reservations through effective promotional strategies and sales efforts.

Roles to consider in hospitality marketing and sales jobs

amriphoto/E+ via Getty Images

Another career option in hospitality is to work in marketing and sales. This can mean being responsible for:

• Sales and revenue management
• Digital marketing strategies for hotels and travel companies
• Branding and public relations
• Customer service and guest relations

How can I pursue a career in hospitality marketing?

For one of these hospitality careers, you will need a good knowledge of both the hospitality field and marketing. You can learn the skills you need from a college or hospitality school in Switzerland to give you the best chances of success.

What skills are essential for a sales manager in the hospitality industry?

Vital skills for a marketing or sales job in hospitality and tourism, such as marketing manager, include:

• Project management
• Data analysis

Salaries in hospitality marketing and sales

Sales and marketing roles often offer salaries in the higher bands of hospitality, such as:

• Hotel sales manager: $119,726
• Director of sales: $195,525
• Marketing manager: $134,424
• Sales strategy analyst: $63,585

Event planning and management 

These roles involve the meticulous coordination and execution of various events, ranging from corporate conferences and weddings to festivals and special occasions. The responsibilities include venue selection, logistics planning, budget management, vendor coordination, and on-site supervision. Event planners and managers work closely with clients to understand their objectives, preferences, and expectations, tailoring each event to meet specific needs and create memorable experiences for attendees. 

Careers in event planning and management

There are plenty of career opportunities in event hospitality, including:

• Wedding planner
• Corporate event planner
• Event manager
• Event designer
• Event marketing specialist

What skills do I need for event planning?

In order to be successful in the field of event management and planning, you will need to build skills such as:

• Problem solving

Event management salaries

Salaries in event management often depend on which kind of events you plan, and at what venues. As a rough guide, you could earn:

• Wedding planner: $39,465
• Event planner: $63,154
• Corporate event planner: $74,119
• Event manager: $111,710
• Event marketing: $188,417

Learn more about Hospitality Careers

Hospitality Careers

Guide to career paths in hospitality

Your career guide: hospitality and tourism management jobs

Hospitality and tourism careers: how to get started.

What’s the most international career path?

Transitioning into a career in hospitality and tourism.

If you are looking to start your career in the hospitality and tourism professions, the important steps are:

• Education and training to get you the skills and qualifications needed for hospitality employment prospects
• Learning transferable skills, such as those listed in this article, to help you in whatever hospitality career you move into
• Networking and making industry connections to help you find job opportunities in tourism and hospitality
• Doing a hospitality internship or apprenticeship to give you real-world experience

What qualifications do I need to pursue a career in hospitality and tourism?

The best qualifications for hospitality careers are specialist hospitality certificates.

Whether you’re thinking about a bachelor’s degree, a diploma or an advanced qualification, these courses will give you the experience and skills necessary to compete for the most sought-after careers in the industry.

If you are looking at a career as a restaurant manager, you should also look for some culinary qualifications.

If you’re looking at degree options, you should aim to choose a course that includes internships. These will provide vital on-the-job training, as well as giving you a chance to network with professionals who are already established.

What are the job prospects and growth potential in the industry?

The hospitality and tourism industries have huge potential for growth due to the demand for quality travel experiences from a global customer base.

This means there are many opportunities for career advancement, especially in luxury management and other high-end hospitality sectors.

Once established in hospitality and tourism, there are also plenty of options to either specialize in area-specific management roles or to aim for general management or executive management roles.

All of these jobs in hospitality will have their own challenges and benefits.

What skills are important for success in hospitality and tourism?

There are many skills you can develop to improve your prospects in the  hospitality business . Some of those you should work on consolidating include:

• Communication, both written and verbal
• Time management skills
• Team leadership skills
• Analytical and data handling skills

All of these are transferable or soft skills, which you can use in any job role. You’ll also need to learn specific skills relating to the role you want.

For example, if you want to work in restaurant management, you should aim to build culinary skills alongside those listed above.

If you want to work in sales management, you should aim to develop skills in finance and marketing.

Why hospitality and tourism careers?

Working in hospitality and tourism can be a great career for people who want to challenge themselves, travel, be constantly learning and work in a truly global enterprise.

The sector is experiencing healthy growth and consumer enthusiasm for travel and new experiences is not likely to diminish. You can expect rewarding career prospects with the possibility of advancement.

There are roles to suit all talents, including front of house, food and beverage management, hotel manager, general manager and lots more.

If you want to embrace any of the roles on our hospitality job list, the most efficient route is to get a world-recognized hospitality degree that ensures you gain the skills and knowledge to succeed.

If you want to pursue any of these  hospitality careers , from hotel general manager to  becoming an event planner , getting a quality education can be the first and most essential step.

Photo credits Main image:  Thomas Barwick/DigitalVision via Getty Images

Setting the standard in hospitality degrees

Our world-leading hospitality bachelor’s degree is an intensive mix of developing skills and making priceless connections that mean access to roles at the highest levels of the hospitality industry.

Discover more great Glion content

GLION SPIRIT

How Glion paved the way for Stefano to break into banking

Voyager mission: alumna sets sights on a stellar hospitality career

BUSINESS OF LUXURY

Tracey’s tale: bringing luxury insights to a Vietnamese education project with a Swiss twist

Hospitality internships

How hospitality is perfect for those with a passion for travel

LISTENING TO LEADERS

Listening to Leaders of Tomorrow #16 – WingChiu Michelle Sze

LIVING WELL

What are ‘bespoke mental health centers’? 

HOSPITALITY UNCOVERED

Shipping forecast: future looks bright for alumni duo and their sustainable container resort

Monteverdi: the story of Switzerland’s last luxury carmaker

World’s best luxury destinations – #2 Zimbabwe

How young talent Stephane made the connection with Four Seasons

Cook with Stéphane Décotterd #10 – oxtail cannelloni & mushroom cream

Hospitality skills to build the perfect resume

Welcome to glion..

This site uses cookies. Some are used for statistical purposes and others are set up by third party services. By clicking ‘Accept all’, you accept the use of cookies

Privacy Overview

• Online Degree Explore Bachelor’s & Master’s degrees
• MasterTrack™ Earn credit towards a Master’s degree
• University Certificates Advance your career with graduate-level learning
• Top Courses
• Join for Free

What Is Hospitality Management? Careers, Skills, Salaries, and More

Hospitality management involves all the tasks and aspects of managing a hospitality business. These businesses focus on welcoming customers and providing them with pleasant experiences through dining, lodging, events, entertainment, or travel.

Take a closer look at how hospitality management is different from hotel management and examples of hospitality management career paths. You'll also discover the skills and education needed to succeed in this industry, the job outlook, and how to get started.

Hospitality management vs. hotel management

Hotel management has to do with the lodging industry only, and hospitality management involves a variety of industries. Hotel management is a type of hospitality administration. You'll find that hospitality businesses typically fall under one of five key categories:

Food and beverage

Meetings and events

Travel and tourism 

Career paths in hospitality management 

A background in hospitality management may open a variety of job opportunities. Here are some of the career paths you can take.

*All salary data sourced from Indeed as of January 2024

Hotel manager

Hotel managers use business, management, and interpersonal skills to oversee the day-to-day operations of a hotel, motel, lodge, inn, or resort. The various hotel department heads report directly to them, and they must know all areas of hotel management. Depending on size, the departments within a hotel might include:

Food and beverage services

Front office

Housekeeping

Human resources

Information technology

Kitchen and food production

Maintenance and engineering

Marketing and sales

The level of education needed for a hotel general manager depends on the business size. You'll likely need a first university degree in hotel management or hospitality to work for a full-service hotel. Smaller hotels will often hire general managers with relevant vocational training. Luxury hotels may require a second university degree in hospitality management. 

Average annual base salary (IN): ₹4,40,000 

Restaurant manager

Restaurant managers perform all the tasks that ensure a restaurant runs smoothly, such as:

Hiring restaurant staff

Setting schedules

Dealing with customer problems

Overseeing food prep and plating

Ordering food and restaurant supplies

Special skills that might benefit you in this job include working under pressure, flexibility with your schedule, and good communication skills. 

To become a restaurant manager, you can finish secondary school and work your way up to a position in a restaurant, or you can get a university degree. Many restaurant management positions call for coursework or vocational training in restaurant or hospitality management.  

Average annual base salary (IN): ₹4,20,000 

Front office manager

Front office managers are responsible for the operation of a front office. In the hospitality industry, this might be the front office of a hotel, a casino, an event company, or an eco-adventure business. Some duties may include:

Overseeing the front office staff

Record keeping

Answering phone calls

Interacting with customers 

You'll need workplace skills to communicate in person and in writing, good supervisory skills, and the capacity to work well under pressure. 

You'll need at least to finish secondary school to become a front office manager and some experience working in a front office. Or, you can get a first university degree in communications, business management, or human resources .  

Average annual base salary (IN): ₹2,80,000 

Housekeeping Manager

A housekeeping manager is in charge of the housekeeping department in a business that provides lodging like a hotel or resort. Some duties include:

Hiring and training housekeeping staff

Managing staff schedules

Overseeing housekeeping needs for regular business and events

Helping out with cleaning tasks 

To get a position as a housekeeping manager, you might only need to finish secondary school and gain significant housekeeping experience. However, some housekeeping manager positions require a hotel or hospitality management certification.

Special skills needed for this job include:

The ability to work independently or with a team

Superior customer service

Good time management skills

Average annual salary (IN) : ₹3,36,000 

Sommeliers have a deep knowledge of wine and understand how to recommend and serve it to customers. Their knowledge of wine might include:

Types of grapes used to make wines

Where wine grapes are grown

Select wine regions around the world

The proper way to taste wine  

Becoming a sommelier helps to have experience in a fine dining restaurant as a front-of-house attendant. Working up to a sommelier position is possible, but an educational programme designed specifically for sommeliers can efficiently learn what you need to know. 

Two institutions offering advanced wine or sommelier education programmes include the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and the Sonal Holland Wine Academy. The time it takes to get these certifications can span from three months to three years.

Average annual salary (IN): ₹2,88,000

Catering assistant

Catering assistants work for catering companies, preparing and serving meals for events. Special skills needed for this position include knowledge of food preparation, food service, and food safety. You'll also need good time management and customer service skills . 

Catering assistant duties include:

Loading and unloading food and catering supplies

Washing, cutting, and peeling foods

Preparing salads and sauces

Setting up dining areas and buffets 

To become a catering assistant, you'll usually need to complete secondary school and get experience working in the food industry. 

Average annual salary (IN): ₹2,76,000 

Travel agent

Travel agents plan different aspects of trips for travellers. Duties typically include conducting research and consulting with customers. They're also responsible for booking flights, cruises, car rentals, hotels, tours, restaurant reservations, and event tickets. Special skills valuable to travel agents include good verbal communication, time management, and working under pressure. 

 To become a travel agent, you'll need to finish secondary school and take at least a few courses in travel planning from a college or a vocational programme. 

Average annual salary (IN): ₹2,77,740

As a tour guide, you'll inform visitors or travellers about a particular place or a group of destinations. Examples include museums, government buildings, historic sites, parks, neighbourhoods, and whole towns or cities. Additional job duties might include:

Collecting fees

Providing maps and brochures

Translating for foreign visitors

Giving briefings on safety procedures

Special skills that benefit tour guides include:

An engaging personality

Comfort with public speaking

The ability to stay organised

Foreign language skills 

Event planner

As an event planner, you're responsible for the activities that ensure an event goes smoothly. Your duties often include:

Booking event sites 

Hiring caterers, entertainment, photographers, and other vendors

Consulting with customers

Overseeing staff

Negotiating vendor contracts

Supervising event setup and breakdown 

Necessary event planner skills include time management, working under pressure, and attention to detail.

While some event planning jobs require a first university degree in hospitality management, several certifications may also help you qualify for more positions. Examples of online certificates you can get include a Certificate in Meeting Management (CMM) or the Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) credential. 

Average annual salary (IN): ₹6,36,000

Marketing manager

As a marketing manager at a hotel, you're responsible for maximising profits by boosting customer awareness and satisfaction. Duties typically include:

Managing hotel marketing staff 

Promoting the hotel through print, radio, video, and online marketing

Conducting market research to determine the needs of customers 

Building good customer relations 

Becoming a hotel marketing manager requires a first university degree in marketing or hotel management and some experience in sales or marketing.   

Average annual salary (IN): ₹14,00,000 

Do you need a degree to work in hospitality management?

Whether or not you need a degree to work in hospitality management depends on the job. While a tour guide may not need a university degree, a hotel general manager often requires a first and second university degree. 

What skills do you need to work in hospitality management?

Good communication skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in the technical skills specific to your job may help you succeed in hospitality management. Here's a look at the workplace and technical skills you will typically need.  

Workplace skills

Since jobs in the hospitality industry focus on giving customers enjoyable experiences, certain people skills are valuable. These often include:

Communication

Time management

Ability to multitask

Attention to detail

A positive attitude

Problem-solving

Flexibility

Technical skills

The types of technical skills you'll need for a job in the hospitality industry depend on the particular job. For instance, if you have a position as a front office manager, you may need to be good with numbers and have familiarity with accounting software. For an event planning position, you'd want to know about design, and as a hotel marketing manager, you would benefit from having a solid grasp of social media.

What is the job outlook for hospitality management?

The coronavirus pandemic greatly affected the leisure and hospitality industry, but this sector is bouncing back in India. By 2027, experts predict income from India's travel and tourism market will grow to (US) $125 billion as compared to roughly (US) $75 billion in 2020 [ 1 ]. Therefore, the job outlook appears bright.  

To pursue your interest in a career in hospitality management, here are a few ways to get started:

Consider an internship or an entry-level job in the hospitality industry to determine if it's a good fit for you.

Identify if you have special knowledge or skills that would transfer to a hospitality management position.

Get a better understanding of the industry by taking a few hospitality courses. 

If you're interested in being a hotel general manager, front office manager, or marketing manager, check out this Hotel Management Specialisation offered by ESSEC Business School on Coursera. If the travel and tourism industry is more to your liking, you might be interested in a Sustainable Tourism Course from the University of Copenhagen. 

Article sources

1. India Brand Equity Foundation. “Tourism & Hospitality Industry in India, https://www.ibef.org/industry/tourism-hospitality-india .” Accessed February 4, 2024.

Keep reading

Coursera staff.

Editorial Team

Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

• Why Study hospitality?
• Your Future Career
• Why Choose EHL?
• Awards & Rankings
• Our History
• Academic Governance
• Accreditations & Memberships
• Professional Path to the Bachelor Degree
• Preparatory Year
• Student Business Projects
• Bachelor Internships
• Direct Entries & Transfers
• EHL Junior Academy Campus Lausanne
• EHL Junior Academy Campus Singapore
• EHL Junior Academy Campus Passugg
• Master's Degrees
• MBA Programs
• Culinary & Restaurant Management Certificate (CREM)
• Bachelor in Lausanne
• University Transfers & Direct Entries
• Bachelor in Singapore
• Fees for Bachelor students eligible for A-HES
• Learning Philosophy
• Our Faculty
• Swiss Education Excellence
• Research Projects & Publications
• Inauguration
• Student Life in Lausanne
• Campus Lausanne Guided Tour
• Explore Lausanne & Switzerland
• Campus Lausanne Contacts
• Student Life at EHL Campus (Singapore)
• Explore Singapore
• Explore the Region
• Campus (Singapore) Contacts
• Contact our Program Advisors
• Chat with our Students

What can you do with a degree in hospitality management?

Careers in hospitality management.

With a degree in hospitality management, your career opportunities are truly limitless. The global industry continues to grow, change and diversify every year. In fact, hospitality is one of the world's fastest growing employment sectors and it is predicted to continue growing strong for the coming years. Luxury hospitality and tourism careers also present a unique career track for professionals who specialize in creating the finest guest experiences. Here is a breakdown of the kinds of jobs can you get with a hospitality management degree.

Hotel Management Jobs

• Front Office Supervisor >> Rooms Division Manager >> Assistant Director of Operations >> General Manager
• Night Manager >> Guest Relations Manager >> Director of Sales >> Group Regional Manager

Food & Beverage Jobs

• F&B Outlets Manager (hotel) >> Culinary Director >> Director of F&B
• F&B Coordinator >> F&B Catering & Events Manager >> Entrepreneur

Travel & Tourism Jobs

• Hospitality Services Coordinator (Cruise) >> Guest Experience Manager >> Director of HR & Training
• VIP Lounge Assistant >> Guest Services Coordinator >> Director of Operations
• Communications Specialist >> Digital Marketing Manager >> Business Development Director

Events, Sports, Wellness & Leisure Positions

• Hotel Event Coordinator >> Conference & Banqueting Manager >> Project Manager
• Sports Event Executive >> VIP Services Manager>> Director of Group Sales
• Spa Attendant >> Wellness Area Manager >> Hospitality Services Director

Other Sectors for Hospitality Graduates

• Digital Marketer >> Sales Funnel Manager >> Assistant Director Marketing
• Office Coordinator >> Merchandising Expert >> Marketing Manager (Proctor & Gamble)
• Sales & Planning Coordinator (Honda) >> Product Manager (Honda Motorcycles) >> Business Planning Specialist (Nestlé)
• Finance & Control Intern (Nestlé) >> Expat Tax Associate (PWC) >> International Wealth Management Front Support (Credit Suisse)

How to access the best career opportunities in the hospitality industry

If you really want to get into the best positions in hospitality, you will need a hospitality degree from a well-reputed school like EHL, which is ranked the best hospitality school in the world for employer reputation and academics.

Discover the EHL Bachelor's program meticulously crafted by us to meet the evolving needs of the hospitality and tourism industry.

Hospitality Salaries & Benefits

See More EHL Alumni Testimonial Videos

• Bachelor Degree in Hospitality
• Pre-University Courses
• Master’s Degrees & MBA Programs
• Executive Education
• Online Courses
• Swiss Professional Diplomas
• Culinary Certificates & Courses
• Fees & Scholarships
• Bachelor in Hospitality Admissions
• EHL Campus Lausanne
• EHL Campus (Singapore)
• EHL Campus Passugg
• Host an Event at EHL
• Contact our program advisors
• Join our Open Days
• Meet EHL Representatives Worldwide
• Chat with our students
• Why Study Hospitality?
• Careers in Hospitality
• EHL Network of Excellence
• Career Development Resources
• Route de Berne 301 1000   Lausanne 25 Switzerland
• Privacy Policy
• Legal Terms

© 2024 EHL Holding SA, Switzerland. All rights reserved.

Top 10 Hospitality Careers: Job Descriptions and Salary Ranges

Fill out the form below and we’ll email you more information about UCF’s online hospitality programs.

• Name * First Last
• Degree * Destination Marketing and Management Event Leadership, MS Event Management Event Management, BS Financial Management for the Hospitality and Tourism Industry Hospitality and Tourism Management, MS Hospitality and Tourism Technologies Hospitality Management, BS Leadership and Strategy in Hospitality and Tourism Lifestyle Community Management, BS Lodging and Restaurant Management, BS Travel Technology and Analytics, MS
• Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Privacy Notice

Working in hospitality means cultivating unforgettable experiences for people all over the globe. In the U.S. alone, tourists spent $3 billion every day in 2018, according to the U.S. Travel Association. This included both business and leisure spending –– on travel and lodging, sightseeing, entertainment, and food and beverage. While certain holidays and vacation weeks tend to draw the biggest crowds, tourism remains a year-round industry. Many businesses in the tourism and hospitality industry operate all day, every day for the entirety of the year.

When the hospitality and tourism industries move forward from the COVID-19 pandemic, there will continue to be a demand for careers in the field. To pursue these opportunities with confidence, individuals would do well to equip themselves with a degree in tourism and hospitality management, like one of UCF Online’s hospitality degrees . Tourism and hospitality management degrees prepare students to enter a variety of hospitality careers. Graduates can advance their careers at exciting venues that include hotels, cruise ships, amusement parks, catering halls, casinos, restaurants, and more. Managing those businesses takes a special blend of skills, knowledge, and expertise, which individuals can develop with the right degree. What positions can graduates pursue? Read on to find out.

Jump Into an Exciting Career in Hospitality

There are many careers one can get into with a degree in hotel and tourism management. Here are 10 terrific options that could lead you to exciting careers throughout the country, and even abroad.

Hotel Manager Careers

Every hotel wants their guests to have a perfect stay. The hotel manager’s job is to make sure that happens and to fix any issues that arise when it doesn’t. Hotel managers need to be big-picture problem-solvers who can think quickly on their feet, keep a level head when dealing with difficult customers and situations, and motivate their employees to reach and maintain high standards. Hotel managers oversee the operations of facilities from smaller boutique inns through mega-destination resorts, with their job duties determined by the size of the hotel and staff.

Not only do hotel managers train and oversee staff, but they are often responsible for booking large groups and events, ensuring that catering operations run smoothly, and stay on top of maintenance and cleaning. In larger hotels and resorts, different managers might split these duties, each overseeing a specific department.

Restaurant Manager Careers

While chefs might receive much of the attention for the work they do in the kitchen, restaurant managers ensure that those chefs have supplies, support, and guests to serve. Restaurant managers are usually responsible for training and staffing the restaurant, creating budgets and marketing, ordering new equipment, and handling large parties or reservations. In some restaurants, they may even be in charge of menu changes and food ordering. Restaurant managers often work long hours, communicate clearly with patrons, co-workers, and suppliers, and use their eye for detail to meet the specific demands of a fast-paced industry.

Events Manager Careers

The best events managers are so good at their jobs, nobody knows they are there. Their job is to plan and facilitate large events, ensuring that the attendees enjoy the event as much as possible. Events include concerts, conventions, weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, parades, and charity balls. Event managers might be self-employed entrepreneurs, work for hotels and resorts, or within municipalities and local governments. Planning events on such a scale can require a team of planning specialists, all under the direction of the events manager. They meet with clients to create a vision for the event, then work with vendors, venues, catering staff, entertainers, and others to make the event come to life. This intricate job includes obtaining permits for use of public space, working with caterers to feed hundreds or thousands of people, arrange entertainment, facilitate staffing, sales, and marketing. If all goes to plan, the event runs smoothly, and the manager can enjoy the satisfaction of their clients having an unforgettable time.

Casino Manager Careers

Casino work presents a fun and interesting challenge in the world of hospitality careers. Casinos can be loud, energetic?, and full of activity, with tables and slot machines running around the clock. They are often connected to hotels and resorts which include multiple restaurants, retail outlets, and entertainment venues. Casino managers are responsible for the operations of the casino itself, including the games and employees that work the floor. It’s their job to have a thorough knowledge of customer demand for different gaming options, adjusting constantly to maximize both consumer enjoyment as well as profits. They are also responsible for hiring and training employees, including dealers, waitstaff, shift supervisors, and pit bosses. In a business with so much money changing hands, casino managers need to be especially vigilant of all moving parts.

Cruise Director Careers

This is a career where you’ll definitely need your sea legs. Cruise directors serve on cruise ships, where it’s their job to oversee the entertainment operations onboard. Modern cruise ships can serve upwards of four or five thousand people in a single trip, many of whom will spend a lot of time onboard, enjoying all that the ship offers by way of food and entertainment. Cruises often feature musicians and stage acts, and have established casinos, sports facilities, arcades, pools, lounges, restaurants, and bars. When cruises stop at ports of call, customers often go on excursions, exploring the local attractions. Cruise directors must have detailed knowledge of each port, making sure they can point clients towards fun and safe onshore activities. These hospitality professionals set the schedule of activities, evaluate their success, and make changes to the cruise’s entertainment choices to maximize enjoyment while staying on budget.

Executive Chef Careers

Chefs and cooks who want to advance in their careers can pursue a hospitality degree to earn an executive chef position. Executive chefs, in short, run the kitchen. While chefs are responsible solely for cooking high-quality food, executive chefs also manage all kitchen staff. Their duties include making hiring and firing decisions, staying on top of food ordering and costs, setting menu prices, making changes to the menu, and determining daily specials. Executive chefs must have years of culinary training and on-the-job experience, and typically also have a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts or hospitality. Education is especially important for chefs who want to work at a high-end or Michelin-starred restaurant, where they put their learned skills in management and operations to work. UCF Online’s Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management can help chefs develop the leadership skills necessary for this position. Working as an executive chef means working long hours, including nights and weekends, in a fast-paced environment. For those who thrive in such an environment, the job can also be quite financially and emotionally rewarding.

Food and Beverage Director Careers

Large restaurants, or hotels and resorts with restaurants, offer many careers in hospitality, like food and beverage directors. Professionals in this position collaborate with restaurant managers and executive chefs. Food and beverage directors order ingredients and supplies, and monitor costs and expenditures. They work with chefs to create menus, ensuring the restaurant can keep a creative focus while also staying realistic about budget, costs, and menu prices. They also oversee food preparation and storage, ensuring that their restaurant is compliant with health and safety codes. At some establishments, food and beverage directors also work with bartenders and liquor distributors to create and showcase on-trend drinks, helping to maximize profits while keeping patrons excited about their options.

Director of Catering Careers

Catering exists at the intersection of cooking and event planning. Directors of Catering must plan to feed large groups of people simultaneously, overseeing a staff that’s capable of producing hundreds — if not thousands — of meals during a single event. Catering directors must have an in-depth understanding of food costs and be able to estimate food consumption based on factors like the size of the group and the duration of the event. They have an understanding of bulk purchasing, preparation times, storage availability, food costs, and cook times. By accounting for these many factors, they help to eliminate waste and maximize profits.

Attractions Manager Careers

All over the globe, tourist attractions draw crowds. People gather at amusement parks, landmarks, historical sites, and monuments to learn, celebrate, or simply take in the sight. Attractions managers run operations that enhance visitors’ experiences. At a national park, for example, the attractions manager might oversee staffing and park ranger training, control crowd size and flow, and oversee safety operations. At a historical site, they are often responsible for overseeing educators, managing budgets, interacting with the media, and working with local businesses to promote events. Attractions managers are energetic multi-taskers who thrive on creating great visitor experiences while tending to the needs and considerations of their staff.

Social Media Strategist Careers

Social media strategists are pivotal in every industry in today’s hyper-connected world. Roles like this one are increasingly important in travel and hospitality, as more and more people research and book their accommodations online. Social media strategists promote their clients (whether a resort, a tour company, a hotel, or other business) online, connecting them with viable customers and determining the best ways to appeal to them through social channels. In order to build a social media following, these digitally savvy hospitality experts might create promotions and develop online-exclusive deals. In the modern world, the right social media strategy helps businesses thrive, and the social media strategist is a key part of that. Earning the right skills in digital marketing and development through a certificate like UCF Online’s Hospitality and Tourism Technologies Certificate program offers aspiring social media strategists in the hospitality industry a deep understanding of digital marketing.

Average Pay for Hospitality Careers

Almost all hospitality careers pay a median salary of around $50,000, though some can bring in as much as $100,000 per year. How much you earn may vary depending on the job itself, your level of experience, and even your geographic region.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports on the median annual salary of a few specific careers within the hospitality industry, as of May 2018. Based on these reports, chefs earn approximately $48,460 annually, food service managers earn $54,240, lodging managers earn $53,390, and meeting and event planners earn about $49,370. PayScale.com reports that the average annual salary for casino managers is $102,494, the highest number in the group. PayScale also maintains annual salary data for food and beverage directors ($67,216), catering directors ($59,685), cruise directors ($57,676), social media strategists ($51,869), and attractions managers ($42,979).

Get Started With an Online Hospitality Degree from UCF

All of these careers can put you in a fast-paced, rewarding position that allows you to make people’s lives more enjoyable while putting to use your communication, collaborative, and organizational skills. One of UCF Online’s hospitality degrees , such as our new online Bachelor of Science in Restaurant & Foodservice Management , Bachelor of Science in Senior Living Management , or Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management , can open up possibilities in the field, and help you land the job you want.

Online Hospitality Degrees at UCF

• Destination Marketing and Management
• Event Leadership, MS
• Event Management
• Event Management, BS
• Financial Management for the Hospitality and Tourism Industry
• Hospitality and Tourism Management, MS
• Hospitality and Tourism Technologies
• Hospitality Management, BS
• Leadership and Strategy in Hospitality and Tourism
• Lifestyle Community Management, BS
• Lodging and Restaurant Management, BS
• Travel Technology and Analytics, MS

You May Also Enjoy

UN Tourism | Bringing the world closer

Share this content.

• Share this article on facebook
• Share this article on twitter
• Share this article on linkedin

WORK WITH US

The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. Posts within the UN Tourism are filled following a careful competitive selection process that takes into account the candidates’ academic qualifications, international experience and language skills, among others.

Employment Conditions at UN Tourism

Basic facts, living in madrid, employment opportunities.

• Internship Opportunities

Officials on Loan

Junior professional officer (jpo) programme at un tourism, competencies, values, diversity and inclusion.

We endeavor to achieve personal and professional growth for our personnel.

Remuneration : we offer an attractive and competitive remuneration package.

Onboarding : we facilitate your arrival at UN Tourism by offering valuable information on the conditions of service and your arrival at the UN Tourism Secretariat. Newly appointed members of personnel will undergo an induction training to assist them to settle down quickly in the new work environment.

Global health care : we offer a comprehensive medical insurance coverage, covering medical and dental expenditures globally for our staff members and service contract holders.

Holidays : we offer up to 30 days of annual leave per year, giving our personnel the work-life balance that is needed to recharge.

Pension : staff members of the Organization participate in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund while service contract holders are covered by specific provisions for their pension contributions. 

Tax-free salaries in Spain : salaries of staff members are normally exempt from national income taxes in Spain.

• Human Resources Report 2020

UN Tourism is headquarted in one of the major tourism hubs in the world – Madrid, Spain. It is a forward-looking, modern city that embraces innovation and diversity. Moving to a new city, even to a new country, for a new job is exciting but it can also be challenging. As an international organization, UN Tourism is committed to looking after the needs of its personnel, not only in the workplace but also for assisting in the transfer to Madrid. To facilitate their relocation, new personnel will have access to a practical guide which includes basic information about Spain, accommodation, health care, public transportation, social activities, etc.

Interested applicants are requested to follow the specific instructions listed in each vacancy notice or call for expression of interest. 

UN Tourism will only accept applications received through our web-based system. Applications sent by other means (e.g. post, email, etc.) or received after the deadline indicated for each employment opportunities, will not be taken into consideration.

Only candidates short-listed will be contacted . Short-listed candidates may be requested to take a competitive exam and/or competency-based interview as part of the final phase of the selection process.

Please note that receipt of applications will not be acknowledged, and any further correspondence will be initiated by UN Tourism. Roster/open applications are retained by UN Tourism for a maximum period of two years from the date of receipt.

Internship opportunities

Join our team and make a difference.

To be eligible for the UN Tourism Internship Programme, candidates are required to be enrolled in a university programme or have recently completed one. Internship participants do not received a remuneration from UN Tourism but may be eligible for a monthly stipend of EUR 500 to cover transportation expenses. Interns must be in possession of an all-risk insurance, valid for the duration of the internship. When necessary, the Organization may provide visa assistance, however, Interns are responsible for all other aspects related to their stay at the duty station for the duration of their internship. 

Build your skills and get hands-on experience. Impact tourism globally. We welcome diversity.

UN Tourism may at times consider accepting Interns, depending on the student's qualifications and the demands of the work programme of the Organization. As a general rule, roster internship applications are retained by UN Tourism for a maximum period of one year from date of receipt. Candidates wishing to be considered for inclusion in the roster of Interns should complete the application form below. 

UN Tourism will only accept applications received through our web-based system. Applications sent by other means (e.g. post, email, etc.) or received after the deadline indicated for each employment opportunities, will not be taken into consideration. 

Please note that receipt of applications will not be acknowledged, and any further correspondence will be initiated by UN Tourism. 

UN Tourism Member States may send tourism experts and officials through the capacity-building option of the Organization, on a non-reimbursable loan basis, to participate in the activities of the Organization for a set period of time. This arrangement is formally being done through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). 

The UN Tourism JPO Programme is a donor-funded programme that provides young professionals the opportunity to gain professional experience at UN Tourism. The UN Tourism JPO Programme is administered under an agreement established with UNDP in 2016.

Interested candidates should contact the relevant donors in their respective countries directly. More information about the  UN Tourism JPO programme can be found on the official website .

To find various solutions to tourism issues, we need to ensure diversity and geographical balance so that the best solutions are put forward.

Our core competencies

Commitment to UN Tourism

Communication

Accountability

Technological Awareness

Client-Orientedness

Planning and Organizing

Our core values

Promote Tourism for the Benefit of People and the Planet

Respect for Diversity

Professionalism

UN Tourism is committed to gender equality and inclusion. Our aim is to create and foster a more diverse, inclusive and gender-balanced workplace.

Hospitality, Sports, Events, and Tourism

Are you a sports enthusiast with a talent for salesmanship? Do you want a career that combines a passion for special events with a love of travel? Learn to recognize potential marketing and travel-related opportunities that correspond to special events. Sporting events are a lucrative, global business; the tourism industry is an increasingly important part of this phenomenon. Marketing brings them both together in a symbiotic relationship that helps people create memories that will last a lifetime.

Career Opportunities

• Account Manager
• Advertising Manager
• eMarketing/Database Manager
• Meeting Planner
• Event Manager
• Tourism Development Specialist
• Travel Agent

Contact Information

• Feliciano School of Business
• Hospitality and Tourism Department

Undergraduate Programs

Ba hospitality, sports, events, and tourism.

The B.A. in Hospitality, Sports, Events and Tourism (HSET) program combines coursework grounded in business fundamentals with exposure to the HSET industries. The HSET sector includes a diverse array of interconnected industries, and in this program, students will learn about the various sectors and how they intersect.

Apply Now View Catalog

BA Hospitality, Sports, Events, and Tourism (Combined BA/MBA)

The Hospitality, Sports, Events and Tourism (HSET) sectors are highly diverse yet intensely interconnected industries that are growing very fast. A combined HSET/MBA degree enhances students’ HSET sector management skills and gives them an opportunity to earn a highly visible professional degree in a shorter period of time.

Related Programs

Public Relations

• Request Info
• Bachelor's Degrees
• Master's Degrees
• Ph.D. & Doctoral Degrees
• Grad Certificates
• Professional Ed
• Undergraduate Minors, Certificates, & Training
• Professional Development & Training
• Credit Courses
• Noncredit Courses
• All-University Core Curriculum
• Free Online Courses
• Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
• Professional Ed d
• Contact Us d

Select one of the options below:

Tourism Management M.T.M.

CSU's online master's in tourism management helps you develop your business management acumen, enhance your knowledge of industry practices, and understand the social and environmental impacts of global tourism — so you can live the lifestyle you love while working to create positive experiences for others.

Gain the advanced skills to thrive in an evolving industry

Global events, an evolving market, and new technology have all changed the way people engage in tourism activities. As a result, more consumers now seek regional experiences with greater personalization and a focus on sustainable, meaningful, and authentic experiences.

Start building the industry-specific knowledge you need to become a well-rounded leader in a tourism management role.

Learn a whole-system approach

Gain foundational skills as you study a holistic, integrated approach to sustainable tourism management. Explore technological and strategic business solutions that can help you operate a more agile, streamlined operation. Investigate the social and environmental impacts of this evolving industry as you learn to balance the ethical treatment of people and resources while running a profitable venture.

Throughout this master’s program, you will learn:

• Financial management processes and tools
• Effective marketing and communication strategies
• How to use data to gain insight and guide business decisions
• How to strategically and ethically manage both people and resources

Inspired by exploring the outdoors or regional cultures? Looking to align who you are with what you do? Tourism offers many options for shifting into a new career or advancing into a management role within the industry.

Build the specialized skills to make a meaningful impact on the world while doing something you love.

Gain a competitive career advantage with employers specializing in:

• Hospitality and resort management
• Outdoor and adventure travel
• Tourism management
• Destination management or marketing
• Event management
• Cruise management
• Agritourism

Start your own tourism venture

Our graduates have established roles in a variety of tourism settings all over the country and world. Some examples are numerous hotels, City Parks and Recreation Departments, and more specifically – Beaver Creek Resorts, The Cliff Lodge – Snowbird, Visit Fort Collins, Vail Resorts, U.S. Forest Service, Into the Vineyard - Wine-Inspired Travel, Adventure Sixty North, Natural Habitat Adventures, Colorado Forest Restoration Institute, Yellowstone Campgrounds, Cruise Norway, Steamboat Spring Chamber of Commerce, Universal Studios Beijing, and Taiwan Ministry of Tourism.

Graduates work in tourism positions relating to marketing, operations, event planning, and some have even founded their own companies. This program has helped students enter the tourism industry, as well as elevate their career if they were already in the tourism field.

"My online learning experience with CSU was amazing. All the professors were amazing and got back to me in a timely manner. They are so knowledgeable, helpful, and kind. They answered all my questions. I’m grateful to be part of this community."

Current role : Founder, Adumu Safaris

"The Tourism Management program at CSU significantly elevated my expertise in sustainable tourism and adventure travel and expanded my network of social entrepreneurs. With this knowledge, I established Adumu Safaris, a socially responsible safari tour company aimed at empowering my Maasai tribe in Tanzania through community-accountable ecotourism. CSU's training equipped me with leadership, finance, and sustainable tourism skills, which I now use to create transformative journeys for travelers."

Caroline R.

"My graduate program at CSU has been instrumental in my current position, where I oversee multiple departments within a hotel/lodge. The ski area management certification and M.T.M. skills I gained are vital in running a successful resort. Learning about resort finances, creating memorable guest experiences, and fostering guest loyalty have been invaluable. Connecting with professors, like skiing with one at Snowbird, provided valuable insights. My advice to current and prospective students: Engage with professors to gain informative career guidance. CSU's program equipped me with the knowledge and tools necessary for success in my industry, particularly in hotel operations and finance."

As a student in CSU’s online tourism management master’s program, you receive the same education, learn from the same faculty, and earn the same regionally accredited degree as students on campus. Additionally, you can expect:

• The Ability to Graduate in Less than a Year: In just nine months you can earn an industry-specific master’s degree that helps set you apart when seeking employment or advancement in the tourism industry.
• A Focus on People and the Planet: Learn to provide meaningful travel experiences for clients while making business decisions grounded in sustainability and social responsibility. Explore the types and extent of tourism impacts on natural resources. Discover methods for reducing the ecological footprint of tourism activities and destinations. Learn how to increase tourism's contribution to natural resource conservation while improving human welfare in the process.
• Preparation in Fact-Based Decision-Making: This program incorporates courses in global tourism policy (NRRT 662) and two courses in quantitative analysis (NRRT 601 and 602) to equip you with the knowledge needed to make smart, meaningful business decisions driven by data.

Alan Bright, Ph.D.

Alan's teaching responsibilities include on-campus and distance coursework for the M.T.M. program and courses in the natural resource tourism program. Alan's primary research interests center around theoretical applications of social psychological constructs toward the management of natural resources, including values, attitudes, behavior, and the complexity with which people think about issues. These constructs are also considered in the context of attitude and behavior change. Alan's teaching interests focus on development and administration of coursework in the tourism undergraduate and graduate programs.

Christina T. Cavaliere, Ph.D.

Cavaliere is an environmental social scientist with a focus on linking tourism and biocultural conservation. Her areas of research involve the human dimensions of socio-ecological systems including tourism impacts. She serves as an Assistant Professor of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources in the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. Dr. Cavaliere investigates aspects of sustainability and climate change impacts related to gender, conservation, aviation, wildlife, and governance. View Dr. Cavaliere’s full bio .

Stuart Cottrell, Ph.D.

Stuart teaches courses in ecotourism, sustainable tourism development, protected area management, and research in human dimensions of natural resources. His research focus includes sustainable tourism, travel and tourism behavior, visitor impact management, and public perceptions of landscape disturbance issues. Present projects involve a National Science Foundation grant to examine land management agency and water provider perception of pine beetle impacts on water quality. As a former resident fellow with the School for Global and Environmental Sustainability, Stuart conducted a preliminary study of the impacts of mountain pine beetle infestation on recreation and tourism, which led to the present NSF project. One of the highlights of Stuart's teaching involves the monitoring of diseased corals and volunteer based conservation projects for an NGO in the Bahamas.

David Knight, Ph.D.

David has developed a unique transnational skill-set in sustainability and tourism management living and working in the U.S., Spain, the Philippines, Peru, and China. Drawing from experience as director, educator, researcher, consultant, collaborator, and confidant, David’s growing university-level leadership underscores his passion for partnerships and diversity in working with real-world organizations and communities to provide tangible, experiential learning opportunities for students. His research and consulting projects for organizations operating from local to international levels have analyzed a variety of sustainability and tourism issues pertaining to National Parks, Chinese tourist behavior, marine protected areas, and rural (e.g., Machu Picchu) community development. Ultimately, David hopes to employ his experience, compassion, and intellect to support institutions of higher learning in empowering diverse communities through exceptional outreach, student recruitment/retention, advising, teaching, and research activities.

Mike Manfredo, Ph.D. Head

Michael’s research focus is on understanding human thought about wildlife and natural resources. The goals of his current research program are: to increase the availability of human dimensions information relevant to wildlife and natural resource management; to provide for increased understanding of the role of human dimensions information in natural resources decision-making; to facilitate the integration of human dimension information into the natural resource decision-making process.

Dr. Sarah Walker

Dr. Sarah Walker’s research uses an environmental justice lens to investigate the role well-being can play in helping us better understand people’s relationships with their environments. Specifically , she studies human well-being in the context of climate resilience and adaptation in vulnerable communities around the world. Her work also investigates the well-being benefits of spending time in nature. Sarah received her PhD from Colorado State University and is currently completing her post-doctoral training at University of Colorado Boulder. She’s an avid hiker and cyclist, and loves being in the classroom with students.

Lina Xiong, Ph.D.

Lina Xiong is an assistant professor in the Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources. She is also called "Dr. Bear," because her last name in Chinese means bear. Dr. Bear came to the U.S. in 2006 from mainland China. Lina completed her Ph.D. in Business Administration from Temple University in Philadelphia. Before coming to CSU, Dr. Bear had taught many business courses in the College of Business at Marshall University. Her teaching assignment at CSU includes tourism strategic management, tourism marketing, and advanced lodging in the Master of Tourism Management program. She is also responsible for developing several M.T.M. courses in mandarin. Dr. Bear's research interests include service management, internal branding, employee brand motivation, and customer loyalty. She has published several articles in hospitality management journals. Recently, Dr. Bear's dissertation, titled, "Employee Brand Internalization: The Central Route to a Brand Aligned Workforce," has received a Highly Commended Award of the 2014 Emerald/EFMD Outstanding Doctoral Research Awards in the Hospitality Management category. This is a prestigious international annual award presented by Emerald and the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD). She has worked in hospitality and tourism businesses in both China and the U.S.

What is tourism management?

Tourism management is a field of study that explores the theory and practice of creating, overseeing, and marketing tourism ventures. Management professionals in the tourism industry typically require skills in leadership, finance, and business operations. The online tourism management program offered by CSU has a unique focus on natural resource management and tourism policy.

What can I do with a degree in tourism management?

As the industry continues to evolve, there are many new and unique opportunities for professionals with an advanced tourism management degree. Graduates of the online Master of Tourism Management program will be qualified to work in fields that include: hospitality and resort management, outdoor and adventure travel, event management, agri-tourism, ecotourism, and more. Anyone intending to create their own tourism enterprise will also benefit from completing this program.

Why study tourism management?

There are numerous rewarding career opportunities in the tourism industry for people with the right skills. In the U.S. alone, tourism supports more than 15 million jobs and generates nearly $2 trillion in economic output, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Working in this industry is often appealing to individuals with a passion for travel, exploration, adventure, and the outdoor lifestyle. The primary goal of tourism ventures is to provide customers and clients with positive experiences.

What jobs can I get with a tourism management degree?

Graduates of the tourism management master’s program gain the managerial skills to create entrepreneurial ventures, or take leadership roles in the industry. Career opportunities in tourism management range from agri-tourism to hospitality and resort management. Students gain the skills to build careers as tourism program directors, event coordinators, sales managers, account executives, marketing managers, customer experience managers, and many others.

What is the average salary for hospitality and tourism?

Salaries vary widely in the hospitality and tourism industry depending on the specific job, region, and other factors. According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary (U.S.) for a tourism marketing manager is $80,673, and the average salary for a hotel manager is $59,461. The median annual salary for a resort manager is $46,342, according to PayScale.com.

What is sustainable tourism management? What is ecotourism management?

Sustainable tourism management is an approach to the business of tourism that values the environment and social responsibility as much as profit. Ecotourism is a subset of sustainable tourism that primarily focuses on exotic, remote, and/or threatened natural areas such as rainforests, coral reefs, and other fragile ecosystems. The typical goal of ecotourism is to promote the conservation of these areas by helping tourists experience them while creating minimal or no environmental impact. A portion of profits from some ecotourism ventures may also be used to help fund various conservation efforts.

Can I get a graduate certificates along with this master’s degree?

Yes. You can apply up to 12 credits of the Communication for Conservation certificate toward the Master of Tourism Management degree.

What is the average timeframe to complete the program?

The online Master of Tourism Management can be completed in two semesters. However, for students who are working full-time, this is likely an unrealistic timeframe. The average student completes the program in two years, but some students may take longer. The flexible, online program allows you to earn your degree at a pace that suits your lifestyle and goals.

Are summer classes an option?

No. All coursework in the program is during the fall and spring semesters.

What fees should I expect to pay in addition to tuition?

In addition to the tuition, students will pay a $32/semester technology fee. There will also be an added cost for books and texts.

The Master of Tourism Management requires completion of 30 credits, with a minimum of four elective credits.

All courses are eight weeks with some courses offered the first part of a semester and others in the second part of a semester. Please work with a Program Coordinator to determine your approved course plan:

Kathryn Metzger Program Coordinator, Tourism Enterprise Program (970) 491-7617 [email protected]

Linda Sawyers Program Coordinator, Tourism Enterprise Program (970) 491-7592 [email protected]

M.T.M. Curriculum

Fall semester: first 8-week session.

• NRRT 600 – Tourism Industry Concepts and Practices (2 cr.)
• NRRT 620 – Organizational Management in Tourism (2 cr.)
• NRRT 655 – Tourism Marketing Concepts and Applications (2 cr.)
• NRRT 679A – Current Topics in Nature-Based Tourism (1 cr.)

Fall Semester: Second 8-week Session

• NRRT 608 – Nature, Outdoor Recreation - Human Well-Being (2 cr.)
• NRRT 615 – Sustainable Tourism Development Foundations (2 cr.)
• NRRT 650 – Financial Management in Tourism (2 cr.)
• NRRT 679B – Current Topics in Nature-Based Tourism (1 cr.)

Spring Semester: First 8-week Session

• NRRT 601 – Quantitative Analysis in Tourism I (2 cr.)
• NRRT 677 – Project Management and Event Planning (2 cr.)
• NRRT 671 – Strategic Management for Travel and Tourism (2 cr.)
• NRRT 567 – Tourism Entrepreneurship (2 cr.)

Spring Semester: Second 8-week Session

• NRRT 609 – Tourism and Conservation (2 cr.)
• NRRT 625 – Communication/Conflict Management in Tourism (2 cr.)
• NRRT 678 – Tourism Leadership (2 cr.)
• NRRT 667 – Applied Experiential Learning in Tourism (2 cr.)

Elective Options:

Students can take the electives listed below or other electives may be approved by an advisor.

You may substitute some of the M.T.M. courses with electives from the Communication for Conservation graduate certificate program.

The are some additional options, such as RRM 520 – Lodging Management , available as well. Please contact your Program Coordinator to determine your approved course plan.

Application Deadlines

Start your application online and upload materials directly into the online system. You can save your progress and return any time.

Applications are reviewed once they are completed. You can expect to be notified of your application status within two weeks of submitting all application materials.

1 Review Admission Requirements

The tourism management master's degree requires that students have the following:

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited institution.
• A 3.0 GPA on all undergraduate coursework. For applicants who do not meet the 3.000 cumulative GPA requirement, this is an alternative admission pathway. Applicants can gain formal admission if they have a cumulative GPA between 2.800 and 3.000 or have a cumulative GPA below 2.800 and have taken six credits of regular, graduate‐level coursework (500 level or higher) at CSU and obtain a B or better in all courses.
• GRE scores are not required.

2 Prepare Application Materials

• A Statement of Purpose essay describing how this program aligns with your goals and why you’re applying for this degree.
• Your Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Two letters of recommendation (generally from professional or academic references).
• One transcript from EACH university attended (if previous course work has been completed at Colorado State University-Fort Collins, transcripts are not required).

Please Note: Students may be unconditionally admitted and registered in their first semester of courses with an unofficial transcript. Official transcripts must be submitted, prior to or during your first semester, before you can register for your second semester of graduate work. Failure to meet this condition will result in your dismissal from the Graduate School.

• Digital Transcripts must be submitted by the originating institution using a secure service such as parchment, eScrip-Safe, the National Student Clearinghouse, or e-Quals. Transcripts received via e-mail are considered unofficial. Use institution code 4075 for Colorado State University or [email protected] if the secure service requires an email address.
• Graduate Admissions
• Colorado State University - Office of Admissions
• 1062 Campus Delivery
• Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062

3 Complete Online Application

Complete the online graduate application and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online). As soon as you have completed the required information, please submit your application. Your application will not be reviewed until it is complete and all required materials have been received.

• Select "Tourism Management (M.T.M.) – Distance" when choosing the program of study.

4 Request Official Transcripts

Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from all institutions attended. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required. Transcripts must be received directly from the originating institution to be considered official.

Electronic (preferred): Digital Transcripts must be submitted by the originating institution using a secure service such as parchment, eScrip-Safe, the National Student Clearinghouse, or e-Quals. Transcripts received via emails are considered unofficial. Use institution code 4075 for Colorado State University or [email protected] if the secure service requires an email address.

Mail (if necessary) Graduate Admissions Colorado State University – Office of Admissions 1062 Campus Delivery Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062

Check Your Application Status

View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.

For International Applicants

Proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants from countries or United States territories where there are official languages other than (or in addition to) English. This includes the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Learn more about English language proficiency requirements .

We love learning about your goals and answering any questions you have.

Program Details

• 3.0 GPA on all undergraduate coursework
• Math Entrance Exam scores recommended for applicants who have not taken the required prerequisites within the past 10 years

Application Dates

Request information.

By providing your information, you consent to receive calls, emails, and/or text messages from CSU Online. Consent not required to purchase goods or services. For more info, call 1-970-491-5288 . We respect your privacy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• Accreditation
• Dates & Deadlines
• Faculty & Staff Resources
• Classroom Locations
• p (970) 491-5288
• e 2545 Research Blvd. Fort Collins, CO 80526
• Privacy Information
• State Authorization Disclaimer
• Equal Opportunity

5 jobs you can get with a hospitality management degree

I n today's fast-paced world, the hospitality industry is thriving, offering a plethora of exciting placement opportunities for young graduates. Pursuing hospitality courses equips students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to excel in this dynamic field. 

Smita Jain, Director MGLuxM & MIHB, Master in Global Luxury Goods & Services Management, Master of Science in International Hospitality Business, S P Jain School of Global Management has delved into the wide-ranging possibilities that await young graduates, providing insights into some promising placement avenues within the hospitality industry.

1. Hotel and resort management:

The hotel and resort industry is a cornerstone of the hospitality sector, employing millions of individuals worldwide and generating significant revenue. With a degree in hospitality, young graduates can delve into this vast industry, which offers a wide array of roles and responsibilities.

From front desk operations to housekeeping, sales, and revenue management, there are plenty of opportunities to start and grow a rewarding career in hotel and resort management.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the hotel and resort industry contributes significantly to global employment, accounting for roughly 304 million jobs worldwide.

In the United States alone, the American Hotel & Lodging Association reports that this sector generates approximately USD 170 billion in annual revenue. These numbers highlight the immense potential for career growth and development for young graduates pursuing hotel and resort management roles.

2. Food and beverage management

The food and beverage industry plays a crucial role in the hospitality sector, contributing to the overall guest experience and revenue generation for establishments. Restaurants, cafes, bars, and catering services are just some of the areas within this industry where graduates can thrive.

With opportunities as varied as food and beverage supervisors, managers, event coordinators, or even entrepreneurship by starting their own culinary ventures, the food and beverage management sector offers immense potential for young professionals.

According to the National Restaurant Association, the restaurant industry employs more than 15.6 million people in the United States, making it one of the largest employers in the country.

Globally, the food service market is projected to reach USD 4.2 trillion by 2027. These figures indicate the significant growth potential and abundance of career opportunities that graduates can explore within the food and beverage management sector.

3. Event management

The events industry continues to flourish, creating exciting placement opportunities for hospitality graduates. From corporate conferences and trade shows to weddings and music festivals, events have become a vital part of society.

Young graduates with event management skills can find fulfilling careers as event planners, coordinators, or managers, working closely with clients and vendors to create memorable experiences.

The events industry not only provides job opportunities but also fuels economic growth and tourism in various host cities. According to the Events Industry Council, direct spending on business events worldwide reached USD1.07 trillion in 2019, indicating the immense scale and economic impact of this sector.

With their organisational skills and creative flair, young graduates are well-positioned to seize the numerous placement opportunities that the events industry has to offer.

4. Tourism and travel

The tourism and travel sector has been a driving force behind the growth of the hospitality industry. Travelers' desire to explore new destinations, experience diverse cultures, and create lasting memories has given rise to numerous job opportunities for graduates with a passion for hospitality.

Young professionals can find roles in tour companies, travel agencies, cruise lines, or even work as destination managers in government tourism organisations.

According to the World Tourism Organization, international tourist arrivals reached 1.4 billion in 2018, generating immense revenue and employment opportunities.

In 2019, the travel and tourism industry accounted for 10.3 percent of global employment. These statistics highlight the significant impact and potential for growth within the tourism and travel sector, offering a promising career path for young graduates.

5. Resort and spa management

For graduates passionate about luxury, wellness, and creating unforgettable experiences, the resort and spa industry offers enticing career pathways.

As individuals increasingly prioritise self-care and seek rejuvenation, the demand for high-end resorts, hotels, and wellness centres continues to rise. As such, the opportunities for young graduates to excel in resort and spa management are abundant.

According to the Global Wellness Institute, the global wellness economy reached a value of  USD 4.5 trillion in 2018. This staggering figure signifies the vast market potential within the wellness industry.

Graduates can find placements in luxury resorts and hotels, where they can hone their skills in delivering exceptional guest experiences. Whether it's managing spa facilities, wellness programmes, or holistic retreats, the resort and spa management sector offers a meaningful and fulfilling career path for young professionals.

The field of hospitality offers young graduates an exciting array of placement opportunities spanning various sectors within the industry. From hotel and resort management to food and beverage, event planning, tourism, and resort and spa management, there are ample prospects for growth and development.

The hospitality industry employs millions worldwide, generates significant revenue, and contributes to economic growth and tourism.

By pursuing hospitality courses and leveraging their acquired knowledge and skills, young professionals have the opportunity to make a lasting impact in an industry renowned for its commitment to exceptional service and unforgettable experiences.

With dedication and passion, graduates can embark on rewarding careers within the hospitality industry and contribute to its continued success.

Six trends shaping new business models in tourism and hospitality

As destinations and source markets have changed, tourism and hospitality companies have evolved too. Six key trends have shaped business models in this sector over the past decade.

About the authors

This article is a collaborative effort by Caroline Tufft , Margaux Constantin , Matteo Pacca , and Ryan Mann , with Ivan Gladstone and Jasperina de Vries, representing views from McKinsey’s Travel, Logistics & Infrastructure practice.

In accommodation, asset-light models like franchising and management have proliferated, though luxury and small-scale brands are opting out. Consolidation has driven economies of scale. Hotels are looking to reclaim their relationship with guests, and almost two decades in, home sharing is charting its own course.

In the experiences space, reinvention is the name of the game. Cruises and theme parks have both focused on attracting new demographics while fine-tuning their revenue management strategies. Experiences remains a highly fragmented, legacy sector, creating massive opportunity for those able to crack the code on aggregation.

By considering the six trends, tourism and hospitality companies can gain insights on business practices for today—and on areas of future opportunity.

Accommodation: New models and value propositions

Large hotel brands have increasingly turned away from hotel ownership, scaling their business through franchising and management instead. The move is paying off. We find there is a 0.84 correlation between a hotel company’s share of franchised properties and its net profit margin.

Not all of hospitality is embracing asset-light model, however. Luxury hotel chains have resisted the trend, largely retaining in-house ownership to control standards. And smaller brands may find that they cannot reach the economies of scale that make the math of a franchise business work—focusing instead on creating distinctive experiences on a smaller scale.

Consolidation set the stage for the past decade. Several hotel brands quickly grew their foothold in key geographies and customer segments through strategic acquisitions, achieving economies of scale along the way.

As major hotels take a breather from a series of substantial acquisitions, further mergers between large hotel brands seem unlikely. However, tuck in acquisitions to target key growth demographics, like the luxury and youth categories, are likely to continue.

Another trend on the horizon is direct booking. Long reliant on online travel agencies, hotels are looking to reclaim their relationships with customers—both to cut down on intermediary booking fees and to learn more about their guests. Hotels are encouraging direct bookings through a variety of levers, ranging from best-rate guarantees to higher reward-earnings rates and improved mobile applications. 1 For example, Hyatt offers a best-rate guarantee for booking on hyatt.com and Marriott International is growing direct bookings. For more, see “Marriott sees record direct bookings at its hotels,” Skift, May 4, 2022.

Home sharing is here to stay. The segment has grown from 10 to 14 percent of booking value between 2017 and 2023, experiencing ups and downs in profitability along the way.

Recently, home sharing has positioned itself as more than a stand-in for traditional hotels. Airbnb’s recent advertising campaign “Get an Airbnb” leaned into the differences of home sharing from other hospitality offerings, emphasizing the space and privacy that renting a house can offer. 1 Samantha Shankman, “‘Get an Airbnb’ campaign challenges hotels,” Skift, August 30, 2023.

Home-sharing companies have also become a key distribution channel for smaller hotels, as they can offer more control over inventory and lower fees than other channels. In 2019, Airbnb reported a 152 percent increase in the number of rooms available for booking through its platform in boutique hotels, bed and breakfasts, and resorts. 2 “More hotels are using Airbnb,” Airbnb news release, January 16, 2019.

Experience providers: New segments and revenue streams

Cruises may only account for 2 percent of the overall travel and tourism market, but they have achieved 6 percent yearly revenue growth in the past decade. 1 McKinsey analysis of publicly listed tourism and hospitality companies’ Form 10-Ks. Attracting new travelers and providing new experiences have been key growth strategies.

Luxury hotels are capturing the new-to-cruising segment with the launch of yacht brands, purposefully positioned as a distinct experience from traditional cruises. Meanwhile, millennials are challenging stereotypes about cruising: of all cruise passengers, they are the demographic most likely to say they plan to cruise again (88 percent). 2 State of the cruise industry 2023: September 2023 update, CLIA, September 2023.

In parallel, cruises have fine-tuned their profitability through economies of scale and new revenue streams. Megaships have become the new normal, as ships with over 3,000 berths have grown from 27 to 47 percent of the global cruise fleet since 2015. Ancillary purchases such as onshore excursions and onboard casinos have also become a major source of growth, now accounting for 30 percent of revenue on average. 3 Calculated using the weighted average based on 2023 Form 10-Ks statements of publicly listed cruise companies.

Theme park attendance has grown 3 percent a year over the past decade, as theme park providers capitalize on new demographics and refine their revenue management strategies. 1 Global attraction attendance report , joint report from AECOM and Themed Entertainment Association, 2019.

Two new groups of visitors in particular are powering growth. First, the Asia–Pacific region accounted for much of the growth in theme park attendance in the past decade: of the total number of new visitors between 2013 and 2018, 57 percent were from Asia. Second, millennials are heading to parks in greater numbers, and not just for their children. A similar proportion of millennial parents (78%) and millennial nonparents (75%) say they are interested in going to a theme park. 2 Morning Consult survey, 2,201 participants, June 14–19, 2018.

To increase value from growing attendance, theme parks have become increasingly sophisticated in the field of revenue management. Demand-based pricing, tiered annual passes, and skip-the-line fees are all poised to go from pioneering to widespread practices.

Experiences are increasingly important to travelers, but the segment remains a highly fragmented space. Operators of activities ranging from walking tours to snorkeling outings tend to be small businesses with a limited digital presence.

This has created an opportunity for tech-forward companies to help travelers discover and book experiences. Destination marketing organizations have long played a role in this. For instance, VisitScotland helps visitors discover interesting activities like attending Harry Potter filming locations and whiskey tastings.

Several private companies that offer online discovery and booking platforms for travel activities, like Viator, GetYourGuide, and Klook, have achieved considerable growth in the US, European, and Asian markets. 1 Yeoh Siew Hoon, “GetYourGuide gets into pole position to win in $250b experiences market,” WIT, September 20, 2023. GetYourGuide grew its revenue fourfold between 2022 and 2023, Viator revenue was up 49 percent for the same time period, and Klook reported twice as many new customers in 2023 as in 2019. 2 “Klook completes US$210 million funding, embarks on a new era of profitable growth,” Klook news release, December 6, 2023; Mitra Sorrells, “With speculation of a sale in the air, Tripadvisor reports record revenue driven—again—by Viator,“ Phocus Wire, February 14, 2024.

Looking forward: Strategies to stay ahead of the curve

Where does this leave tourism and hospitality companies? Companies in any given sector tend to follow a power law curve : a small share of companies account for an outsize portion of both profits and losses. The tourism and hospitality sector is no different.

Over the past decade, publicly listed accommodation and experience providers grew revenue at 3 percent and 4 percent, respectively, roughly in line with global GDP growth. Accommodation providers increased their profits by five percentage points, while experience providers remained at an 18 percent average profit margin.

As stakeholders gear up for the next decade, there are things that businesses across the sector can do to sustain their hard-won growth—and profits. Moving forward, three strategies in particular can help tourism and hospitality companies stay on the leading edge of innovation.

Unbundle offerings

Hotel and experience providers can take a page from the airline playbook by unbundling rates and letting consumers pay for the exact experience they want. For example, at the time of booking, hotels can present guests with an individually priced bundle for a room on a higher floor, including breakfast and free parking—features that the guest’s past behavior suggests they would particularly value. Ensuring that guests can find their ideal room can lead both to increased revenue and increased satisfaction. A major hotel brand reported that guests chose to spend an additional $22 per night, on average, to customize their hotel room to their liking. 1 “IHG Hotels & Resorts revolutionizes booking experience through next-gen cloud solutions,” InterContinental Hotels news release, September 12, 2023.

Cross-sell exclusive experiences

For accommodation and transportation companies, partnering with experience providers to cross-sell a full journey provides an opportunity to tap into a growing area of traveler spending—and a chance to deepen the relationship with customers as a vacation creator. For example, airlines can partner with museums to offer discounted rates if booked at the time of the flight, or hotels can partner with a historical site nearby to offer early-hours admission. For uptake rates to become significant, the partnership needs to add value beyond mere cross-selling. Offering features like insurance or an option to buy now and pay later is one way to add value; creating a distinctive experience like a combined train and historic hotel journey is another.

Embrace a data-powered strategy

Tourism and hospitality entities individually hold a treasure trove of untapped data. Take Paris: hotels may see a surge in bookings for the “shoulder season.” Experience aggregator platforms might see that street food tours have attracted rising interest. Social media might reveal that a particular neighborhood is exploding in popularity. What special guest experiences could be created by combining these insights? Stakeholders can unlock new revenue streams by thinking through what data they hold that can be of value to others. More broadly speaking, combining multiple sources of data can help guide a strategy of unbundling and cross-selling to create more gratifying and pertinent experiences for travelers around the world. Embracing data isn’t just smart—it’s the future of travel.

Caroline Tufft is a senior partner in McKinsey’s London office, Margaux Constantin is a partner in the Dubai office, Matteo Pacca is a senior partner in the Paris office, Ryan Mann is a partner in the Chicago office, Ivan Gladstone is an associate partner in the Riyadh office, and Jasperina de Vries is an associate partner in the Amsterdam office.

The authors wish to thank Abdulhadi Alghamdi, Alessandra Powell, Alex Dichter, Cedric Tsai, Diane Vu, Elisa Wallwitz, Lily Miller, Maggie Coffey, Nadya Snezhkova, Nick Meronyk, Paulina Baum, Peimin Suo, Rebecca Stone, Sarah Fellay, Sarah Sahel, Sophia Wang, Steffen Fuchs, Steffen Köpke, Steve Saxon, and Urs Binggeli for their contributions to this article. The authors also wish to thank Mabrian for providing data.

Explore a career with us

Related articles.

How the world’s best hotels deliver exceptional customer experience

What AI means for travel—now and in the future

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilise the functionality of this website.

• His Excellency the Honourable Christopher John Dawson AC APM
• Mrs Darrilyn Dawson
• Governor’s Role
• Governor’s Priorities
• Invitations
• Protocol Guidelines
• Daily Program
• Selected Speeches
• Lieutenant Governor
• Lunchtimes in the Gardens
• Upcoming Public Events
• Past Events
• Government House Tours
• Venue Enquiries
• Wedding Photography
• Government House Foundation
• Government House and Gardens
• Congratulatory messages
• Australian Honours and Awards
• Annual Reports
• Former Governors
• Get to know Government House
• Latest News
• Governor’s Daily Program

Showcasing opportunities in WA and celebrating WA

By James Pratt

Tourism and Hospitality Jobs Expo

The Governor and Mrs Dawson attended a Tourism and Hospitality Jobs Expo, convened by Tourism WA and FACET – (Forum Advocating Cultural and Eco-Tourism).

Welcoming guests to the Ballroom, the Governor highlighted the opportunities to increase visitors to the State, showcasing our abundant natural wonders.

Expo participants discussed ways to encourage older West Australians to explore jobs in tourism and hospitality.

Celebrate WA 2024 Western Australian of the Year Awards

As we approach the WA Day long weekend, the Governor and Mrs Dawson attended the Celebrate WA 2024 Western Australian of the Year Awards. Celebrating excellence in business leadership, social entrepreneurship and innovation, the awards recognise those who are making a positive impact on the vibrancy of Western Australia.

Speaking at the event the Governor spoke of his admiration for the West Australians he meets who have dedicated their lives to their passions, their businesses, their research and their communities.

Our State with its vast area, and our capital city Perth being the most remote city of its size on Earth, has proven to be the perfect incubator for prosperity and identity. Because we are remote and somewhat isolated, Western Australians just get on with it. We do our own thing. Western Australians have a collective respect for our First Nations people. We are also pioneers, still exploring, still discovering. Innovators in science, medical research, space and defence technologies.

Congratulations to the 2024 winners:

• 2024 Western Australian of the Year – Damien Oliver
• Aboriginal Award – Kim Collard
• Arts & Culture Award – Caroline Wood AM
• Business Award – Christina Matthews AM
• Community Award – Mitch Messer
• Professions Award – John Curtin Distinguished Professor Steven Tingay
• Sport Award – Damien Olive
• Youth Award – Nicolette Beard

For more information about the 2024 Western Australian of the Year Awards and the winners, visit: https://www.celebratewa.com.au/winners-2024/

Contact Government House Western Australia

Four years after pandemic, employment in tourism industry has bounced back to 2019 levels

In the summer of 2020, the tourism industry took a giant blow because of the coronavirus pandemic, and the resulting travel restrictions and some businesses having limited capacity.  

Four years later, as many families, residents and visitors are planning what to do with their time off, businesses in key tourism areas hiring workers are back to pre-2020 job numbers or close to it. 

Tourism generated $23.7 billion in total economic impact in 2022, the most recent year for which data is available from the state Department of Tourism. That total topped the previous record of $22.2 billion set in 2019.

Employment took a little longer to recover, but in April the hospitality and leisure sector employed roughly 282,000 workers statewide, the highest it has been in that month since 2019, according to preliminary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  

In March, roughly 285,800 people worked in hospitality and leisure, matching March 2019.  

In the greater Milwaukee area, employment in hospitality and leisure is up 1% from last year to about 77,100 jobs. It’s still down 2% compared to 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  

Wisconsin Dells tourism economy is 'extremely strong'

Andy Larsen, executive vice president of Boelter and Lincoln Marketing Communications, which works with the Wisconsin Dells, said just under 15,000 people worked in the tourism jobs in the Dells.  

“We certainly expect this year to be every bit as strong as last year was,” Larsen said. “The tourism economy there is extremely strong and does not slow down at all. In fact, it’s picking up as we get further and further away from COVID.” 

Many of the jobs are filled by foreign students here on a J-1 visa, which is given to people who are part of a work-study program.  

In Wisconsin Dells, it’s estimated that roughly 5,000 J-1 visa workers will fill openings, which was roughly where the region was before the pandemic. 

“They’re filling an important role,” Larsen said. “We have jobs available, and the majority of workers in the tourism industry are born-in-the-US citizens, but the J-1 workers really help us fill out all the available jobs.” 

With the advent of indoor waterpark resorts, the city has become more of a year-round destination.  

“The tourism sector in the Dells is continuing to expand,” Larsen said. “And that is due to the businesses themselves.” 

People interested in working in Wisconsin Dells can find an opening on at wisdells.com/wisconsin-dells-employment .  

Door County seeing similar rebound 

In Door County, about 500 J-1 visa employees will find work at nearly 80 businesses this summer.  

“We do that because we can’t get enough United States students or residents to fill all the jobs that we have,” said Jon Jarosh, chief communications officer for Destination Door County. “It’s a bit like putting a puzzle together for our business owners because different countries have different summer break times, and so businesses in Door County will try to find students from different countries to cover them and their workforce needs.” 

Businesses often fill out paperwork with the Social Security Administration in the fall of the previous year to make sure the workers, and businesses, have the proper documentation.  

“It’s a great program, but there’s a considerable amount of work involved,” Jarosh said. “It’s been a great exchange program. It’s been great to get other cultures over to Door County, and those students are always super eager to work and are really excited to be in the United States and see what it’s really like, not just what they see in the movies.” 

While international workers do help fill positions, there are always openings.  

“Any seasonal destination like Door County or the Dells or anywhere else would say they’re seldom fully staffed, especially post-pandemic,” Jarosh said. “It seems like there’s never enough workers to meet our seasonal workforce needs, especially with the number of visitors that we get every year." 

Anyone interested in working in Door County can visit Jobsindoorcounty.com . 

View prices for your travel dates

• Excellent 18
• Very Good 9
• All languages ( 43 )
• Russian ( 37 )
• English ( 4 )
• German ( 1 )
• Italian ( 1 )

" DIR: West; bigger nice evening sun but louder due to main street DIR:East; Quiter, very bright in the morning if sun rises "

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

APELSIN HOTEL

Press Herald

Account Subscription: ACTIVE

Questions about your account? Our customer service team can be reached at [email protected] during business hours at (207) 791-6000 .

• Local & State

Maine’s seasonal businesses say summer hiring looks sunnier this year

Finding people to take on summer jobs has been difficult in recent years. While some employers are still struggling, 'it's nowhere near where it was,' a leader of the state's hospitality industry said.

You are able to gift 5 more articles this month.

Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Learn more .

With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month.

It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. To get one, go to the subscriptions page .

Loading....

Madison Clements, left, and Maddy Fleurent fill orders for customers at Martel’s Ice Cream on Thursday. This is Clements’ first season at the Saco ice cream shop and Fleurent’s fourth. Co-owner Patty Martel-Buxton said hiring about 20 summer workers has been a breeze this year. Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer

Dave Schiff started hiring for the summer in October.

Each year, Schiff, owner and director of Camp Manitou, needs to bring on 225 to 250 staff members to keep the Oakland camp running for the nearly 400 boys who will spend their summer there.

Like many of Maine’s seasonal businesses , Camp Manitou has struggled in recent years to find and keep summer workers. But luckily for Schiff, this year has been much easier: Just about a month before it opens for the first session, Camp Manitou is fully staffed.

The generally sunnier outlook ahead of the summer season is common among Maine’s business owners this year.

Summer hiring has been a slog in the tourism-dependent state for years, but it reached crisis level during the pandemic, according to Becky Jacobson, executive director of HospitalityMaine, the trade group that represents the industry.

Many businesses last summer scrambled to find workers amid record-low unemployment rates and limitations on workforce visas. Advertisement

Leading up to last summer, 70% of businesses that spoke with the Maine Tourism Association said they’d be understaffed for the season. Some were forced to shorten hours, reduce capacity or close entirely.

As summer nears, most Maine tourism businesses are understaffed

But as Maine once again gears up for the busy season, Jacobson said she’s cautiously optimistic.

“I’m not hearing the desperation that we heard (previously),” she said. “Managers are getting back to managing and not having to work lines every day. There are still people who are struggling, but it’s nowhere near where it was.”

Patty Martel-Buxton said hiring has been especially easy this year at Martel’s Ice Cream and Mini Golf, the business she co-owns in Saco. The shop opened for the season in April, and finding the 20 or so employees to man its two miniature golf greens and scoop ice cream has been a breeze. Younger kids are especially eager to work this year, she said.

There weren’t any issues getting fully staffed at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunk, either, said Colby Bracy, human resources director. The hotel usually adds about 30 new faces to its roughly 185-employee roster each year.

For a few years, Bracy would have people sign up for an interview and then not answer when she called. But even that hasn’t happened this year. Advertisement

“The people who are applying are actually looking for a job,” she said.

Jacobson attributed the smoother hiring season to several factors.

In the first years following the height of the pandemic, some people were uncomfortable returning to work in crowded, public environments. But the world feels like it’s opened back up, Jacobson said, and many people who left the workforce have returned.

Also this year, the federal Department of Labor released more than 64,000 visas in November, earlier than the usual January and February schedule. This allowed businesses to plan ahead. While they may not have gotten as many workers as they wanted, they at least knew ahead of time, she said.

Seasonal worker visas expected to double, boosting Maine’s hospitality industry

But businesses have adapted and gotten creative, too.

They’ve raised wages and offered better benefits and flexible schedules. Some created housing opportunities. Others embraced hiring more diverse populations, such as new Mainers, people reentering the workforce after incarceration, or older people who retired but weren’t ready to give up working. Advertisement

It’s shaping up to be a strong summer, Jacobson said – “if we can just get some decent weather .”

Madison Clements scoops ice cream for customers at Martel’s Ice Cream on Thursday. This is her first season at the Saco shop. Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer

MAINE HAS A ‘NUMBERS PROBLEM’

Tony Cameron, CEO of the Maine Tourism Association, is also hearing that more business owners are feeling optimistic.

The tourism association did not poll business owners about staffing this year, but the organization will check in and likely get the “pulse” after Memorial Day weekend, one of the season’s major milestones and the official kickoff to summer, he said.

But despite the air of optimism, Cameron said, summer hiring will never be a cakewalk.

“There are not enough people here in the state of Maine to fill all the jobs. It’s kind of a numbers problem,” he said. Advertisement

There are too many concurrent challenges – housing, transportation, child care, to name a few – to say the labor shortage is solved. The businesses are also too different and too widespread.

“It’s always going to be a challenge for the industry,” Cameron said.

There’s been no shortage of applicants for the several open positions at Rococo Dessert Bar in Kennebunk’s Lower Village. But not the kind the restaurant needs.

“There are a lot of people who want to come in to work,” General Manager Brigid Litster said. “I’ve been getting so many applications, people dropping off resumes – but the people who are applying aren’t necessarily qualified for the jobs.”

The dessert bar, which opened around Labor Day last year, managed to make it through the winter months with only about three employees, but now Litster needs to hire another 15 or so. The next-door scoop shop, Rococo Ice Cream, needs to hire at least another dozen.

“We get the tides of tourism. We get to experience that in full, which is excellent, but it’s such a dramatic shift between being completely dead with no business in April and now, in May, having to hire 15 people,” she said. “I love that people want to work, but I can’t run a summer business in Kennebunkport off of people who’ve never worked in a restaurant before.” Advertisement

Some might look at a seasonal business and assume that it’s easy because they don’t need to stay fully staffed all year, Litster said, but in many cases, that makes it harder. Their window of time is short. Hiring talented, competent people for just eight weeks is hard enough, but then in August, about 90% of the workforce goes back to school.

Meanwhile, September and October in Maine have been busier than ever in the last few years.

Fewer people visited Maine in 2023, but they stayed longer and spent more money

So even though Rococo has an excess of applicants now, she’s worried about the next wave of hiring later in the summer, when they’re “scrambling for people.”

“The hiring portion is tricky, but losing that bulk of staff is at the other end of that,” she said.

Norman Patry said hiring is off to a late start this summer after a fair amount of turnover at his two Portland bicycle businesses, Summer Feet, which offers tours, and EnCYCLEpedia, a rental company.

He’s looking to bring on five or six people. When fully staffed, the two businesses have about 20 employees. Advertisement

“I have staffing challenges every year,” Patry said.

Ideally, he’d run the bike rental company from Memorial Day through Indigenous Peoples’ Day, but he likely won’t open until mid-June, and the business will shorten hours from Labor Day until it closes in mid-October.

For the bike tours, Patry said his options are even more limited because he doesn’t hire college students. They go back to school in August, and the tours run until October.

But despite a smaller hiring pool, Patry said he’s been pleased to see a number of qualified applicants this year, and he was buoyed by a promising Memorial Day weekend.

Related Headlines

Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.

Enter your email and password to access comments.

Forgot Password?

Don't have a commenting profile? Create one.

Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. Already have a commenting profile? Login .

Invalid username/password.

Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.

Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. You will receive an email to complete the registration. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate.

Already registered? Log in to join the discussion.

Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why .

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.

Send questions/comments to the editors.

Biz Headlines

• Enter email address
• Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sen. Susan Collins decries Trump’s conviction

Miss the northern lights you may have another chance to see them this weekend, our view: fearlessness of exactly the wrong kind from sen. susan collins, topsham market basket opening date announced, negative response to first windham pride event prompts drag queens to cancel performance, member log in.

Please enter your username and password below. Already a subscriber but don't have one? Click here .

Not a subscriber? Click here to see your options