hospitality resources in tourism examples

See how Cvent can solve your biggest event challenges. Watch a 30-minute demo.

What Is the Hospitality Industry? Your Complete Guide

What does hospitality mean? What is the hospitality industry, exactly? Where and how did it begin? This post answers all those questions and more as we explore the past, present, and future of hospitality. As we dive deeper into what the industry entails, you’ll discover how hospitality impacts employers, employees, economies, consumers, the environment, and so much more. Whether you’re curious about which businesses are part of the industry, what they do, or how to start a career in hospitality, you’ve come to the right place.

What is the hospitality industry? 

The hospitality industry is a massive business sector. Casting a broad umbrella, it encompasses all economic and business activities that rely upon or contribute to travel and tourism. Hospitality-focused businesses like hotels and travel agencies contribute directly by providing essential services that enable travel and tourism. Suppliers, transportation services, and catering companies may indirectly contribute by delivering the goods and services necessary to keep the industry running; however, they do not solely rely on hospitality for their revenue.

Because the hospitality industry is so expansive, it includes a diverse spectrum of companies, businesses, and experts. Even with so much variety, most hospitality businesses fall into one of four categories.

1. Travel & tourism (T&T)

Although many people think travel and tourism are synonymous with hospitality, that’s not quite the case. More accurately, T&T is a specific category within the hospitality industry. It includes airlines, shuttle services, travel agents, destination marketing organizations (DMOs) , and other businesses or services that help facilitate the physical travel necessary for tourism. Those working in T&T help drive tourists, workers, and businesses to new destinations.

2. Accommodation 

One of the largest and most diverse parts of the hospitality industry is the accommodation sector, which includes everything from lodging to event grounds and special event venues. Numerous different types of hotels and venues fall into this sector, including:

• Chain hotels
• Extended stay properties
• Boutique hotels
• Conference and convention centers
• Wedding venues
• Casinos/casino suites

3. Food & beverage (F&B)

Most hotels and resorts offer their guests some form of food or dining option. Whether operating a café, buffet breakfast, or full-service restaurant, food and beverage services are integrated directly into many hospitality-based businesses. Stand-alone F&B providers, like restaurants or food trucks, operate independently, but they also have a part to play in the local hospitality scene.

Event catering, quick-service establishments, full-service restaurants, and limited-service F&B are powerful revenue drivers contributing to the hospitality industry. In addition to serving in-house hotel guests, F&B is a critical component of meetings and events, from private parties, like birthdays or weddings, to large-scale corporate events .

4. Recreation & entertainment 

Because businesses in the hospitality industry often rely on consumers’ disposable income, they market to customers’ desire for entertainment that refreshes the mind, body, and spirit. In addition to lodging, travel services, and culinary delights, hospitality is full of indoor and outdoor recreation.

Bars, nightclubs, theaters, stadiums, museums, zoos, and other attractions often act as special event venues and tourist attractions, helping to drive a destination’s economy . Spectacular outdoor spaces, including our national and state parks , attract travelers from near and far to feed their local markets.

Whether providing a memorable meal or a relaxing day at the spa, the true purpose of hospitality is to ensure that the customer has an enjoyable experience —whatever they do.

But how did it all get started? How far back do the roots of the hospitality industry actually go? 

When did the hospitality industry begin? 

Although hospitality doesn’t have a designated start date, its traditions date back thousands of years. Ancient symbols of hospitality exist worldwide, with the oldest signs discovered in French caves dating back to 15,000 BCE . Historians and archeologists believe early humans designed the caves to welcome guests and greet visiting tribes.

Xenia, a phrase translating to “the sacred rule of hospitality,” is another early sign of the tradition. In ancient Greece, the custom expressed the law or expectation that hosts would offer protection and kindness to strangers . The Greeks understood that a satisfactory hospitality experience relied on hosts respecting their guests and vice versa. Furthermore, they believed displaying proper hospitality was “fundamental to human civilized life.” Modern hospitality may not look like it did thousands of years ago, but its purpose remains the same.

Is the hospitality industry growing?

Pre-pandemic, the hotel and motel industries (i.e., hospitality) employed approximately 173 million workers . In our primarily post-pandemic world, the hospitality industry and its partners remain massive global employers. 2022 brought 22 million new jobs to the sector, representing an almost 8% increase since 2021. In 2023, the hospitality positions accounted for one of every ten available jobs .

Although many hospitality-focused businesses (e.g., hotels and restaurants) still face staffing shortages , the industry remains one of the largest global employment sectors. From 2022-2023, the international hospitality industry’s value grew at a compound annual growth rate of 7% . The rebound illustrates consumers’ desire to travel again and return to in-person events after restrictions were lifted. Paralleling this demand increase, the World Travel and Tourism Council estimates that the hospitality industry will create 126 million more jobs by 2032 .

How does the hospitality industry impact the environment? 

In 2022, the hospitality industry was responsible for approximately 1% of global carbon emissions . Single-use plastics, high water consumption, energy usage, and excess waste are just a few ways hotels negatively affect their local environment and the overall climate.

To demonstrate a commitment to sustainability , social responsibility, and shifting consumer preferences, the industry is becoming greener through robust global initiatives and innovative day-to-day practices, like these eco-friendly hotel ideas . As consumer attitudes towards environmental conservation and sustainability strengthen, being eco-friendly is no longer optional for most businesses; it’s necessary.

Why work in hospitality? 

If you enjoy making other people happy, hospitality might be right for you. It’s an industry where employees work together to create a welcoming atmosphere, satisfy customers, impress hotel guests , and create an exceptional visitor experience. With hotel, events, dining, planning, travel, custom service, and a wide variety of other roles available, there’s an opportunity for every worker and every personality type.

Hospitality is also a dynamic, fast-paced, and ever-changing field. Just as every guest is different, so is every day working in the industry. Whether working in a hotel or nightclub, you get to encounter diverse types of people with varying backgrounds from all over the world. As you connect with various guests and strive to meet their needs, you’ll get exposed to new cultures and expand your life experience.

Additionally, hospitality offers more flexible scheduling than many other industries, as hospitality businesses often operate outside of traditional 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. office hours. Many young people flock to hotels, restaurants, and similar businesses because of the work-life balance they provide. Working in the industry also comes with a diverse range of perks, such as discounted travel, competitive pay rates, and numerous opportunities to advance your career. 

Become an expert on all things hospitality

How do you get a job in the hospitality industry?

There are many different paths you can take to begin a hospitality career. While some employees start at an entry-level position and work up the ranks, others translate their past professional experience into a hospitality-focused career. Increase your chances of building a successful career in the hospitality industry by:

1. Identifying which hospitality sector best suits you

The hospitality industry includes diverse careers and professions, making it an excellent sector for workers with various skills and personality types. Whether you’re an introvert who prefers to work alone or a bubbly, conversational individual, hospitality has something for everyone. If you want to work in a hotel, consider which department or position best fits you.

• Front desk: Front-facing, customer-focused positions, great for outgoing personality types
• Housekeeping: Back-of-the-house positions, perfect for task-oriented or meticulous employees 
• F&B: Front-facing and back-of-house positions available, often working in a busy, high-stress environment 
• Maintenance: Skill-based and goal-focused positions that require big-picture thinkers with excellent task-management skills 
• Meetings and events: A range of primarily forward-facing positions available for event planners, organizers, coordinators, and more

2. Knowing where to look 

As customer service lies at the heart of hospitality, it’s common for professionals to turn to members of their local network for references, recommendations, and referrals. Many entry-level hospitality jobs are shared through local and employee referrals, the hiring manager’s professional network, or an individual’s social media accounts.

If you already know where you want to work, get to know the people there. Introduce yourself to the management team at hotels, restaurants, and other venues that interest you. If you’re not sure where to start, there are a variety of hospitality employment resources available, including:

• Online advertisements. Online job ads are especially beneficial if you’re new to the industry or a particular destination. If you lack first-person word-of-mouth recommendations, breaking into your local industry may feel intimidating. Keep an eye out for online ads on job boards, local news sites, and search engine results to streamline your search.
• Social media pages. Follow venue Facebook pages, join local hospitality groups, and keep a close eye on the Instagram pages of the hotels or destinations where you want to work. Regularly check social media, scanning for links to external job sites or brand listings.
• Hospitality Online
• iHireHospitality  
• Hospitality Crossing
• Hospitality Confidential
• Wyndham Careers  
• Hyatt Careers
• Marriott International Careers
• Jobs at Hilton
• IHG Careers
• Accor Careers  
• OYO Careers
• Staffing agencies. Staffing and temporary work agencies are fantastic resources for helping individuals get their foot through the door. Although there are various hospitality-specific staffing agencies, like Hospitality Staffing Solutions , it’s also common for local staffing agencies to work directly with nearby hotels as they help fill entry-level positions in guest service, housekeeping, maintenance, and other departments.

3. Expanding your hospitality knowledge

Become a go-to person for all things hospitality, from industry trends to the latest marketing techniques. Stay current on the latest to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive field.

4. Keeping up with industry certifications

Having credentials can significantly impact how quickly you land your dream travel job. Show other hospitality professionals that you’re serious about a career in the industry by holding various certifications, like HubSpot Academy’s Inbound Marketing Certification , a certificate in hospitality revenue management (CRHM), or ServSafe certifications for those involved on the F&B side.

5. Determining your career path 

After exploring the wide and wonderful world of hospitality, pick a career path you’re enthusiastic about. Instead of thinking about where to start, consider where you’d like to go in the industry. Visualizing where you want to end up can help determine which steps you should take to advance your career down a path that speaks to you.

Now you know what the hospitality industry is and why it matters! 

With a better understanding of how far hospitality extends and its immense influence worldwide, it’s easy to see why the industry is growing. To learn more, join us as we examine the most significant trends impacting the hospitality industry in 2023 .

Kim Campbell

Kim is a full-time copy and content writer with many years of experience in the hospitality industry. She entered the hotel world in 2013 as a housekeeping team member and worked her way through various departments before being appointed to Director of Sales. Kim has championed numerous successful sales efforts, revenue strategies, and marketing campaigns — all of which landed her a spot on Hotel Management Magazine’s “Thirty Under 30” list.

Don’t be fooled though; she’s not all business! An avid forest forager, post-apocalyptic fiction fan, and free-sample-fiend, Kim prides herself on being well-rounded.

More Reading

Congratulations to the 2024 cvent excellence awards finalists, how to market to corporate event planners, what is a hotel business plan, and why you need one.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

16 Chapter 16 Hospitality & Tourism

Richard Parsons; Stephen Skripak; Anastasia Cortes; Anita Walz; and Gary Walton

Learning Objectives

• Understand what tourism is: definition, components, and importance.
• Understand the economic, social and environmental benefits and costs of tourism.
• Define hospitality and the pineapple tradition.
• Identify the types of hotel categories and how they are determined.
• Examine the different categories of food service operations.
• Understand the different types of events, meetings and conventions.

The tourism industry is often cited as the largest industry in the world, contributing 10% of the world’s GDP. In 2016 there were over 1.2 billion international tourists: that’s a substantial economic impact and movement of goods and services! 1 Tourism is also considered an export and is unique in that the consumers come to the product where it is consumed on-site. Before we dig any deeper, let’s explore what the term “tourism” means.

Definition of Tourism

There are a number of ways tourism can be defined. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) embarked on a project from 2005 to 2007 to create a common glossary of terms for tourism. It defines tourism as follows:

A social, cultural and economic phenomenon which entails the movement of people to countries or places outside their usual environment for personal or business/professional purposes. These people are called visitors (which may be either tourists or excursionists; residents or non-residents) and tourism has to do with their activities, some of which imply tourism expenditure. 2

In other words, tourism is the movement of people for a number of purposes (whether business or pleasure). It is important to understand the various groups and constituencies involved in this movement. Of course it includes the tourist, but also the vast array of businesses providing goods and services for the tourist, the government and political structure of a destination, and the local residents of the destination community itself. Each of these components are necessary parts of a successful tourism destination and operate within private and public sectors, the built environment, and the natural environment. All these come together to create the processes, activities, and outcomes of tourism.

If it all seems a little overwhelming, it might be helpful to break tourism down into broad industry groups, each of which will be covered in this chapter:

Accommodation and Lodging

• Food and Beverage Services (F & B)

Recreation and Entertainment

• Convention & Event Management

Travel Services

• Private Clubs

Benefits and Costs of Tourism

Tourism impacts can be grouped into three main categories: economic, social, and environmental. These impacts are analyzed using data gathered by businesses, governments, and industry organizations. Some impacts gain more attention than others. It is also important to recognize that different groups and constituencies are impacted differently.

Economic Impacts of Tourism

The tourism industry has a huge economic impact that continues to expand to new markets and destinations. According to the UNWTO, in 2016 “The total export value from international tourism amounted to US$ 1.5 trillion.” 3  Regions with the highest growth in terms of tourism dollars earned (2016 vs 2015) are Africa, Asia and the Pacific, the Americas Europe. Only the Middle East posted negative growth at the time of the report. As well, the UNWTO’s Tourism 20 3 0 Vision report predicts that international arrivals will reach nearly 1.8 billion by 2030. 4 Figure 16.2 provides additional information about the impact of tourism worldwide.

Positive impacts from this economic boom include robust foreign exchange, increases in income, and GDP growth. Tourism can also offer diverse employment opportunities, can be developed with local products, and is often compatible with other economic activities within a destination. Tourism often injects money into the community that leads to secondary economic development as well. For example, successful resorts may create the need for a commercial laundry facility or a pet boarding business.

However, there are also negative impacts. Property values may increase to the point of unaffordability for local residents, and the seasonality of the tourism industry may create a feast-or-famine economy. As with any economy, if too many resources are focused on just one industry, communities may be vulnerable to any unexpected economic, social, or environmental changes. One example is the New Jersey shore after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The tourism industry was severely impacted, leaving no economic fallback for local residents.

Social Impacts of Tourism

In addition to the economic benefits of tourism development, positive social impacts include an increase in amenities (e.g., parks, recreation facilities), investment in arts, culture, heritage and tradition, celebration of indigenous communities, and community pride. Tourism also has the potential to break down language, socio-cultural, religious, and political barriers. When developed conscientiously, tourism can, and does, contribute to a positive quality of life for residents and promotes a positive image of the destination.

However, as identified by the United Nations Environment Programme, negative social impacts of tourism can include: change or loss of indigenous identity and values; culture clashes; changes in family structure; conflict within the community for the tourism dollar; and ethical issues, including an increase in sex tourism, crime, gambling, and/or the exploitation of child workers. 5

Environmental Impacts of Tourism

Tourism relies on, and greatly impacts, the natural environment in which it operates. In some destinations, there is a great appreciation of the environmental resources as the source of the tourism industry, and as such there are environmental protection policies and plans in place. Tourism has helped to save many delicate ecosystems and their flora and fauna. Preservation of these important resources benefits not only the tourist but also the local residents as well.

Even though many areas of the world are conserved in the form of parks and protected areas, tourism development can still have severe negative economic impacts. According to The United Nations Environment Programme, these can include the depletion of natural resources (water, forests, etc.), pollution (air pollution, noise, sewage, waste and littering), and physical impacts (construction activities, marina development, trampling, loss of biodiversity, and spread of disease). 6

The environmental impacts of tourism can reach beyond local areas and have an effect on the global ecosystem. One example is increased air travel, which is often identified as a major contributor to climate change.

Whether positive or negative, tourism is a force for change around the world, and the industry is transforming at a staggering rate.

The original version of this chapter contained H5P content. This content is not supported in cloned books. You may want to remove or replace this section.

The Hospitality Industry

When looking at tourism it is important to consider the term hospitality. Some define hospitality as “the business of helping people to feel welcome and relaxed and to enjoy themselves.” 7 Simply put, the hospitality industry is the combination of the accommodation and food and beverage groupings, collectively making up the largest segment of the industry.

The pineapple has long been the symbol of hospitality. The Caribs, indigenous people of the Lower Antilles in the Caribbean, first used it as such a symbol. The Spaniards knew they were welcome if a pineapple was placed at the entrance to the village. This symbolism spread across Europe and North America where it became the custom to carve the shape of a pineapple into the columns at the entrance of the plantation. 8 Charles Carter added a three and a half foot wooden pineapple to the peak of the roof at Shirley Plantation, the first plantation in Virginia. 9 It is now common to see the image of the pineapple as a sign of welcome, warmth and hospitality.

The types of employees and resources required to run an accommodation business — whether it be a hotel, motel, or even a campground — are quite similar. All these businesses need staff to check in guests, provide housekeeping, employ maintenance workers, and provide a place for people to sleep. As such, they can be grouped together under the heading of accommodation and lodging . Figure 16.4 summarizes the various groupings within the industry.

Hotel Types

Hotels are typically referred to by hotel type or other classifications. Hotel type is determined primarily by how it will function and what amenities will be included within the property. Size, location, service levels and type of business or targeted market segments are additional classifications. Industry also classifies hotels by chain scale…separating hotels into categories determined by their average daily rates. Various ownership structures and brand affiliations also differentiate hotels.

Classifications

Hotels may be classified on a number of different variables. Type of Hotel : There are numerous classifications by hotel type including all-inclusive hotels, all-suite properties, B&B/Inns, boutique, convention/conference centers, condo hotels, resort, extended stay, full service, casino, limited service and timeshare properties. Size and Complexity: A hotel can be classified by the number of guest rooms it has; hotel sizes can range from a small boutique hotel with fewer than 50 rooms to a large resort hotel with more than 1,000 rooms. The complexity of the hotel is determined by the volume and number of additional revenue generating functions such as the square feet of available conference space, number of F&B operations and additional services and amenities like pools, fitness centers, spas, golf, etc. Location: The location of a hotel can also determine the type of guest served. An airport hotel may be very different from a city-center property in an urban environment, or a remote island resort or a small quaint bed and breakfast located on top of a mountain. Hotels that specialize in conferences, may locate near entertainment destinations like Las Vegas or Disney theme parks to provide pre-post conference activities for attendees. Service Level: The level of service provided is also a key variable, ranging from an inexpensive budget or economy hotel, (Limited or Focused Service Hotels) which may have limited services and amenities, to upscale and luxury hotels (Full Service Hotels) with many services and a wide range of amenities. Market Segmentation: Figure 16.5 on the next page outlines the characteristics of specific hotel types that have evolved to match the needs of a particular traveler segment. As illustrated, hotels adapt and diversify depending on the markets they desire and need to drive occupancy levels and generate revenues. Some hotels will specialize in a specific market segment, but in today’s competitive environment, most hotels will target a combination of these segments.

There are several other industry related organizations, such as Forbes and AAA which provide Consumer Ratings for individual hotels….another form of classifying a property. Forbes has traditionally awarded 1 to 5 “Stars” and AAA, 1 to 5 “Diamond” ratings. Additionally, many social media applications like Trip Advisor offer hotel property ratings to consumers.

Chain Scale: Smith Travel Research (STR) is an organization that provides the lodging industry with global data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights. STR classifies the lodging industry into six chain scale segments according to their respective brand Average Daily Rate (ADR). The six segments are defined as Luxury ; Upper Upscale ; Upscale ; Mid-Scale with F&B ( Upper Mid-Scale ); Mid-Scale without F&B ( Mid-Scale ) and Economy . Through STR’s 30 –plus years of service to the hospitality industry, they have developed vital benchmarking performance solutions, established market trend transparency and provided data used by the investment community to support hotel development projects. Their core product, the STAR report, provides hotel owners and operators with comparative performance data between their property and a defined set of market competitors and allows you to follow trends in hotel occupancy, average daily rate (ADR) and revenue per available room (RevPar). Developers, investors, industry analysts, hotel brands and management companies all utilize STR data when determine what type of hotel to build and what location would provide maximum opportunity for success.

The type of ownership, brand affiliation and management are also very important variables in the classification of hotels. Owners may manage their own hotels independently but in today’s competitive environment, they would likely sign a Franchise Agreement with a nationally recognized brand as well as a Management Contract with a hotel management company to manage the property. A hotel chain such as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt or IHG (Intercontinental Hotel Group) is comprised of multiple brands: Marriott, following their recent merger with Starwood currently has 30 different hotel brands, with each name representing a different level of price, service or targeted market segments.

Branding Decision

Selecting a brand affiliation is one of the most significant decisions hotel owners must make. 10 The brand affiliation selected will largely determine the cost of hotel development or conversion of an existing property to meet the standards of the new brand. The affiliation will also determine a number of things about the ongoing operation including the level of services and amenities offered, cost of operation, marketing opportunities or restrictions, and the competitive position in the marketplace. For these reasons, owners typically consider several branding options before choosing to operate independently or to adopt a brand affiliation.

Franchise Agreements

Another managerial and ownership structure is franchising. A hotel franchise enables individuals or investment companies (the franchisee) to build or purchase a hotel and then buy or lease a brand name to become part of a chain of hotels using the franchisor’s hotel brand, image, loyalty program, goodwill, procedures, cost controls, marketing, and reservations systems. 11

A franchisee becomes part of a network of properties that use a central reservations system with access to electronic distribution channels, regional and national marketing programs, central purchasing, revenue management support, and brand operating standards. A franchisee also receives training, support, and advice from the franchisor and must adhere to regular inspections, audits, and reporting requirements.

Selecting a franchise structure may reduce investment risk by enabling the franchisee to associate with an established hotel company. Franchise fees can be substantial, and a franchisee must be willing to adhere to the contractual obligations with the franchisor. 12 Franchise fees typically include an initial fee paid with the franchise application and continuing fees paid during the term of the agreement. These fees are usually a percentage of revenue but can be set at a fixed fee. The total percentage of sales ranges significantly for hotels from 3.3% – 14.7% with a median of 11.8%. 13

Management Contracts

It is common for ownership to utilize a management contract , which is a service offered by a management company to manage a hotel or resort for its owners. Owners have two main options for the structure of a management contract. One is to enter into a management agreement with an independent third-party hotel management company to manage the hotel. There are hundreds of these companies, but some of the large organizations include Aimbridge, Benchmark Hospitality, Crescent Hotels, Interstate Hotels, and White Lodging. A slightly different option is for owners to select a single company to provide both the brand and the expertise to manage the property. Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt, are companies that provide this second option to owners.

Food and Beverage Services

The food and beverage sector is commonly known to industry professionals by its initials F&B. The F&B sector grew from simple origins to meet the basic needs for food and beverage services to increasing demand for unique experiences and broader options. As the interests of the public became more diverse, so too did the offerings of the F&B sector. The increasing awareness and demand for organic, sustainable, local or craft options as well as special dietary needs in food and beverage continue to challenge this industry. In addition, in order to better attract and serve a diverse array of diners, the F&B industry now consists of a variety of segments. The following is a discussion of each.

Quick Service Restaurants

Formerly known as fast-food restaurants, examples of  quick-service restaurants , or QSRs, include Chick-fil-A, Subway, and Pizza Hut. This prominent portion of the food sector generally caters to both residents and visitors, and it is represented in areas that are conveniently accessed by both. Brands, chains, and franchises dominate the QSR landscape. While the sector has made steps to move away from the traditional “fast-food” image and style of service, it is still dominated by both fast food and food fast; in other words, food that is purchased and prepared quickly, and generally consumed quickly as well.

Fast Casual Restaurants

Fast Casual restaurants focus on higher quality ingredients than QSR’s and provide made-to-order food in an environment that does not include table service. Customers usually queue and order at a counter. The seating area is more upscale and comfortable. Examples would include Chipotle Mexican Grill, Panera and Jason’s Deli.

Full-Service Restaurants

Full-service restaurants  are perhaps the most fluid of the F&B operation types, adjusting and changing to the demands of the marketplace. Consumer expectations are higher here than with QSRs. 14 The menus offered are varied, but in general reflect the image of the restaurant or consumer’s desired experience. Major segments include fine dining, family/casual, ethnic, and upscale casual. Fine dining  restaurants are characterized by highly trained chefs preparing complex food items, exquisitely presented. Meals are brought to the table by experienced servers with sound food and beverage knowledge in an upscale atmosphere with table linens, fine china, crystal stemware, and silver-plate cutlery. The table is often embellished with fresh flowers and candles. In these businesses, the average check, which is the total sales divided by number of guests served, is quite high (often reviewed with the cost symbols of three or four dollar signs: $$ \$\$\$ or \$\$\$\$ $$.) Examples include the Inn at Little Washington, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Capitol Grille.

Casual restaurants serve moderately-priced to upscale food in a more casual atmosphere. Casual dining comprises a market segment between fast casual establishments and fine dining restaurants. Casual dining restaurants often have a full bar with separate bar staff, a larger beer menu and a limited wine menu. This segment is full of chains such as Chili’s, Outback, Red Robin and Cracker Barrel as well as many independent restaurants in regional or local markets.

Family restaurants  offer affordable menu items that span a variety of customer tastes. They also have the operational flexibility in menu and restaurant layout to welcome large groups of diners. An analysis of menus in family/casual restaurants reveals a high degree of operational techniques such as menu item cross-utilization, where a few key ingredients are repurposed in several ways. Both chain and independent restaurant operators flourish in this sector. Examples of chains in this category would be Golden Corral, Cici’s Pizza and Ponderosa Steakhouse.

Ethnic restaurants  typically reflect the owner’s cultural identity, Vietnamese, Cuban, Thai, etc. The growth and changing nature of this sector reflects the acceptance of various ethnic foods within our communities. Ethnic restaurants generally evolve along two routes: toward remaining authentic to the cuisine of the country of origin or toward larger market acceptance through modifying menu items. 15 Examples would be P.F. Chang’s, Tara Thai or Pei Wei.

Bars, Wineries, and Craft Distilling

The beverage industry continues to evolve as well with a strong focus on local craft beers, wines, cider and distilling. Wineries exist in almost every state, with over 250 in Virginia as of 2015. 16 Wine, bourbon, cider trails and brew pub crawls, etc. are used to generate awareness and create experiences for customers. Wineries often use event space or festivals to take advantage of the beauty of the winery and supplement their revenues.

Institutional Food Service

Institutional f ood s ervice is large scale and often connected to governmental (National Parks) or corporate level organizations. Often run under a predetermined contract, the institutional F&B sector includes:

• Educational institutions
• Prisons and other detention facilities
• Corporate staff cafeterias
• National Park restaurants and concessions
• Cruise ships
• Airports and other transportation terminals and operations

Examples of companies who focus on Institutional Food Service are Compass, Sodexho, Aramark.

Accommodation Food Service

This sector includes hotel restaurants and bars, room service, and self-serve dining operations (such as a breakfast room).  Hotel restaurants are usually open to the public and reliant on this public patronage in addition to business from hotel guests. Collaborations between hotel and restaurant chains have seen reliable pairings such as the combination of Shula’s Steakhouse and Marriott Hotels.

Restaurant Industry Profitability and Cost Control

According to the National Restaurant Association, QSRs have the highest pre-tax profit margin at 6.3%, while full-service restaurants have a margin of 4.7%. There will be significant variances from these percentages at individual locations, even within the same brand. 17

A number of costs influence the profitability of an F&B operation. Some of the key operating expenses (as a percentage of revenue) are detailed in Figure 16.16, above, where food cost and salaries & wages are the two major expenses, each accounting for approximately a third of the total. Other expenses include rental and leasing of venue, utilities, advertising, and depreciation of assets. These percentages represent averages, and will vary greatly by sector and location.

Cost control and containment is essential for all F&B businesses. Demanding particular attention are the labor, food, and beverage costs, also known as the operator’s primary costs. In addition to these big ticket items, there is the cost of reusable operating supplies such as cutlery, glassware, china, and linen in full-service restaurants.

Recreation can be defined as the pursuit of leisure activities during one’s spare time 19 and can include vastly different activities such as golfing, sport fishing, and rock climbing. Defining recreation as it pertains to tourism, however, is more challenging.

Let’s start by exploring some recreation-based terms that are common in the tourism industry. Outdoor recreation can be defined as “outdoor activities that take place in a natural setting, as opposed to a highly cultivated or managed landscape such as a playing field or golf course.” 20   This term is typically applied to outdoor activities in which individuals engage close to their community. When these activities are further away, and people must travel some distance to participate in them, they are often described as “adventure tourism”. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), adventure tourism is “a trip that includes at least two of the following three elements: physical activity, natural environment, and cultural immersion.” 21

Ultimately, categorization is based on a combination of several factors, including manner of engagement in the activity (risk exposure, experience requirement, group or solo activity), the distance travelled to access the activity, and the type of environment (proximity to nature, level of challenge involved) in which the activity occurs.

A 2013 adventure tourism market study discovered that people who travel for adventure experiences tend to be well-educated, with 48% holding a four-year degree or higher credential. They value natural beauty and rank this factor highest when choosing a destination. The most cited reasons for their travel are “relaxation, exploring new places, time with family, and learning about different cultures.” 22

Globally, it is estimated that the continents of Europe, North America, and South America account for 70% of adventure tourism, or US$263 billion in adventure travel spending. 23

Entertainment

Entertainment is a very broad category which overlaps with many of the areas discussed elsewhere in this chapter, like hotels and accommodation. Two major types of entertainment that we’ll discuss here are gaming and theme parks.

Gaming has grown significantly in the U.S. and globally. The number of casinos in the U.S. has been growing since 2010, and in 2013, there were over 500 commercial casinos, as shown in Figure 16.16. Casinos are found all over the U.S. in major cities, riverboats, and on Native American lands. However, U.S. casino revenue has been relatively flat, while global gaming revenues have been on the increase, largely due to Asian market growth. Most casinos involve other facets of the Hospitality industry such as lodging, F&B, golf, entertainment, spas, etc., but they also have the added challenges of casino operations.

Theme Parks

Theme parks have a long history dating back to the 1500’s in Europe, and have evolved ever since. Today, it is hard not to compare any amusement park destination to Disneyland and Disney World. Opened in 1955 in sunny California, Disneyland set the standard for theme parks. Theme parks outside of California and Florida are often highly seasonable operations challenged with significant staffing and training requirements each year.

Convention and Event Management

A convention is a large meeting of people with similar interests who meet for a period of at least a few days to discuss their field. An  event  is a gathering at a given place and time, usually of some importance, often celebrating or commemorating a special occasion.

Both conventions and events can be extremely complex projects, which is why, over time, the role of meeting planners has taken on greater importance. The development of education, training programs, and professional designations such as CMPs (Certified Meeting Planners), CSEP (Certified Special Events Professional), and CMM (Certificate in Meeting Management) has led to increased credibility in this business and demonstrates the importance of the sector to the economy.

Meeting planners may be independent contractors hired to facilitate the planning process, work directly for the company full time to coordinate their meeting, or work for hotels, conference centers and event venues directly.

• The various tasks involved in meeting and event planning include:
• Conceptualizing/theming
• Site inspection & selection
• Logistics and planning
• Human resource management
• Marketing and public relations
• Budgeting and financial management
• Sponsorship procurement
• Management and evaluation

Event Categories

Mega events.

A m ega-event is a large scale, highly prestigious event such as the Olympic Games, the FIFA World Cup, or a global economic summit. These events typically gain tremendous media coverage and have major economic impacts on the host location, both positive and negative. High levels of tourism (1 million+ visitors) associated with a mega-event brings revenue, but the revenue may be outweighed by substantial capital and social costs incurred by the host. The events are often awarded to host destinations through a bidding process and gain tremendous media coverage.

Special Events

A special event is a one-time or infrequent specific ritual, presentation, performance, or celebration. Special events are planned and created to mark a special occasion, such as a presidential inauguration or the Queen of England’s 90 th birthday. Like mega-events, there may be significant media coverage and economic impact for the host city or destination.

Hallmark Event

A hallmark event is a unique event that is often identified with the location where it is held, like Carnival in Rio de Janeiro or Oktoberfest in Munich. Hallmark events contribute significant economic benefits and even can create a competitive advantage for the host city or destination that attracts tourists.

A festival is a themed public celebration that conveys, through a kaleidoscope of activities, certain meaning to participants and spectators. Festivals are often celebrations of community or culture and feature music, dance, or dramatic performances. Examples include Lollapalooza, the Cannes Film Festival, and Junkanoo in the Bahamas.

Local Community Events

A local community event is generated by and for locals; although it may attract tourists, its main audience is the local community. The community may experience measurable economic impacts, as might happen at The Steppin’ Out Street Fair in Blacksburg (think hotel stays and eating out). Fundraisers and community picnics are also examples in this category.

Meetings and Conventions

The tourism industry also has a long history of creating, hosting, and promoting meetings and conventions that draw business travelers. In fact, Convention and Visitor Bureau’s (CVB’s) work hard to attract these meetings and conventions to their city to drive economic benefit for hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, etc.

There are several types of such events.

Conventions  generally have very large attendance, and are held on a regular schedule but in different locations. They also often require a bidding process.  Political conventions are one such example.

Association M eetings or C onferences are held regionally and nationally for hundreds of associations or events focused on specific themes. Examples would be the National Restaurant Association Annual Convention, ComicCon, or the National Auto Show.

Corporate M eetings will vary significantly in size and purpose and include regional or national sales meetings, shareholder meetings, training sessions, or celebrations. The location will vary depending on the nature of the meeting. They may be held at an airport property, a traditional corporate meeting facility or even an upscale resort.

Trade S hows and T rade F airs  can be stand-alone events, or adjoin a convention or conference.

S eminars , W orkshops , and R etreats are examples of smaller-scale events.

As meeting planners have become more creative, meeting and convention delegates have been more demanding about meeting sites. No longer are hotel meeting rooms and convention centers the only type of location used; non-traditional venues have adapted and become competitive in offering services for meeting planners. These include architectural spaces such as airplane hangars, warehouses, or rooftops and experiential venues such as aquariums, museums, and galleries. 24

Transportation and travel services are another large element of the tourism industry. This area includes cruise ships, airlines, rail, car rentals, and even ride sharing such as Uber and Lyft. Each of these segments is impacted significantly by fuel costs, safety issues, load factors and government regulation.

If you’ve ever been on a cruise, you are in good company. According to CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), 23 million passengers were expected to go on a cruise worldwide on 62 member lines in 2015. 25 The industry employs over 900,000 people. 26

Over 55% of the world’s cruise passengers are from North America, and the leading destinations (based on ship deployments), according to CLIA are: 27

• The Caribbean (36%)
• The Mediterranean (20%)
• Northern Europe (11%)
• Australia/New Zealand (6%)
• Alaska (6%)
• South America (3%)

The t ravel services sector is made up of a complex web of relationships between a variety of suppliers, tourism products, destination marketing organizations, tour operators, and travel agents, among many others. Under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), the travel services industry group includes “establishments primarily engaged in travel arrangement and reservation services. Examples … are tourist and travel agencies; travel tour operators and wholesale operators; convention and visitors’ bureaus; airline, bus, railroad and steamship ticket offices; sports and theatrical ticket offices; and airline, hotel and restaurant reservation offices.” 28 Tourism services support industry development and the delivery of guest experiences.

Travel Agencies

A travel agency is a business that operates as the intermediary between the travel industry (supplier) and the traveler (purchaser). Part of the role of the travel agency is to market prepackaged travel tours and holidays to potential travelers. The agency can further function as a broker between the traveler and hotels, car rentals, and tour companies. 29 Travel agencies can be small and privately owned or part of a larger entity.

Online travel agencies (OTAs)

Online travel agents (OTAs) are companies that aggregate accommodations and transportation options and allow users to choose one or many components of their trip based on price or other incentives. Examples of OTAs include Booking.com, Expedia.com, Hotwire.com, and Kayak.com. OTAs are gaining popularity with the travelling public; in 2012, they reported online sales of almost $100 billion 30 and almost triple that figure, upward of $278 billion, in 2013. 31 Over 40% of U.S. travelers booked flights online in 2014. 32

Tour operators

A tour operator packages all or most of the components of an offered trip and then sells them to the traveler. These packages can also be sold through retail outlets or travel agencies. 33 Tour operators work closely with hotels, transportation providers, and attractions in order to purchase large volumes of each component and package these at a better rate than the traveler could by purchasing individually.

Destination marketing organizations (DMOs)

Destination marketing organizations (DMOs) include national tourism boards, state/provincial tourism offices, and community convention and visitor bureaus around the world. DMOs promote “the long-term development and marketing of a destination, focusing on convention sales, tourism marketing and service” 34 .

Country Clubs

Country c lubs are another part of the Hospitality industry with a very different service strategy focusing on serving members who will develop relationships with the staff compared to a more transactional service interaction in lodging, restaurants or airlines.

Country clubs do not focus as strongly on profit as they do on maximizing member satisfaction, retention and growth while maintaining an attractive fee structure. Country (or city) clubs, will typically have restaurant and bar operations, catered events and other amenities such as golf, tennis, pool, fitness facilities, etc. Depending on the type of club, family and youth events are important to maintain and grow membership.

Strong customer service, culinary, event management and general management skills are necessary to be successful in clubs.

Chapter Video

As in any other fast-moving industry, the landscape in Hospitality and Tourism is always changing. This video explores 10 of the more important current trends impacting the industry.

(Copyrighted material)

Key Takeaways

• The Tourism industry is the largest industry in the world with significant benefit and costs to a region. The global competition for the tourism dollar is significant within the US and between countries.
• Hotels vary significantly in size, quality, purpose, chain affiliation, and ownership. The complexity of the operation and leadership vary as well.
• Food and Beverage is made up of a wide variety of restaurant types from QSR, Fast Casual, Fine Dining and Ethnic. Institutional food service in business , hospitals, education, parks and concessions are a significant part of the Food and Beverage industry.
• The evolution of tastes and consumer expectations in food and beverage continue to provide opportunity and challenges in the industry for ethnic sustainable, organic, local, craft, and other unique experiences.

Chapter 16 References and Image Credits

Portions of this chapter were adapted from Westcott, Morgan (Ed)  Introduction to Tourism and Hospitality in BC.  CC BY 4.0  https://opentextbc.ca/introtourism  Available for free at:  http://open.bccampus.ca

Image Credits: Chapter 16

Figure 16.1: JackMac34 (2015). “Untitled.” Public domain. Retrieved from: https://pixabay.com/en/italy-burano-postcards-971575/

Figure 16.2: “The Impact of Global Tourism.” (2016) Data retrieved from: http://www2.unwto.org/content/why-tourism

Figure 16.3: Yellowute (2007). “Shirley Plantation.” Public domain. Retrieved from: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shirley_Plantation_2006.jpg

Figure 16.6 “Example of a Hotel Market segmentation by STR’s chain scale” Author’s own work. Licensed CC BY 4.0 .

Figure 16.7: Christina Hsu (2009). “San Diego City and Bay at Night.” CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 . Retrieved from: https://flic.kr/p/6KZ5Cv

Figure 16.8: Anastasia Cortes (2016). “The Inn at Virginia Tech.” Public domain. Provided by author.

Figure 16.9: Dale Cruse (2014). “New Zealand langoustines at Troquet.” CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 . Retrieved from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/dalecruse/8551895022/

Figure 16.10: Imzadi1979 (2012). “An example of a typical American logo sign.” Public domain photograph. Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logo_sign#/media/File:Logo_Sign.svg

Figure 16.11: J. Winters (2008) “A Red Robin Restaurant in Tukwila, Washington.” Public domain photograph. Retrieved from: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Red_Robin_in_Tukwila,_Washington.jpg

Figure 16.12: “Le Procope.” © Michael Rys. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 . Retrieved from: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restaurant#/media/File%3AInside_Le_Procope.jpg

Figure 16.13 “The restaurant industry career path” Author’s own work. Licensed CC BY 4.0 .

Figure 16 .15 : JohnSM (2013). “Rafting in Turkey.” Public domain. Retrieved from: https://pixabay.com/en/rafting-turkey-travel-1125213/

Figure 16 .16 : Graph data sources: Statista (2016). “ Number of commercial casinos in the United States from 2005 to 2013.” Retrieved from: http://www.statista.com/statistics/187972/number-of-us-commercial-casinos-since-2005/ and “ Global casino gaming revenue from 2006 to 2015 (in billion U.S. dollars).” Retrieved from: http://www.statista.com/statistics/271577/global-casino-gaming-market-revenue/ and “ U.S. casino gaming market revenue from 2004 to 2015 (in billion U.S. dollars) .” Retrieved from: http://www.statista.com/statistics/271583/casino-gaming-market-in-the-us/

Figure 16 .17 : Josh Hallett (2009). “ The ‘Big Bang’ at Wishes – Magic Kingdom – Walt Disney World .” CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 . Retrieved from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/hyku/3830182777

Figure 16.18: Peter23 (2011). “Beijing National Stadium.” CC BY- SA 3.0 . Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beijing_National_Stadium#/media/File:Beijing_national_stadium.jpg

Figure 16.19 : Skeeze (2014). “Mardi Gras in New Orleans.” Public domain. Retrieved from: https://pixabay.com/en/mardi-gras-new-orleans-festival-1176483/

Figure 16 . 20 : Roger W. (2012). “ Charlotte Amalie – Panorama (Postcard) ” CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 . Retrieved from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/24736216@N07/7170231567

Figure 16 . 21 : Dan Perry (2006). “Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California.” CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 . Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Country_club#/media/File:Riviera_Country_Club,_Golf_Course_in_Pacific_Palisades,_California_(168828797).jpg

Video Credits: Chapter 16

Sisyanti, Ling Ling, Wasim Amsal,Ella Qiu, and Rebecca Catherine Stephany. “10 trends in Hospitality and Tourism Industry.” February 6, 2015. Retrieved from:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJ8Momwv7Qk 

References: Chapter 16

Chapter 16 Hospitality & Tourism Copyright © 2018 by Richard Parsons; Stephen Skripak; Anastasia Cortes; Anita Walz; and Gary Walton is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Share This Book

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

11 Sustainable Hotels That Are Setting a New Standard in Hospitality

By Condé Nast Traveller

A version of this article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller U.K.

Now more than ever, travelers are holding themselves to higher standards of social responsibility as they plan their trips and set forth on their journeys. And while hotels use an abundance of resources, there are many standout properties that are implementing new solutions and utilizing new technologies to make a more positive environmental and social impact. Below, we've called out 11 sustainable hotels from around the world to take notes from.

Shinta Mani Wild, Cambodia

Eco focus: Rainforest protection

When architect and designer Bill Bensley acquired nearly a thousand acres of rainforest on the border of three national parks in Cambodia , swathes of ancient hardwoods were saved from logging and mining. The decadent forest hideaway he  created in 2018 works in tandem with the Wildlife Alliance, which has anti-poaching rangers patrolling for traps who dismantle about 32 feet of poachers’ snares daily. Amid all this, Bensley’s joyful side shows: Shinta Mani Wild's guests can arrive by a 1,300-foot zipline over the Tmor Rung river canopy, should they fancy it. Butlers service 15 waterside tents filled with quirky objets d’art. Days are spent cruising the river on a pontoon, being magicked to jungly dreamscapes for picnics, splashing about in the freshwater swimming pool or fly fishing.

Hotel address: Prey Praseth Village, Ou Bak Rothed Commune, Kampong Seila District Preah Sihanouk Province, Cambodia Price: Tents from about $2345 all-inclusive

Asilia Usangu Expedition Camp, Tanzania

Eco focus: Water conservation

Now part of the Ruaha National Park , this wetland area has long been a source of hunting trophies, but it also feeds into river systems throughout Tanzania. As a result of the expansion of large rice farms nearby, vast interconnected rivers have started to dry up, affecting people and wildlife. The new Asilia Camp—with four simple tents, showers and camp-style fireside food—is at the heart of a project intended not only to protect this key resource and bring jobs, healthcare, and education to the community through tourism, but also to encourage guests to play a key role in citizen-science projects. Activities include setting camera traps, helping scientists collar lions and wild dogs, and taking plaster casts of animal footprints. With 2,300 square miles of protected wilderness, there’s a great variety of landscapes to enjoy: on game drives, walks, and boat safaris.

Hotel address: Ruaha National Park, Iringa Tanzania Price: From about $700 per person per night full board (minimum stay three nights)

Hotel Marcel, Connecticut

Eco focus: Passive house power

Two miles from the Yale University, this long-empty 1970 Brutalist monolith by Bauhaus master Marcel Breuer—same as of the Met Breuer in New York City —has been reborn as a hotel. Connecticut architects Becker and Becker acquired the building from Ikea, ripped out asbestos, and restored the distinctive gappy façade. NYC studio Dutch East Design turned offices and research labs into minimalist grey-and-caramel rooms and lobbies. Now the 165-room Hotel Marcel is under the Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Breuer’s pre-cast concrete design lends itself to centuries-old efficient heating and cooling methods, according to Dieter Cartwright of Dutch East. Solar panels and a clever Power over Ethernet lighting system provide energy, which is also conserved through electronic shade treatments and all-electric kitchens. Hotel Marcel is on track to qualify as the USA’s first net-zero hotel by May 2023, creating a crucial blueprint.

Hotel address: 500 Sargent Dr, New Haven, CT 06511, United States Price: Doubles from about $205

Oasyhotel, Italy

Eco focus: Not-for-profit rewilding

La caccia—the hunting of red stag, roe deer and wild boar—is as woven into Tuscan culture as truffle-snuffling pigs . But amid the old hunting ground of the Pistoia Apennines, a small miracle has taken root. Oasyhotel is a 16-lodge concept for the WWF-affiliated Dynamo Oasis, a 1,000-hectare parcel of the San Marcello Piteglio nature reserve. Sustainable wood was repurposed to create minimalist retreats with large verandas and views of chestnut, beech, and fir forests. The hotel is part of a wider project that rolls in eco-sound agriculture, breeding programs and scientific research. Wolves, deer and wild boar have returned, woodpeckers sing, and golden eagles swoop. Days are spent exploring peaks, meadows, lakes and rivers, with activities including hiking and biking, wolf-tracking and foraging, lake swimming and kayaking. Yoga, guided meditations, and saunas are laid on by the lakeside. The bounty of the reserve’s farm can be tasted at Le Felci farmhouse restaurant or alfresco Casa Luigi, where guests gather to salute the Tuscany of the future over organic wines.

Hotel address: Via Privata San Vito, 1, 51020 San Marcello Piteglio PT, Italy Price: Lodges from about $310

The Brando, French Polynesia

Eco focus: Renewable cooling

A parallel universe awaits guests whisked by plane from Tahiti to this private island—one of bobbing palms, a forest spa in a suspended bird’s nest, and a jungle-wreathed freshwater lake topped with lotus flowers. The Marlon Brando bequeathed it in his will to now-owner Richard Bailey. Unsurprisingly, The Brando is beloved by A-listers (Margot Robbie, Barack Obama and Ellen DeGeneres once bumped into each other in the gym). Clean-energy solutions abound: the refined 4,000-plus solar panels and a customized battery energy-saving system standout in French Polynesia. The Sea Water Air Conditioning set-up is a pioneering technology that slashes energy use by up to 90 per cent and has been adopted by other properties including InterContinental Bora Bora Resort.

Hotel address: Tetiaroa, Arue 98702, French Polynesia Price: One-bedroom villas from about $2,800 all-inclusive

Playa Viva, Mexico

Eco focus: Biophilic design

Six new bamboo treehouses have landed at this light-touch eco-lodge in Juluchuca on Mexico’s  Pacific coast, close to major Aztec archaeological sites. Playa Viva offers total immersion through biophilic design, shielding guests from the elements while getting them viscerally close to nature. Enormous care has been taken to fuse the structures with the setting, using prefab bamboo panels and paraboloid roofs that slot into place with minimal disturbance to the ecosystem. “It is a rare privilege to spend time in a space free of whirring or buzzing,” says Louis Thompson, CEO of Nomadic Resorts, who designed the treehouses. “We underestimate the value of not hearing a single man-made sound. As the shelters project towards the sea, all you hear is the ocean—no distracting motorized noises.” The solar-powered rustic resort is totally off-grid, with soft lighting so as not to disturb nesting turtles on the protected beach.

Hotel address: Juluchuca, Zihuatanejo, Playa Icacos, 40834 Gro., Mexico Price: From $205 per person per night all-inclusive

Holmen Lofoten, Norway

Eco focus: Minimal foodprint

This remote clutch of centuries-old rorbuer cabins, built to shelter migrant fishermen on the Lofoten Islands, has expanded gently to include contemporary eco-friendly suites. But even with 26 guests in residence at full tilt, Lofoten remains close-knit, hyperlocal, wild, and rugged in its Arctic Circle landscape, its spirit, and its menus. Valentine Warner helms the outstanding visiting-chef program and curates the Kitchen On The Edge Of The World long weekends, when general bookings at Holmen are suspended and everything falls sway to the sacred experience of eating that’s attuned to the landscape. Exclusive, immersive experiences are the mainstay and include foraging and fishing.

Hotel address: E10 3180, 8392 Sørvågen, Norway Price: three nights from about £1,480 per person half board

Wilderness Vumbura Plains, Botswana

Eco focus: Community support

Wilderness Safaris is a standard bearer for stylish Botswana adventures, and its rebuilt Vumbura Plains —a contemporary retreat that seems to float on the floodplain—shows its heart. Vumbura exemplifies Wilderness’s partnership with the Okavango Community Trust. Chef Ipeleng Gloria Gasimodimo, whose popular water-lily stew graces the menu, has been with the company for 38 years. Joining her are sisters, aunts, cousins, and childhood friends who work together with a closeness palpable at the Monday boma, or campfire gathering. Locals intrinsically understand this vast microcosm of lagoons, swamps, and floodplains, where crocodiles bask on sandy banks and hippos groove water channels.

Hotel address: 2VCV+5CG, Lechomos, Botswana Price: from about £1,375 per person per night all-inclusive

Hotel Brooklyn, Manchester

Eco focus: Accessibility

It’s hard to miss the vintage yellow New York taxi parked outside this boutique hotel in Manchester . What you may not notice is that the whole place has been designed to be accessible across a spectrum of needs—wide lifts, level public spaces, a lowered reception desk, adjustable clothes rails, and clear color contrast throughout. The hotel group worked with Motionspot, specialists in this type of design (other clients include The Newt in Somerset , while a second Brooklyn has just opened in Leicester). Rather than the dutiful addition of a couple of bedrooms at the back, there are 18 Liberty suites dotted about—nine of them wheelchair accessible, with support rails, slip-resistant tiles, shower seats, and lever taps, and two with overhead hoists tucked into the ceiling. Unsurprisingly, Brooklyn has Blue Badge and Catey awards on its lapel. This is what happens when accessible design is considered from the start, without compromising on style or fun.

Hotel address: 59 Portland St, Manchester M1 3HP Price: Doubles from $190

Misool Resort, Indonesia

Eco focus: Biodiversity boosting

Balinese-style bungalows made from reclaimed driftwood and local materials overlook the shores of a former shark-finning camp. Being here is about reef exploration, and the experience is meticulously curated for divers. Beneath the bungalows are turtles grazing on seagrass, vibrant schools of clownfish, giant clams, and manta rays; more adventurous guests can snorkel by torchlight after dark. There are many sustainability wins, including hydroponic gardens, natural waste-water treatment, a solar farm, a vegetable co-op run by women, and a recycling project—but what is most impressive is the 248 per cent increase in fish biomass since 2007. This was done by creating the 300,000-acre Misool Marine Reserve, patrolled 24 hours a day by workers, many of whom were once poachers.

Hotel address: Yellu, South Misool, Raja Ampat Regency, West Papua 98483, Indonesia Price: Seven nights from about $3,255 per person full board

Terrestre Hotel, Mexico

Eco focus: Solar smarts

This otherworldly brick-and-concrete Tetris is set in the scrub—surf, jungle and mountains softening its monolithic edges. It is pitch-perfect beach modernism for the 21st century from Grupo Habita, the Mexican hotel outfit that has eschewed faceless resorts for something new and sustainable. Terrestre is fully solar powered. Passive cooling and native planting invite birds and butterflies. There are 14 rooms in the main building and guests socialize in a large alfresco restaurant where chefs prepare plantain patties and herby salads. Punta Pájaros, a 40-minute drive from Puerto Escondido, was once the reserve of fishermen and surfers. Now digital entrepreneurs and Californian mini-breakers seek upmarket cultural stays, and Terrestre Hotel is part of the forward-facing new options. ( More on that, here .)

Hotel address: Carretera Salina Cruz- Pinotepa, 71983 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico Price: doubles from about $382

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• Hospitality Industry

8 lucrative career paths in the hospitality and tourism industry

March 08, 2024 •

8 min reading

The hospitality field is one of the most encompassing industries in the world. It can include every element of vacation, tourism and recreation experiences. This is something our EHL graduates quickly learn as the hospitality industry red carpet rolls out in every possible direction after graduation. When you have hospitality training and experience on your resume, your career potential becomes boundless.

While hospitality may be defined by the hotel industry, the true options are far more vast than you may have imagined. Your skills can take you anywhere in the world, working with any aspect of travel and leisure, from management to experience coordination to supply chain. If you are considering your next step in an illustrious hospitality career , we would like to spotlight eight different career paths that you might take, each encompassing a large sector of the hospitality industry.

Here are eight common sectors where our students find success after graduation.

• Accommodation
• Food & Beverage
• Event Planning
• Sports & Recreation
• Entertainment
• Wellness & Leisure

Careers in accommodation

The accommodation sector has never been more diverse. While there are millions of hotels and resorts around the world, there are also many other types of accommodation you might coordinate, creating perfect vacation experiences of every size and style. There are vacation rentals and, luxury accomodation from palaces and 5-star hotels to luxury rentals. There are cabins, cottages, and destination lodges as well as campgrounds and RV parks. You can help hotels expand their accommodation offerings beyond interior rooms or cultivate unique properties and accommodation experiences.

In another branch, you can take your hospitality experience into the corporate world, helping to facilitate corporate housing which fulfills the needs of traveling, temporary, and relocated professionals who are working away from home. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2023 featured nearly 2 million jobs in Accommodation in the US alone.

Each branching accommodation path provides the opportunity to create exquisite stays with the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and logistics.

Traversing the travel industry

The travel industry often scoops up a percentage of hospitality professionals. 2023 saw over 320 million travel jobs worldwide. Airports and airline hosts rely on hospitality to make air travel more comfortable for their passengers.

Cruise ships make up an enormous global industry and specialize in diverse hospitality experiences from prow to stern. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Carnival, and Norwegian offer the greatest number of cruise ship jobs, but you may have just as much fun with a smaller cruise line that travels coasts that you love.

You can step into the specialized world of chartered travel including chartered planes , boats, helicopters. Or you can join a large travel company providing your hospitality expertise wherever it is needed most. If you love trains, rail travel offers a truly unique opportunity to create on-train hospitality experiences, especially those few great trans-continental train lines still in operation for both tourism and long-distance travel.

Immerse in food & beverage

Our foodie graduates often dive into the experience-rich world of the food and beverage industry. There is simply no end to the food-oriented job opportunities , and these take every possible shape and form.

You could be coordinating banquets for hotel-hosted events or managing a gourmet restaurant anywhere in the world. You can become a caterer or coordinate for a large catering company or you can open your own food establishment somewhere with plenty of demand and tourism to fill your seats.

Food and beverage professionals can join any venue, including theaters, stadiums, event halls, grand hotels, cruise ships, restaurants and restaurant chains - you can even coordinate food for museums, schools, large business facilities, or food truck empires . The possibilities are literally endless, as the food and beverage industry touches every aspect of modern life. 

Become an event planning expert

Events are the spice of life. Weddings, conferences, festivals, fashion shows, concerts, theater productions; the list is endless. The BLS predicts 7.5% employment growth for events planning from 2022 to 2032.

You can choose a venue, a favorite event type, or work for an organization that puts on one spectacular event each year. A skilled events coordinator is someone who makes unforgettable moments and large gatherings into a guaranteed success.

Skills that hospitality graduates learn through education and internship are critical for event planning. Highly organized people who thrive in chaos and love adapting to unexpected challenges will typically do well in the events industry. You will also get a chance to work with celebrities of every possible type, from Ted Talk tech leaders to pop stars and Michelin star chefs.

You will build your name making magical events possible, creating impossibly entertaining environments that are also expertly designed to provide everything event-goers and vendors need to bring the experience together.

Creating tourism experiences

Tourism is the art of putting together full-scope travel experiences. There are many areas of tourism, professional in this field arranges tour packages, plans whole trips, or coordinates or hosts excursions for traveling clients.

As people embrace the idea of travel experiences over more chaotic destination immersion, the tourism sector only continues to grow. According to ILO, over 230 million people work in tourism worldwide. This is more than just being a travel agent or a tour guide. Venues, destinations, and even whole cities hire tourism professionals to coordinate desirable tourism packages that will entice visitors to take specific journeys through the available experiences at each destination.

Tourism jobs include destination management, tour package design, personal travel planning, tour coordination, and a certain amount of special event planning. In fact, the tourism industry becomes complex as coordinated events are further integrated into hospitality and travel packages.

If you enjoy many aspects of the hospitality world, enjoying things like wedding planning, travel planning, museum experiences, foodie tours , and personally ensuring that travelers have a wonderful time; tourism might be the perfect career path.

The world of sports & recreation

There is no denying that sports plays a profound role in the travel and hospitality industry. People will cross the world to see their favorite sports team play in an big game - or to experience legendary golf courses in breathtaking global destinations. Some chase the waves for surf and high-adrenaline water sports, some want to swim over every magnificent coral reef that the world's oceans have to offer.

Sports and recreation is a vast sector of the hospitality industry, and one you could become a master of - connecting travelers with the thrilling experiences they have been dreaming about. A sports and recreation professional will specialize in exciting experiences, and you can operate from either end of the process.

You can become a destination coordinator, finding tourists who want to experience the locations and activities of your organization, or you can approach from the travel direction - directing travelers toward the venues and activities they desire. If you understand that need for thrills, personal challenge, and unforgettable moments, you will be able to bond with your clients and help them truly capture the destination sports and recreation experiences they are looking for.

To learn more about what to expect in a hospitality education, chat today with real EHL students about their experience .

The glamorous entertainment industry

Hospitality has always been a gateway into the world of fame and entertainment . Legendary hotels, resorts, and destination venues are often the location of major shows, hosting concerts, after-parties, and other events that become part of celebrity tours. Other venues are popular locations for charity galas and fundraiser events where the rich and famous gather to do their philanthropic work and rub elbows with those who share a different kind of wealth and power.

The BLS predicts jobs in entertainment and recreation management are growing by 8% , which is well above the occupational average.

If you have always wanted to make these glamorous moments into reality with a chance to meet and endless parade of people whose faces are known across the globe, entertainment hospitality is the path for you.

Luxurious wellness and leisure

Perhaps the fastest-growing sector of the hospitality industry, however, is wellness and leisure . It has seen 40% growth through 2023 and is one of the leading growth sectors in the US alone. "Wellness" has become a concept that you see everywhere. It is something we are all focusing on, and in every aspect of life. Mental wellness, workplace wellness, physical wellness, and luxurious wellness are at the top of everyone's mind. It's no surprise that spas, massage studios, salons, and leisure facilities are rapidly growing in ever aspect of hospitality.

Today, when people travel, they want to experience more wellness and luxuriant relaxation than ever before. Every business trip should include at least one day at the spa . Every family vacation will likely include a girl's day out getting pampered. Even eco-tourists are seeking out secluded hot springs and organic facials. Some seek out yoga, pilates, and fitness classes. Some go on retreats or try a guided meditation course. The possibilities are endless.

This vast and growing sector can be found anywhere people travel or vacation. If you specialize in wellness and leisure, you'll find work in every corner of the industry and the world.

The limitless career options of EHL Hospitality Graduates

At EHL, we proudly prepare our students for an illustrious career in the hospitality industry. Your options are not limited just to the traditional roles surrounding hotels or tourism, however. Hospitality is a truly vast industry that encompasses every aspect of travel, events, and experiences. From the many styles of booked accommodation to unique destinations and leisure experiences all over the world - once you are equipped with the hospitality skills and intern experiences learned through EHL education, your potential career paths become truly limitless.

Let your passion and natural talents guide you toward the best path for you. Do you love organizing chaos and seeing events come together? Go into event and venue coordination. Do you love all things food and gourmet? Find your place in the food and beverage world. If you are enchanted by unique experiences, help others find their bliss in tourism or sports recreation. Or, if bliss is your specialty, guide others to the wellness treatments they need to return home feeling refreshed and energized.

Best of all, hospitality skills allow you to pivot at any moment, trying a new branch of the hospitality industry wherever your desire and job opportunities may take you. It all starts here, at EHL hospitality education.

Keep reading

Human-centric hospitality: The key to thriving in the industry

Jun 12, 2024

Sexual harassment prevention in hospitality: An integrative framewwork

Jun 11, 2024

Looking back, moving forward: How hospitality trends are evolving

Jun 06, 2024

Interested in studying hospitality management in Switzerland?

By earning not only one - but two top hospitality degrees, you will enjoy the hotel management education of the future. Learn more and download the brochure here.

This is a title

This is a text

More articles

• 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
• Awards & Rankings
• EHL Network of Excellence
• Career Development Resources
• EHL Hospitality Business School
• Route de Berne 301 1000   Lausanne 25 Switzerland
• Accreditations & Memberships
• Privacy Policy
• Legal Terms

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

• Travel & Tourism

Top 6 Honeymoon Destinations for Newlyweds Seeking Romance

Top 10 Dreamy Wedding Destinations for a Romantic Celebration

Crafting Careers: Soft Skills Employers are looking for in 2024

Global Hotel Alliance Unveils Top Travel Destinations for 2024

Top 5 Heavenly Hotel Pools: Dive into Luxury and Discover Exquisite Aquatic Paradises

Experience Luxury and Innovation at the Radisson Blu Hotel at Porsche Design Tower Stuttgart

Atmosphere poised to transform india’s hospitality landscape with expansive growth plans.

5 Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in the USA

Japanese Soy Sauce Pioneer Chiba Shoyu Makes India Its Next Destination

Wedding Wonders: 10 Amazing Destination Wedding Countries for 2023

The Role of Diversity in the Hospitality Industry : 5 Amazing Key Takeaways!

Future Growth Potential of the Hospitality Industry

The Rise of Home-Sharing Accommodations

How Marriott’s Mobile App Is A Customer Relationship Management System

Hospitality Management Degrees: What Can They Do For Me?

How Accor Is Capturing the Leisure Travel Moment for Future Growth

Pyramid Global Hospitality and University of Virginia Breaks Ground on new Hotel and Conference Center in Charlottesville

The Annual Hotel Conference: Hoteliers Adapt, No Longer To Survive But To Thrive

• HospitalityTech

Sustainability in the Hospitality Industry: A Comprehensive Guide

The hospitality industry is no stranger to change and adaptation, but in recent years, a fundamental shift has taken place. Sustainability has emerged as a cornerstone of modern hotel management, transforming the way hotels operate, from energy consumption to waste reduction. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of sustainable hospitality, exploring what sustainability means in this context, why it is important, and the challenges hotels face in implementing eco-friendly practices.

What is sustainability and why is it important in the hospitality industry?

Sustainability , in the context of the hospitality industry, refers to the practice of conducting hotel operations in an environmentally responsible and resource-efficient manner. It also encompasses promoting social responsibility by supporting local communities and adhering to ethical business practices. Sustainability in hospitality aims to minimise the industry’s negative impact on the environment while maximising its positive impact on the local economy and society.

RELATED POSTS

The importance of sustainability in the hospitality industry cannot be overstated. As our world grapples with climate change and resource depletion, the industry’s ecological footprint has come under scrutiny. The rapid expansion of hotels and resorts, coupled with the resource-intensive nature of the industry, has led to environmental degradation, such as water wastage, energy consumption, and waste generation. Sustainable hospitality practices offer a way to mitigate these impacts, providing a responsible and ethical approach to tourism.

What are the sustainable practices in the hospitality industry?

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a fundamental aspect of sustainable practices in the hospitality industry. Hotels and resorts consume substantial amounts of energy to power lighting, heating, cooling, and various amenities. Implementing energy-efficient measures involves the use of advanced technologies and equipment designed to reduce energy consumption. This includes the installation of LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, and HVAC systems that optimise temperature control. Furthermore, integrating renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines allows properties to generate clean electricity on-site, significantly decreasing their reliance on non-renewable energy.

Water Conservation

Water is a precious resource, and hospitality establishments are increasingly focused on conserving it. Implementing water-efficient fixtures, such as low-flow toilets and faucets, in guest rooms and common areas minimises water usage. Recycling and reusing water through greywater systems capture and treat wastewater from sinks and showers, making it suitable for non-potable uses like irrigation. Encouraging guests to participate in water conservation is another crucial step, often achieved through linen and towel reuse programs, which reduce the frequency of laundry, saving both water and energy.

Waste Management

Waste management strategies in the hospitality industry focus on minimising the environmental impact of waste. Comprehensive recycling and composting programs are integral to this effort, diverting a substantial amount of waste away from landfills. Reducing single-use plastics, such as straws and bottles, is another common practice. Additionally, hotels may implement innovative waste reduction strategies during construction and operation phases. For instance, designing with minimal waste in mind can lead to efficient use of building materials, thereby reducing waste production.

Sustainable Sourcing and Procurement

Sourcing and procurement practices have a direct impact on sustainability. Hotels and resorts prioritise sourcing local and sustainable food products, strengthening connections with the local agricultural community. The goal is to offer guests fresh, authentic, and environmentally responsible dining experiences. Supporting fair trade products ensures that items are produced under ethical and humane conditions, aligning with responsible business practices. Using eco-friendly cleaning products and amenities reduces the environmental impact of cleaning processes, reinforcing an eco-conscious approach.

Building Design and Construction

The design and construction phase of hotels is a critical opportunity for sustainable practices. Using sustainable building materials, such as recycled or reclaimed materials, minimises the environmental footprint. Designing buildings for energy efficiency and water conservation includes features like green roofs and low-impact landscaping, reducing energy consumption and water usage. Certifying new constructions or renovations with eco-friendly standards like LEED demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and helps hotels and resorts maintain responsible operations from the outset.

By adopting these practices, hotels and resorts not only reduce their environmental impact but also align with the values of a growing segment of eco-conscious travellers, setting the stage for a more sustainable and responsible future in the hospitality industry.

What are the benefits of sustainable hospitality practices?

• Cost Savings: Sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems, lead to significant reductions in energy and water consumption. This translates to lower utility bills and operational costs, contributing to improved financial performance.
• Enhanced Reputation: Hotels and resorts that prioritize sustainability cultivate a positive image in the eyes of guests and the public. They appeal to eco-conscious travelers who actively seek responsible accommodations. This enhanced reputation can lead to increased bookings and revenue.
• Compliance: Sustainable practices often align with local, national, and international environmental regulations and standards. By adhering to these guidelines, hotels can avoid fines and penalties while ensuring that their operations are within the legal framework.
• Resource Conservation: Sustainability initiatives actively contribute to the conservation of valuable resources. Water-efficient fixtures, for instance, reduce water consumption, helping to protect this finite resource. Similarly, energy-efficient technologies reduce reliance on fossil fuels, preserving them for future generations.
• Reduced Environmental Impact: Lower energy consumption and waste production translate to a reduced carbon footprint. Sustainable hotels emit fewer greenhouse gases and send less waste to landfills, promoting a healthier environment and contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
• Market Competitiveness: In an increasingly competitive hospitality industry, sustainability sets hotels and resorts apart. Eco-conscious travelers actively seek out accommodations that align with their values, making sustainability a powerful marketing tool to attract a specific demographic.
• Guest Satisfaction: Eco-conscious travelers are more likely to choose hotels that prioritize sustainability. They appreciate responsible practices and are more inclined to return to or recommend such establishments. Satisfied guests contribute to repeat business and positive reviews.
• Employee Engagement: Sustainability initiatives within a hotel can boost staff morale and engagement. Employees appreciate working for a socially responsible and environmentally conscious employer, which can lead to higher job satisfaction and retention rates.
• Community Integration: Sustainable hotels often prioritize local sourcing and support local communities. This fosters positive relationships and contributes to the economic wellbeing of the areas in which they operate. Involvement in community initiatives can further strengthen these bonds.
• Resilience: Sustainable practices prepare hotels for future environmental challenges and market shifts. By reducing dependence on nonrenewable resources and aligning with the values of eco-conscious travelers, hotels become better equipped to adapt to changing market dynamics and environmental conditions.

Case Studies

To illustrate the practical application of sustainable hospitality practices, we can examine a few successful examples of hotels and resorts that have taken bold steps towards environmental responsibility. These case studies provide insights into the variety of strategies that can be implemented in the industry to embrace sustainability.

1 Hotel South Beach

1 Hotel South Beach, located in the vibrant heart of Miami Beach, Florida, is a luxurious gem committed to sustainability. The hotel proudly showcases its LEED Gold certification, symbolising its unwavering dedication to eco-friendly operations. The utilisation of solar panels for electricity generation is a testament to its energy efficiency. The hotel’s waste management system is equally robust, recycling and composting all waste, minimising its environmental footprint.

An emphasis on local and sustainable food products strengthens the bond with the local agricultural community and ensures authentic culinary experiences. With Green Globe and LEED Gold certifications, 1 Hotel South Beach offers travellers an opulent yet eco-conscious retreat, complete with the opportunity for guests to offset their carbon footprint.

Six Senses Zil Pasyon

Nestled on a private island in the Seychelles, Six Senses Zil Pasyon redefines luxury through sustainability. This exceptional resort powers itself entirely through solar panels and wind turbines, a remarkable commitment to renewable energy. The resort addresses freshwater challenges with innovative seawater desalination. What makes

Six Senses truly stand out is its zero-waste policy, recycling and composting nearly all waste. By sourcing local and sustainable food products, it provides authentic dining experiences while supporting the local agricultural community. Green Globe certification and World Travel Awards for Best Sustainable Resort underscore the resort’s dedication. Guests are encouraged to offset their carbon footprint, exemplifying Six Senses’ commitment to responsible luxury.

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, set against the backdrop of Aruba’s natural beauty, has earned the Green Globe certification for its dedication to sustainability. Solar panels play a vital role in the resort’s energy efficiency, reducing its carbon footprint and energy costs. Water-efficient fixtures further enhance resource conservation. A robust waste management system, including recycling and composting, ensures responsible waste disposal.

Ethical business practices extend to fair trade products, aligning with responsible and humane values. Bucuti & Tara’s commitment to sustainable sourcing ensures authentic culinary experiences while supporting the local agricultural community. With accolades such as the Green Globe certification and World Travel Awards for Best Sustainable Beach Resort, the resort exemplifies eco-conscious luxury. Guests can also offset their carbon footprint, further promoting sustainability.

Triple Creek Ranch

Montana’s pristine wilderness is home to Triple Creek Ranch, a luxury resort committed to sustainable tourism. Solar panels play a significant role in energy efficiency, minimising the resort’s carbon footprint. Sourcing local and sustainable food products strengthens the local agricultural community and provides fresh dining experiences for guests.

The resort actively participates in conservation programs to protect the surrounding environment. Triple Creek Ranch’s unwavering commitment to sustainability has earned it the Green Globe certification and the World Travel Awards for Best Sustainable Green Hotel. This luxury ranch resort harmonises responsible tourism with opulence, setting a high standard for eco-conscious travel.

Soneva Fushi

Soneva Fushi, a luxurious resort in the Maldives, is powered entirely by 100% renewable energy. It has a stringent zero-waste policy, recycles and composts all waste, and actively supports local communities. The resort showcases solar panels and wind turbines as sources of electricity, eliminating the need for non-renewable energy. The zero-waste policy ensures responsible waste disposal, diverting almost all waste from landfills. Sourcing local and sustainable food products not only guarantees fresh and authentic dining but also supports local agricultural communities.

Conservation initiatives protect the surrounding environment. Green Globe certification and World Travel Awards for Best Sustainable Luxury Resort validate Soneva Fushi’s dedication to sustainability. Guests have the opportunity to offset their carbon footprint, further reinforcing its commitment to environmental responsibility. This luxury resort serves as a beacon for sustainable tourism, merging opulence with ecological responsibility.

Sustainability in the hospitality industry is more than just a trend; it’s a fundamental shift towards a responsible and ethical way of conducting business. By embracing eco-friendly practices in energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, sourcing and procurement, and building design and construction, hotels can minimise their environmental impact, reduce operational costs, and attract a growing market of environmentally conscious travellers.

While the challenges of sustainability are real, with the initial investment, resistance to change, and complex regulations, the benefits far outweigh these obstacles. Sustainable hotels not only stand to gain a competitive edge but also contribute to a more responsible and ethical industry.

In a world where climate change and resource depletion pose significant challenges, the hospitality industry has an important role to play. As travellers seek authentic and environmentally responsible experiences, hotels that prioritise sustainability are well-positioned to thrive and lead the way towards a more eco-friendly future. In the journey towards sustainability in the hospitality industry, every hotel that embraces green practices brings us one step closer to a more sustainable and responsible world.

Related Posts

Enchanting Escapes: Unveiling the Top 6 Honeymoon Havens for Amorous Newlyweds Introduction As newlyweds embark on their journey of love...

Enchanting Escapes: A Guide to the Top 10 Dreamy Wedding Destinations for an Unforgettable Celebration Introduction Dreaming of a perfect...

In the ever-evolving landscape of the job market, the role of artificial intelligence and digitalization has become paramount. As companies...

The Global Hotel Alliance's 2024 survey unveils travelers' top destinations and motivators. Emphasizing rich cultural experiences, natural beauty, and unique...

Welcome to a world where indulgence takes a dip, and relaxation finds its liquid haven. In this exploration of opulence,...

Top 10 Cave Temples in the World: A Journey into Ancient Sanctuaries

Culinary Trends: Exploring the Top 5 Fusion of Flavours in Modern Cuisine

Recommended.

MOST VIEWED

The impact of technology on the hospitality industry

The role of food and beverage in hospitality, 5 most luxury hotels in maldives, 5 best places to visit in north america:, about the hospitality daily.

We are a media company focused on Hospitality B2B market. We create, aggregate and distribute actionable news, reports, analysis and more for the hospitality industry cohesively.

PRESS RELEASE

• Submit Article/PR

© 2020 THD - A Medianiti Venture .

• Homepage Layout 1
• Homepage Layout 2

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Remember Me

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Sustainability in Hospitality: Why It Is Important and How Industry Leaders Can Help

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

• Name * First Last
• Degree * Career and Technical Education, BS Career and Workforce Education, MA College Teaching and Leadership Corrections Leadership Destination Marketing and Management Educational Leadership, MA Emergency and Crisis Management, MECM Engineering Management, MS Event Management Health Informatics and Information Management, BS Health Services Administration, BS Hospitality Management, BS Industrial Engineering, MSIE Lifestyle Community Management, BS Local Director of Career & Technical Education Lodging and Restaurant Management, BS Master of Public Administration, MPA Nonprofit Management Nonprofit Management, MNM Police Leadership Project Engineering Public Administration
• Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Privacy Notice

Most people won’t feel good about a vacation if they know it’s adding to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a stretch of trash piling up in the ocean for thousands of miles. Nor will they feel positive about booking a vacation connected with an organization known for disregarding a local economy’s well-being. The idea of enjoying oneself at the expense of others’ meeting their basic needs doesn’t sit well with most people.

Sustainability — the mindful use of a resource so that it isn’t used up or damaged — plays a vital role in the hospitality industry. Hospitality organizations’ success depends on their preserving the natural and cultural attractions that compel tourists to visit their destinations. Not doing so has consequences. In 2018, the Thai government shut down one of its most famous beaches, Maya Bay, for three years after daily visits of 5,000 tourists ended up destroying most of its coral and threatening the very beauty that drew people to the area in the first place. Local tourism operators went out of business.

With the right leadership, hospitality organizations can adopt sustainable business strategies. Sustainability-minded hospitality leaders can also improve efficiency and attract a growing number of customers looking for environmentally and socially responsible products and services. Pursuing an online leadership and management degree or certificate can prepare professionals to lead their organizations to success through sustainability in hospitality.

Why Sustainability in Hospitality Matters

“All tourism relies on the natural and cultural resources that attract tourists and act as the main driver of growth and development in the tourism economy. Some destinations, such as those in the Caribbean, rely on pristine beaches and crystal clear waters to bring in tourists. Others, such as Paris, rely on their cultural heritage—architecture, museums, cuisine—to drive tourist visits,” explains Sergio Alvarez, assistant professor at the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management. “As diverse as these destinations may seem, they all share one thing in common: the attractions that make them world-class destinations are threatened by human activity, and in many cases, tourism itself is a main threat to these attractions.”

Sustainable practices make hospitality organizations stand out. Today’s travelers, restaurant patrons, hotel bookers and shoppers care about sustainability. They want to know that the companies they give their business to follow environmentally, socially and culturally sound practices. An overwhelming majority of millennials and Generation Zers will pay more for products and services that don’t harm the environment, deplete natural resources, or negatively affect the lives of people or wildlife.

As a case in point, a Nielson study found that nearly 75% of the respondents from these younger generations are willing to take action to support this attitude. A growing number of people from older generations also want companies to become environmental stewards. In fact, the Nielson study found that 51% of baby boomers will spend more for sustainable products and services as well. To stand out, hospitality organizations can focus on a few key aspects:

Conserving Energy

Energy conservation in the hospitality industry entails a two-pronged approach: reduction and efficiency. Organizations can start by training employees in behaviors that reduce energy use. These behaviors can range from turning off lights to changing the settings on washing machines and adjusting thermostats appropriately. Energy conservation may also include friendly reminders to guests about their use of towels or electricity. For efficiency, organizations can look for opportunities to use green technology or products. For example, they can install solar panels for heating and cooling or switch to energy-efficient LED lights.

Reducing Waste

Organizations have numerous opportunities to limit their waste. To cut down on food waste, companies can source their food locally or grow it on site. This reduces how much food spoils and ensures fresher products. Businesses can also adopt food-donation policies that let patrons know unused food will make it to the local food kitchen as opposed to just being discarded. Installing water-efficient products, such as water-saving filters, can also make a difference in reducing waste.

Using Organic Amenities

“At a global level, tourism is responsible for 8% of carbon emissions, which are causing changes in our climate and rising sea levels,” notes Alvarez. “Tourism’s substantial carbon footprint is not only caused by transportation of tourists, but also by the production and transportation of supplies such as food, beverages, towels and linens that are a must-have in every hotel.”

Organic products leave a lighter carbon footprint than others. By switching to organic, businesses demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. Organic amenities can include products made of all-natural ingredients and no harsh chemicals. For example, hotel toiletries, cleaning supplies, food and fragrances can all come in organic forms. Additionally, organizations can choose products that come in recyclable packaging or biodegradable cartons. Incorporating sustainable strategies into how an organization operates not only makes a good impression and potentially saves money; it can also protect the natural and cultural attractions guests have come to see.

The hospitality industry must ensure it works in harmony with the environment and is mindful of its social and economic impact by not overconsuming resources, working to conserve biodiversity, not polluting, and respecting local communities and workers. In doing so, the industry protects its very existence. For this reason and others, sustainable tourism has emerged. This practice showcases the environment and focuses on protecting ecological processes and conserving a location’s natural heritage. It also shows respect to host communities and works toward building cultural understanding with them.

The Benefits of Sustainability in Hospitality

Practicing sustainability in hospitality comes with many benefits. Aside from attracting more customers and responding responsibly to what many consider a moral imperative, in light of the current climate crisis, sustainable initiatives offer hospitality businesses incentives.

The federal government, along with states and some local governments, have enacted several programs to promote “green” business. Using renewable energy, reducing waste and implementing measures that enable reuse and recycling can add up to more than just energy conservation. Incentive programs reward businesses with tax write-offs, discounts on insurance premiums, financial grants and faster regulatory permitting. In addition, innovative, environmentally friendly technology can result in long-term cost savings. Though sustainable practices can require initial spending, the combined effects of energy efficiency, waste reduction and the like can lead to spending less money in the long run.

Many hospitality organizations have adopted sustainability plans. This intentional approach involves incorporating sustainable practices that reach across all business operations. Sustainability plans can help improve brand image. Most consumers care about sustainability, according to a recent Trip Advisor survey. It found that 62% of travelers had opted for more environmentally friendly hotels, food and transportation, and 69% of survey respondents said they intended to make even more environmentally responsible travel choices in the future.

In tourism, for instance, people often vote with their feet. If tourists learn that a business does not take the necessary steps to eliminate or significantly reduce its negative impact on the environment, this information will affect their perception of the company brand. Conversely, when organizations demonstrate their commitment to green practices, they can improve their brand image and draw more tourists. Additionally, business cultures that embrace sustainability can also better attract the elite work talent of younger generations looking for companies who share their values.

The Role of Leadership in Sustainability

How can the hospitality industry ensure it fully embraces sustainability? Leaders in this sector can play a key role by integrating sustainability concepts into their business goals and strategies.

Establishing Energy Management Programs

First, hospitality leaders can put energy management programs into place. These programs can involve creating a team responsible for setting up energy conservation plans with specific goals. For example, the team might strive to reduce the company’s energy use by 10% within a year. To help reach the goals, leaders might reward departments or individuals in the organization for reaching their milestone objectives.

Evaluating Energy Usage

Leaders can take another important action toward sustainability: determining how their businesses use energy. A clear understanding of energy usage allows leaders to identify areas for improvement. For example, in what area of a hotel is the most energy being used? Are there ways to reduce energy use in that area without negatively affecting guest experience? Additionally, leaders can routinely evaluate their energy use, seeking out energy-saving practices to improve efficiency and ultimately cut costs.

Embracing Renewable Energy

Besides reducing energy consumption and evaluating how energy is used in their businesses, hospitality leaders can reduce their business’ carbon footprint by embracing renewable sources of energy. In addition to building their brand image as a sustainable hospitality business, these investments pay off by reducing operational costs. For instance, back in 2015, the La Quinta Inn & Suites in Danbury, Connecticut, installed 400 solar panels on the property’s rooftops to generate 132,000 watts of solar electricity. By 2016, the property was saving approximately $1,500 a month in its energy bill, in addition to receiving approximately $16,000 in sales of electricity back to the grid.

Educating Employees

Sustainability in business requires a group effort. Educating employees and raising awareness about sustainable practices should play a part in onboarding and ongoing training. Every aspect of a business can adopt practices that take sustainability into account, considering such things as water and waste management, the use of organic products that do not contain harmful chemicals, and reuse and recycling. In this way, sustainability can become a part of an organization’s culture.

Directing an organization toward sustainability requires key skills. Hospitality leaders must inspire the people in their organizations to embrace sustainability as they work toward meeting expectations. To do this, hospitality leaders must excel in open communication, clear goal setting, positivity, teamwork, and being open to new ideas.

Challenges and Trends

While sustainability in hospitality offers clear advantages, professionals in this industry must still overcome challenges to build sustainable strategies. For one, they must correct misconceptions that sustainability costs more money and that consumers do not care about it, when in fact becoming more energy-efficient saves money and developing a brand known as sustainable attracts more patrons.

Advances in technology related to renewable energy have also lowered the costs for using sources such as solar or geothermal energy. Additionally, tour operators who protect ecosystems that serve as their main attraction, while cooperating with and supporting local economies and culture, also win financially in the long run. Some organizations worry sustainable practices can disrupt guest experience. However, if organizations carefully focus on what guests need and customize their services accordingly, they can improve this aspect of their business. Hersha Hospitality Trust, which owns 48 upscale hotels, has instituted sustainability initiatives that actually enhance customer experience, including:

• Smart thermostat technology in each room that allows guests to customize temperatures while lowering energy use
• Recycling options in guest rooms that allow guests to maintain their green habits while away from home
• Locally sourced foods and products that allow guests to support local vendors and try something unique to the area
• Free access to bicycles that allow guests to both get around and explore the new area while reducing their carbon footprints

Hospitality leaders can incorporate other current and emerging trends into their sustainability strategies, such as:

• Eliminating single-use plastic
• Creating paperless environments
• Sourcing from sustainable suppliers
• Purchasing green cleaning supplies
• Developing recycling programs

Explore How to Become a Hospitality Leader in Sustainability

“It is clear that tourism causes problems. However, leaders in hospitality and tourism have the power to be part of the solution, rather than being a part of the problem,” says. Alvarez. “The three pillars of sustainability — social, environmental, and economic — provide a roadmap for visionary leaders to transform their businesses and ensure that our cherished natural and cultural attractions are available for future generations of tourists to enjoy.”

The growing importance of sustainability in hospitality is obvious. Today’s hospitality organizations need leaders who can help implement sustainable practices and build a culture of social, environmental and economic responsibility. The University of Central Florida offers the following degree and certificate programs that prepare graduates to thrive in different areas of the industry:

• 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

Explore how the University of Central Florida’s online leadership and management degrees and certificates can help aspiring hospitality leaders pursue their professional goals.

Online Leadership and Management Degrees at UCF

• Career and Technical Education, BS
• Career and Workforce Education, MA
• College Teaching and Leadership
• Corrections Leadership
• Educational Leadership, MA
• Emergency and Crisis Management, MECM
• Engineering Management, MS
• Health Informatics and Information Management, BS
• Health Services Administration, BS
• Industrial Engineering, MSIE
• Local Director of Career & Technical Education
• Master of Public Administration, MPA
• Nonprofit Management
• Nonprofit Management, MNM
• Police Leadership
• Project Engineering
• Public Administration

You May Also Enjoy

Improving sustainability in tourism & hospitality

H ospitality has been among the sectors hit hardest by COVID-19 shutdowns. But with travel beginning to return in parts of the world, many hotels are springing back to life.

The agenda for recovery cannot simply be about getting ‘back to normal,’ though. The travel market has changed—permanently. Leisure and business travelers alike have new priorities and needs. In both segments, sustainability is a bigger priority than ever before—especially but not only when it comes to carbon emissions.

Hospitality has a unique opportunity to take the lead on sustainability across all dimensions of ESG—environmental, social and governance—and build it into the core of the way the sector works. The industry players that thrive will be those who meet their customers’ demands for more sustainable travel options . Those who fall short risk being left behind.

Changing priorities, new opportunities

For many business travelers —a critical segment for many hospitality brands—the pandemic put an abrupt stop to their travel. Having been forced into an extended experiment with remote working and online meetings, many corporates are reconsidering their travel policies.

What’s more, businesses are under growing pressure to cut their emissions:

• Their own customers expect it—as do politicians and regulators as the global momentum for a cleaner, greener economy grows.
• For many corporations, their Scope 3 emissions—which include travel emissions—are a clear target for reductions.
• Combined with the new emphasis on smart travel decisions and maximizing the benefits of every single trip, a rapid return to pre-pandemic levels of travel is unlikely.

When it comes to consumers, the key dynamic is a deep rethinking among consumers about what matters in life. Some 50% of consumers globally have reassessed what’s important to them as a result of the pandemic, according to Accenture’s Life Reimagined research among 25,000 people. Sustainability is high among their priorities. Consumers are increasingly ready to switch away from brands that don’t align with their values—but the research also suggests they’re increasingly prepared to pay a premium for those that do.

In the post-pandemic battle for market share, winning customer sentiment and loyalty increasingly means meeting the new expectations on sustainability.

Destination sustainability

Can the sector afford sustainability.

Despite the rising importance of sustainability to both leisure and business travelers, some in the travel sector still struggle to make the business case for it. “Resources are limited—especially right now,” says Daniel Kowalewski, Managing Director at Accenture. “Companies are in a tight spot. They’re trying to be as prudent as they can.”

That is a real predicament when cashflow has been so disrupted by the pandemic. But the question should be less whether the sector can afford greater sustainability—and more whether it can afford to fall behind its customers’ evolving expectations. Recent Accenture research has found that 83% of 25- to 34-year-olds are willing to pay more for sustainable travel options. 1 Any hospitality business that struggles to align with its customers will find itself vulnerable to greener competitors.

And the return on investment for hotel decarbonization could be substantial, relatively quickly—one study found that such investments could yield internal returns of 38% after five years. 2

Investing in decarbonization

Some pro-sustainability switches can be made with minimal expense. India-based Chalet Hotels has committed to using 100% renewable energy by 2031. 3 “In a lot of countries, you can move to renewable electricity and it’s actually no more expensive than non-renewable electricity,” says Jesko Neuenburg, Managing Director and Global Travel & Aviation Sustainability Lead at Accenture.

The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance has calculated that hospitality needs to reduce per-room carbon emissions by at least 66% by 2030, and 90% by 2050, based on 2010 levels. 4 That level of decarbonization will require some investment—but the cost:benefit ratio is changing rapidly. With rising interest in green standards for hotels, and Google and Booking.com adding eco-certifications to search results, more and more customers are likely to make lower-carbon choices.

Responsible hospitality gets started

Some hospitality companies already have bold ESG strategies for tackling a wide range of priorities besides carbon emissions.

Waste is a key priority and food waste is particularly important:

bottles expected to stop going to landfills every year. By replacing single-use toiletry bottles in rooms with larger pump-topped bottles, Marriott International has made waste a key priority. 5

of Accor's generated waste and largest contributor to its biodiversity and water footprint comes from food—so it’s made food a priority in its latest sustainability strategy. 6

tons of food waste were diverted from landfills by MGM Resorts, repurposed into animal feed and converted into biofuel. 7

RELATED: Explore travel’s changing realities in The Guide digital travel magazine

Social impact—local communities

For the hospitality sector, impact on local communities is another critical dimension—especially in fragile natural ecosystems and in developing economies, where tourism can play a major economic role. Everyone suffers when unique destinations are damaged.

Hospitality also needs to engage closely with the communities where it operates. Supply chains are key. Procuring goods and services such as food locally can have a positive social impact—as well as cutting carbon emissions. Ensuring high labor standards is another priority. And global travel firms have a key role as local employers too, creating jobs and providing development opportunities in areas where they may otherwise be limited.

Positive social impact begins inside the business

Truly sustainable businesses don’t only take action to reduce and mitigate their external environmental impacts. They also take responsibility for their role as employers in addressing major social questions.

If employers don't act on today’s prominent social issues—be it increasing the number of women in leadership roles, reflecting racial and ethnic diversity or implementing fair labor standards in their supply chain—customers will quickly lose trust.

Hilton Hotels plans to achieve gender parity in its leadership roles globally by 2027 and increase ethnic diversity among its US leadership roles to 25%. 8 Its approach has earned it the number one spot on DiversityInc’s 2021 Top 50 Companies for Diversity list. 9

Social impact also extends to the sector’s critical role in the fight against human trafficking. Progress has been made on this issue in recent years: It needs to remain a priority. Marriott International, for instance, launched an enhanced version of its human-trafficking awareness training in July 2021, to help its people recognize and respond to the warning signs. 10

Decarbonization target corridors

Pandemic recovery, future growth and sustainability go hand in hand. There are two critical spheres for organizations to act in to meet changing customer demands and capture the opportunities of growth and a sustainable future.

The first is picking up the pace on decarbonization. A recent report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and Accenture— A Net Zero Roadmap for Travel and Tourism —proposes a new roadmap framework for net zero. It sets out three different decarbonization target corridors, recognizing that some sectors will be able to move faster than others.

The first step is setting the right baselines and emission targets now for 2030 and 2050 goals. That needs to be followed by monitoring and reporting on progress.

The report also proposes collaboration within and across industries—a rich opportunity for hospitality businesses as a part of the broader travel industry , and for collaboration with local partners wherever they operate.

A net zero roadmap for travel & tourism

Building sustainability into hospitality’s dna.

Hospitality companies need to be strategic about sustainability—and to do that they need to understand why it is so important. “What’s frequently missing is the why,” says Andrew Maliszewski, Business Strategy Senior Manager at Accenture.

To truly understand those business drivers and how they can be translated into an effective sustainability strategy, Accenture has developed a new framework for Sustainability DNA . It identifies Five Elements of Sustainable Leadership and 21 management practices, systems and processes spanning all dimensions of sustainability—from improving conditions and creating inclusion for employees, to building a learning culture and engaging in the development of local learning ecosystems.

As many hospitality brands operate a franchise-based business model, it’s vital that brands and owners work together closely as they adopt the Sustainability DNA framework.

The sustainability opportunity

The landscape for hospitality has changed permanently. The sector has a unique opportunity to lead the way on sustainability as it gets back to growth.

The benefits for hospitality are clear: aligning with consumers’ values and desire to be able to travel sustainably ; winning back business travelers as corporates bear down on their carbon emissions; capitalizing on the growing willingness of consumers to pay a little more for sustainability; and playing its part in the global effort to limit temperature rises and avoid catastrophic climate change.

Thriving in the new world means putting sustainability at the heart of your strategy for recovery.

For more on how hospitality can get back to growth more sustainably than ever—and our model for Sustainability DNA—read the full report: Mapping the Road Ahead: How can travel companies achieve a sustainable recovery?

SUSTAINABILITY IN AVIATION

1 Accenture Traveler Sustainability Preferences Survey, August 2021

2 Transforming Existing Hotels to Net Zero Carbon

3 Chalet Hotels becomes first hospitality company globally to join Climate Group's RE100, EP100 and EV100 initiatives

4 Global Hotel Decarbonisation Report

5 Marriott International To Eliminate Single-Use Shower Toiletry Bottles From Properties Worldwide, Expanding Successful 2018 Initiative

6 With Planet 21, Accor aims to provide a positive hospitality experience

7 Did The Pandemic Sabotage Hotel Sustainability Trends?

8 Hilton Sets Leadership Diversity Goals Ahead of Hotels Jobs Revival

9 Hilton Ranked #1 on DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity List

10 Marriott International Launches Enhanced Human Trafficking Awareness Training

Managing Director – Global Travel & Aviation Sustainability Lead

Jesko is leading Accenture’s global travel sustainability center of excellence.

Managing Director – Travel Industry, North America

Results-driven executive with over 20 years of experience focused on revenue management, pricing and strategy formulation.

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

Shaping the sustainable organization

The Guide: Travel industry magazine

Delivering responsible travel

Related capabilities, becoming a sustainable travel company.

We help travel companies act effectively on ESG goals to achieve a sustainable recovery.

Sustainability services

We help organizations embed sustainability into every area of their businesses so they can create new sources of value—and deliver on their values.

Travel consulting

Accenture helps travel companies outmaneuver uncertainty in a new era of travel.

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of sustainable tourism and hospitality.

The landscape for hospitality has changed permanently. The sector has a unique opportunity to lead the way on sustainability as it gets back to growth. The benefits for tourism and hospitality are clear: aligning with consumers’ values and desire to be able to travel sustainably; winning back business travelers as corporates bear down on their carbon emissions; capitalizing on the growing willingness of consumers to pay a little more for sustainability; and playing its part in the global effort to limit temperature rises and avoid catastrophic climate change. Thriving in the new world means putting sustainability at the heart of your strategy for recovery.

How can hotels be more sustainable?

Hospitality has a unique opportunity to take the lead on sustainability across all dimensions of ESG—environmental, social and governance—and build it into the core of sector operations. The industry players that thrive will be those who meet their customers’ demands for more sustainable travel options. Those who fall short risk being left behind. Research by the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance has found that hotels need to reduce carbon emissions by at least 66% per room by 2030, and by 90% by 2050, compared with 2010 levels, to keep pace with the 2°C cap set out in the Paris Climate Agreement. Improving building efficiency will need upfront investment, but the cost: benefit calculation is changing. One study has found that decarbonizing hotels could yield internal returns of about 38% after five years. With rising interest in green standards for hotels and the addition of eco-certifications to search results, more and more customers are likely to make lower-carbon choices.

What are the main environmental impacts of the hospitality industry?

Of all the challenges facing the travel and tourism industry as it becomes more sustainable, decarbonization is the biggest. Greenhouse gases related to travel are one of the most significant contributors to our environmental footprint, along with the electricity we use in our locations. Additionally, the travel industry’s impact on its stakeholders across the societies where it operates is significant—especially in many developing nations, where tourism plays a major economic role. Tackling environmental initiatives is not simply limited to energy sources, but also its social impact on communities. This includes ensuring high labor standards that advance diversity in the workplace, create sustainable supply chains, cut carbon emissions, and drive economic development opportunities.

Why is sustainability important in the hospitality industry?

The UN Global Compact and Accenture report published in November 2021, Climate Leadership in the Eleventh Hour, found that 73% of global CEOs feel increasing pressure to act on climate change. Fifty-seven percent are prioritizing action as part of their pandemic recovery. This explains why more than 5,000 businesses have joined the UN-backed Race to Zero, committing to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 without using offsets. More than 200 companies have signed the Climate Pledge to achieve net zero by 2040. That pressure on CEOs will not just change their companies’ operations—it will filter through to their supply chains. Leadership teams need to convert their organizations’ sustainability goals and values into behavioral change at all levels, which means building sustainability into the DNA of the organization.

Hotel Management A-Z Information

Human Resource Management in Hospitality Industry: Role, Importance & Challenges

• By Dipayan Mondal
• Updated On September 18, 2023

What is Human Resource Management in Hospitality Industry?

Human Resource Management (HRM) is the management of people to achieve behavior and performance levels that will enhance an organization’s effectiveness. It is a management function that helps managers plan, recruit, select, train, develop, remunerate, and maintain members of an organization.

Hotel HR encourages individuals to set personal goals and rewards, guiding them to shape their behavior in accordance with the objectives of the organization that employs them. HRM was traditionally called Personnel Management, a term that was used in the restricted sense of hiring and managing employees.

The current trends place a greater emphasis on boosting the morale of employees and ways of retaining them by using more sophisticated psychological tests in selecting employees, training employees to do more than one job, and encouraging all the members of a workforce to accept responsibility.

Human Resource Management can be studied under the following two subheads:

• Human Resource Planning.
• Human Resource Development

Introduction to Human Resource Department in Hotel

Efficient, hard-working, and resourceful personnel are the backbone of any successful business. It is more so in the case of the service industry. Successful hotel operations are sustained by customer-oriented and hard-working employees who have adequate competencies.

The human resources department of a hotel is engaged in the anticipation, acquisition, selection, and development of the present and future employee needs of the hotel. It also includes the processes of job evaluation, recruitment, selection, and orientation.

The challenges faced by the human resources department in the hospitality industry are also discussed, as are the ways to boost employee retention and employee motivation.

Importance of Human Resource Management in Hospitality and Tourism Industry

Human resource management (HRM) is a management function that helps managers Plan, Recruit, Select, Train, Develop, Remunerate, and maintain members of an organization. HRM comprises human resource planning and development.

Human resource planning is a strategy for the acquisition, utilization, improvement, and preservation of the human resources of an organization.

Human resources is the process of helping people acquire competencies and skills so as to ensure their usefulness to the organization in terms of both present and future organizational conditions.

The human resources department of any organization carries out functions like job analysis, recruitment, selection, orientation, and training.

The department also faces many challenges, which include making employees cope with long working hours, finding qualified staff, etc. The means to retain and motivate employees.

1. Employee Retention

The following factors are important in order to retain employees:

Employees should know what is expected of them every day at work. Changing expectations keeps people on edge and creates unhealthy stress. They rob the employees of their confidence.

Effective Supervisor: People leave managers and supervisors more often than they leave companies or jobs. It is not enough that the supervisor is well-liked or is a nice person; he should be able to motivate and encourage his/her team members.

Employee Counseling: The managers should have a goal to restore employees to full productivity. The HR department or the head of the department can provide confidential short-term counseling to identify an employee’s problem.

Talent and Skill Utilization: A motivated employee wants to contribute to work areas outside of their specific job description. Many employees can contribute far more than they currently do.

Fairness and Equitable Treatment: If one employee is given more raises or higher incentives, other staff members might find it unfair and start looking for other opportunities.

Frequent Opportunities to Learn and Grow: A career-oriented, valued employee must experience growth opportunities within the organization.

Employees should feel rewarded, recognized, and appreciated. Frequently saying thank you goes a long way. Monetary rewards, incentives, bonuses, and gifts make the thank you even more appropriate. Salary raises, based on accomplishments and achievements, help motivate and retain staff.

2. Employee Motivation

Motivation is one of the most important factors that directly affect human behavior and performance. Motivation may be defined as the driving and guiding force that makes people perform a particular activity to the best of their abilities.

The word motivation is based on the root word motive, which is derived from the Latin word movere, meaning to move.

Employees can be motivated by the following methods:

1. Training: Training employees may convey to them that the organization takes necessary care of its employees. An employee who has received training has a higher chance of promotion and other benefits.

2. Cross-Training: Cross-training is training employees for roles other than their routine jobs. It helps the employees acquire new skills, which may lead to career growth.

What is the Role of HR in the hotel industry?

In an organizational context, HRM is a process that helps the employees of an organization in a continuous and planned way to do the following things,

• Acquire or sharpen the capabilities required to perform various functions associated with their present or expected future roles.
• Develop their general capabilities as individuals and teams, discover and exploit their inner potential for their own and organizational growth and development purposes.
• Develop an organizational culture in which supervisor-subordinate relationships, teamwork, and collaboration among subunits are strong and contribute to the professional well-being, motivation, and pride of employees.

HR Challenges or Issues in Hospitality Industry

These are the challenges of HRM in the hospitality industry:

1. The characteristics of work in hotels and catering—long, anti-social hours, low pay, instability, and low status—make it unattractive as a career choice. As a result, the sector continues to suffer from high staff turnover and difficulties in recruiting qualified staff.

2. The hotel staff works especially hard on those days when the rest of the world is enjoying vacations, such as Diwali, Christmas, New Year’s, and long weekends. The hotels are generally booked to capacity during such festival and holiday seasons, and the hotel staff is required to work overtime during these periods.

3. Long working hours increase stress on individuals and have potentially harmful effects on their psychological and physical health. Social effects might include an increase in family tension and stress in marital relations.

4. For the organization, it could lead to poor labor productivity both in terms of increased absenteeism and declining marginal productivity of labor when present at the workplace but working long hours.

5. One of the challenges in improving working conditions is ensuring that both employees and employers engage in the process so that improvements are consistent with the aspirations and wishes of both groups: higher margins and productivity for businesses, higher wages, and a better work-life balance for employees.

6. Having set about improving working conditions, the next challenge is to attract and retain the correct staff. To deal with this, some employers have focused on job satisfaction and designed systems to reward staff for their performance. Key employee retention is critical to the long-term success of any business.

7. Retaining the best employees ensures customer satisfaction, product sales, effective succession planning, and deeply embedded organizational knowledge and learning. The HR personnel should analyze the results of the exit interviews, come up with remedial solutions, and initiate action.

Duties and Responsibilities of HR Manager in Hotel

Human Resource Development (HRD) is the process of helping people acquire competencies and skills so as to ensure their usefulness to the organization in terms of both present and future organizational conditions.

HRD also helps employees understand their own capabilities better so that they can best utilize them and fulfill their professional and personal expectations.

List of duties and responsibilities of a hotel HR manager:

1. Job Analysis

Job analysis is the process of collecting information about a particular job position. It may be defined as a process of studying and collecting information relating to the operations and responsibilities of a specific job. The process of job evaluation results in the generation of a large chunk of data related to a job position.

The collected data can be grouped into the following subcategories:

a) Job Description

The job description is a document that contains duties, responsibilities, and all the tasks that constitute a job position. It specifies the parameters within which a job is done.

It not only includes duties and responsibilities but also contains report relationships, working conditions, authority and control, coordination with other departments, status within the departmental hierarchy, equipment and materials to be used , and other information specific to the hotel.

b) Job Specification

A job specification is a document that contains information about the skills and qualities required for a position. It includes information such as personal qualities, skills, formal education, professional/technical qualifications, work experience, general knowledge, previous training, physical skills, equipment skills, and communication skills of a person.

2. Purpose of Job Analysis

Job analysis is useful for the overall activities of the HR department. The information generated during job analysis helps the department in the following activities,

a) Human Resource Planning

Human resource planning is the activity that assesses the present and future requirements of manpower for the organization. Job analysis helps the human resource manager decide on the skills needed in the organization to carry out present and future tasks.

b) Recruitment and Selection

The recruitment process for the employees begins after the organization assesses its present and future manpower requirements. Once a recruitment position has been identified, the job description and job specification of that position are drawn up, which define the scope of the job and the skills needed.

This way, managers are able to delegate job responsibilities more effectively, and HR managers have a better idea of the qualities that they should look for while selecting future employees.

c) Training and Development

The training and development activities may be tailored as per the requirements of the job. Job analysis data helps to decide the training needs and the procedure for training present and future employees.

d) Job Evaluation

Job evaluation involves the determination of the relative worth of each job for the purpose of establishing wages and pay packages. Job description and job specification are the foundations for the determination of the relative worth of a job.

e) Performance Appraisal

The assessment of the performance of employees is made on the basis of the job description. Performance appraisal is the basis for awarding promotions, effecting transfers, or ascertaining the training needs of employees.

3. Recruitment

The need for personnel in any organization is fulfilled by attracting the right set of people for existing and future job positions in the organization. The process of attracting people with desired qualifications and traits and motivating them to apply for suitable job positions is known as recruitment.

Recruitment can be defined as the process of finding and attracting capable applicants for employment. The process begins when new recruits are sought and ends when their applications are submitted.

Recruitment serves the following purposes:

• Recruitment attracts highly qualified and competent people.
• It provides a pool of potentially qualified candidates for various job positions at a minimum cost.
• It meets the organization’s legal and social obligations regarding the composition of its workforce.
• It identifies suitable candidates for various job positions.

4. Selection

Selection is the process of choosing the right candidate from the pool of applications received in the recruitment process. The selection is done strictly on the basis of the skills and competencies required for the job position. A candidate with the right qualifications, skills, and traits is selected for the job.

So selection may be defined as a process of differentiating between applicants in order to identify those with a greater likelihood of success in the job.

5. Orientation

Orientation may be defined as a planned introduction of new employees to their jobs, their co-workers, the management, and the organization. Orientation is also known as induction. It is designed to provide new employees with the information they need to work efficiently and effectively in the organization.

Orientation may be informal, where employees get introduced to co-workers while performing their job, or it may be formal and structured, which may extend from one week to several months.

• Read next: What is Hotel Revenue Management with Strategies and Importance

Dipayan Mondal

Dipayan is the author of this blog. He completed his hotel management degree from GNIHM, Kolkata. And he is very passionate about the hospitality industry. And right now, he is working as a successful hotelier in a 5-star hotel.

You may also like

Top 10 Travel Agency and Hotel Partnerships in India 2024

• February 28, 2024

Which is the best VPN to use for hotel WiFi in 2024?

• June 2, 2024

Is it fine to eat Hotel Food during Pregnancy?

• February 23, 2024

How to Estimate Concrete Quantities for Hotel Renovations

• February 3, 2024

Last Updated on September 18, 2023 by Dipayan Mondal

The promise of travel in the age of AI

Every generation has its own “golden age” of travel, often defined by the widespread adoption of new technology—from the jet engine of the 1950s that drastically reduced travel times to the dot-com period of the 1990s that allowed customers to build their dream itineraries online. Today, a new era of digitally enabled travel is upon us. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), including generative AI (gen AI), and machine learning (ML) are equipping the industry to reimagine what it means to plan, book, and experience travel. This surge of innovation sets the stage for travel companies to rethink how they interact with customers, develop products and services, and manage operations.

Advances in technology have also transformed consumers’ expectations. Since 2013, time spent on digital devices has grown by 70 percent, and this trend only accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic as online interactions increasingly replaced in-person contact. 1 Based on data from U.S. Census Bureau and Statista. See State of travel 2023 , Skift Research, July 21, 2023. However, traditional travel is unique in that it is an inherently human-centric experience. The industry, therefore, has an opportunity—perhaps even a duty—to define what travel will look like in the digital age.

Most travel companies aim to provide exceptional service and deliver the perfect trip. But, instead of ease, excitement, and delight, travel operators too often fall short of meeting baseline expectations of timing and quality. In fact, nearly 80 percent of American travelers experienced at least one travel-related problem in the first half of 2023. 2 Lane Gillespie, “Survey: 77% of travelers plagued by travel problems amid booming season; more than half saw higher prices,” Bankrate, July 10, 2023.

In the 2021 report, Rebooting customer experience to bring back the magic of travel , McKinsey and Skift Research found that leisure travelers were eager to get back to the sky, water, and road—so much so, that they were often willing to overlook customer-service issues and inconveniences. Customer satisfaction ratings at the time were high, even in a period of intense disruption when negative sentiment was on the rise. 3 Rebooting customer experience to bring back the magic of travel , a joint report from McKinsey and Skift Research, September 2021.

Today, that window of acceptance may have passed. Customer expectations are rising, and tolerance is wearing thin. Despite this, people still aspire to travel and, according to McKinsey’s ConsumerWise  Sentiment Survey, nearly a third of consumers intend to “splurge” on travel expenses in the next three months. 4 McKinsey ConsumerWise Global Sentiment Survey, August 2023, n=4,000. Through both established and new technologies, companies have the opportunity to keep the aspiration to travel alive by closing the persistent gap between the promise and reality of travel.

While larger companies may have more resources to develop in-house capabilities, a robust ecosystem of service providers makes new technologies accessible to companies of all sizes. According to McKinsey Digital estimates, companies that holistically address digital and analytics opportunities throughout their organizations have the potential to see a 15 to 25 percent earnings improvement.

A new report , The promise of travel in the age of AI , produced by McKinsey and Skift Research offers use cases and success stories that detail how technologies are being used, drawing from interviews with executives at 17 companies across five types of travel business. It explores how companies apply advanced data science to better understand and serve customers, delves into how digital and analytics tools can improve products and services, and examines how new technologies augment workforce capabilities and unlock operational capacity. This article highlights some key findings.

Know your customers like you know your friends

Over the past two decades, the variety and volume of customer data that travel companies can capture has increased dramatically; new tools and technologies such as AI-powered assistants are only accelerating this trend. However, this data is often difficult to process and does not always paint a full picture of the customer. Companies may turn to third-party sources to complete their understanding—combining and distilling commercial, operational, financial, and behavioral inputs. Robust marketing technologies can then help distinguish the “signal” from the “noise” in the data to better predict customer behavior.

Having gained a clear and comprehensive understanding, companies can create customer segments to guide how they interact with and serve different customers. Depending on the data available and the analytics capabilities at hand, segmentation can range from grouping customers into segments based on a single macro characteristic (e.g., business versus leisure) to individual “segments of one,” known as hyper-segmentation.

Drilling down to segments of one can enable hyper-personalization, which is broadly defined as the ability to uniquely tailor touchpoints to an individual customer’s needs, preferences, and behaviors. At its core, hyper-personalization is not only about increasing conversion rates, but about providing the customer with an end-to-end experience adapted to their specific context. Considering the level of personalization that is becoming the norm in many aspects of daily life, companies are adopting an ongoing test-and-learn approach to ensure their offers and actions resonate with customers’ rising expectations.

Hyper-personalization can also help companies rebuild trust if operations have gone wrong. Personalized communication reassures customers that they are at the forefront of the company’s mind and instills confidence that a thoughtful recovery plan is in place. For example, companies may share real-time status updates in moments of disruption and provide tailored solutions, or even proactive compensation, to ensure customers feel individually taken care of.

Design your products to surprise and delight

Recent advances are pushing the boundaries of what technology can accomplish. Nothing illustrates this better than the meteoric rise of AI platforms like ChatGPT which garnered one million users in only five days. 5 Steve Mollman, “ChatGPT gained 1 million users in under a week. Here’s why the AI chatbot is primed to disrupt search as we know it,” Yahoo News, December 9, 2022. While this pace of adoption may feel unsettling, it provides an impetus for companies to reimagine their product design and delivery using AI and digitization.

Historically, capabilities such as language, creativity, and aesthetic judgment—once considered uniquely human—could not be scaled through technology. AI, particularly gen AI, offers a new way to augment and scale these capabilities with the potential for enormous benefits: according to McKinsey research , generative AI has the potential to unlock between $2 trillion and $4 trillion in annual value across industries. 6 The economic potential of generative AI: The next productivity frontier , McKinsey, June 14, 2023. In the travel context, gen AI could take the form of a digital assistant that interacts with customers throughout the journey. It can provide personalized trip itineraries during discovery and booking, offer tailored recommendations based on preferences and real-time constraints during the trip, and help resolve unexpected disruptions.

However, AI is only part of the answer. Established digital technology also helps companies deliver on commitments made to customers. Many of these digital assets and tools rely on common systems and capabilities, making them widely attainable—freeing up staff to provide better face-to-face services and build relationships through the human touch. Several such applications can boost guest satisfaction and reduce points of friction in hotels, including guest apps, digital check-ins, digital room keys, and in-room tech. The magnitude of these individual tools is amplified when seamlessly integrated together, making it easier for customers to use digital applications throughout their hotel stay.

Empower your workforce to follow through on promises made

An engaged and productive workforce enables the delivery of experiences and products that satisfy customers. However, the travel industry faces structural labor hurdles and high turnover which makes attracting, training, and retaining top talent challenging. Fortunately, the industry can enhance and scale the capacity of its existing workforce by equipping the frontline with the right tools at the right time. This can free up employees to focus on the things they enjoy most and that make the travel industry tick: quality personal interactions with customers, in essence, the human touch.

Two promising opportunities to improve workforce and operational performance through technology stand out across the travel industry: augmenting frontline capacity and upskilling talent.

In the travel industry today, complex decisions still rely on human expertise and outdated technology such as greenscreen or rudimentary interfaces. This leads to a best-guess approach, the risk of negative outcomes, and a steep learning curve. Travel companies are developing new tools  for the frontline to process complex inputs and help guide “day-of” decision making. For example, advanced simulation models such as digital twins allow companies to conduct rapid “what-if” analyses and provide real-time guidance to the frontline.

According to McKinsey research , new technology, including gen AI, is also shortening training times for new hires while rapidly upskilling the existing workforce. For instance, virtual and augmented reality are used to simulate real-life scenarios to prepare frontline employees to hit the ground running, and gen-AI-enabled "teaching assistants” provide personalized coaching based on individual performance. 7 “ The organization of the future: Enabled by gen AI, driven by people ,” McKinsey, September 19, 2023.

Travel is ripe for innovation

Checklist for the age of ai.

Some travel companies are already successfully deploying digital technology, AI, and ML to reshape how they interact with customers, develop and deliver products and services, and manage people and operations. They’ve taken the following actions—are you on track?

General considerations

• created a digital wish list—as if the company had infinite time and resources
• prioritized wish list based on potential short- and long-term benefits as well as the company’s strategic vision and available resources
• assessed the skills and talent necessary to execute against the prioritized wish list
• built the right team and identified roadmap to fill remaining gaps
• inventoried existing internal customer data
• determined which data variables drive customer behavior and predict customer buying decisions
• identified relevant third-party data and integrated with internal data to build a complete customer picture
• considered using a robust MarTech stack to continuously learn and evolve with customers
• defined a dynamic segmentation and personalization approach based on customer personas
• adopted test-and-learn mindset to continually implement and refine
• mapped the end-to-end customer journey and identified pain points
• used analytics to determine which pain points impact customers the most
• considered new technology (like AI) to enhance and reimagine the customer journey
• brainstormed improvements to current digital offerings that would minimize pain points (such as more timely communication)
• built a product roadmap based on timing and importance of features
• diagnosed top day-to-day employee pain points
• determined if digital tools can resolve top pain points (for example, automate repetitive tasks)
• provided workforce with real-time visibility into critical areas of daily operations
• used simulation models to plan for multiple future-state scenarios
• built decision-making tools (such as digital twins) to choose optimal solutions for complex problems
• defined opportunities to improve training (using tools such as simulation training, VR, AR) and provide feedback (using smart-AI tool)

We believe this is a moment of optimism for the industry. Between reclaiming its historical share of GDP, benefiting from the ongoing corporate travel recovery, and catering to consumer demand for unique experiences, the stage is set for travel’s accelerated growth. Looking ahead, travel is forecasted to grow at an average of 5.8 percent a year through 2032—more than double the expected growth rate of the overall economy (at 2.7 percent a year). 8 “Travel & Tourism sector expected to create nearly 126 million new jobs within the next decade,” World Travel & Tourism Council, April 21, 2023.

This does not mean that travel companies can simply sit back and reap the benefits. Existing and new technologies provide an avenue for companies to capture their share of the industry’s anticipated growth by resetting how they interact with customers, deliver products and services, and empower their workforce. Fortunately, there are a growing number of ways—build, buy, or partner—to help companies get started. The only wrong move is no move.

Susann Almasi is an associate partner in McKinsey’s Carolinas office, Alex Cosmas is a partner in the New York office, Sam Cowan is a consultant in the Minneapolis office, and Ben Ellencweig is a senior partner in the Stamford office.

The authors wish to thank Skift’s Pranavi Agarwal, Seth Borko, and Wouter Geerts as well as McKinsey’s Marisa Ancona, Danielle Bozarth, Vik Krishnan, Nina Lind, Elena Patel, Alessandra Powell, Jules Seeley, and Nirva Vassa, for their contributions to this article.

Explore a career with us

Related articles.

What every CEO should know about generative AI

Generative AI and the future of work in America

The future of tourism: Bridging the labor gap, enhancing customer experience

• Tips for jobseekers
• Register CV
• Specialisation
• Staffing Calculator
• Our Locations
• Careers at TASC
• Regional Expertise
• Case Studies
• Newsletters
• Request Proposal

Everything You Need to Know About Saudi Tourism & Hospitality Sector

Tourism and hospitality are pivotal sectors under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at driving economic diversification and sustainable development. These industries are central to transforming the Kingdom into a global investment powerhouse and an open society. As integral components of Saudi Arabia's diversification strategy, tourism and hospitality are essential for building a resilient economy capable of withstanding global economic fluctuations. The prioritization of these sectors stems from several key reasons that underscore their importance to the Kingdom's future.

Why Saudi Arabia is Betting Big on Tourism

• Reducing Oil Dependence: Oil revenues have traditionally been the primary source of income for KSA's economy. The aim of Saudi Arabia is to develop and foster a robust hospitality and tourism sector to create a more balanced and resilient economy and reduce its dependence on oil.
• New Revenue Streams: Tourism and hospitality offer alternative sources of income, which are crucial for long-term economic stability and growth. These sectors can generate significant revenue through spending on accommodations, dining, entertainment, and transportation.

FDI and Public-Private Partnerships Drive Tourism Growth

Saudi Arabia is strategically attracting significant foreign direct investment (FDI) to propel its tourism and hospitality sector. By positioning itself as a premier tourist destination with world-class infrastructure, captivating hospitality projects, and thrilling entertainment facilities, the Kingdom presents a lucrative opportunity for investors. This approach is further strengthened by the government's strong backing for public-private partnerships (PPPs). These collaborations unlock the expertise and resources of both sectors, accelerating the development of large-scale tourism projects and fostering sustainable economic growth.

Local Hiring Boom

Saudi Arabia is aiming to make tourism the second-largest employer by 2030. Saudization, also known as Nitaqat, is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at increasing the employment of Saudi nationals in the private sector.

If you wants to know more about Nitaqat program, you can read our blog Everything You Need To Know About Nitaqat in Saudi Arabia . The development of tourism and hospitality can create a vast number of job opportunities for Saudi nationals.  This is particularly important given the country's young and growing population. Saudization mandates higher employment of Saudi nationals, leading to a rise in local hiring within hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and other tourism-related businesses. In 2023, around 1 million job opportunities were created in the tourism sector. Localizing the workforce has Economic Impact:

• Increased Disposable Income: With more Saudi nationals employed, there is a rise in disposable income, which can be reinvested in the local economy, including tourism and leisure activities.
• Sustainable Growth: A localized workforce contributes to the sustainable growth of the industry, reducing economic volatility associated with expatriate labor markets.

Infrastructure Development

• Modernization Projects: Vision 2030 includes several mega-projects, such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, Qiddiya, and Al-Ula. The aim of mega-projects is developing the country's infrastructure to support tourism. These projects are set to create world-class tourism and hospitality facilities.
• Transport and Connectivity: Improvements in transport infrastructure are important for supporting an influx of tourists and enhancing travel experience. These improvements include airports, roads, and public transportation.

Promoting the culture and heritage

 Saudi Arabia is known for its rich cultural and historical heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage sites. Promoting these sites can attract cultural tourists and highlight the Kingdom's historical significance. Also, Saudi Arabia can enhance its cultural diplomacy by opening up to tourists. Fostering a better understanding and appreciation of its culture and traditions on the global stage.

Global Competitiveness

Tourism is one of the largest and fastest-growing economic sectors globally. Saudi Arabia aims to become a competitive player in the global tourism market, by investing in tourism and hospitality. In addition, attracting international tourists can boost the Kingdome's global image and contribute to its economic goals by bringing in foreign currency and fostering international business relationships.

The prioritization of tourism and hospitality in Saudi Arabia is a testament to the Kingdom's strategic vision for a diversified and resilient economy. By focusing on these sectors, Saudi Arabia aims to reduce its dependence on oil, create vast employment opportunities for its young population, and attract substantial foreign investment. Through massive infrastructure projects and the promotion of its rich cultural heritage, the Kingdom is set to become a premier global tourist destination. As these industries flourish, they will play a crucial role in achieving the ambitious goals of Vision 2030, paving the way for a prosperous and sustainable future for Saudi Arabia.

Are You Aiming to Invest in KSA's Tourism and Hospitality Sector?

If you are aiming to operate or hire best talent in Saudi Arabia's tourism and hospitality sectors, TASC will be your perfect partner. TASC has over 16 years of extensive experience in business services, include: contract staffing, permanent recruitment, HR management, payroll outsourcing, and offshoring.

Get in touch with our expert team to discover how TASC's specialized recruitment solutions and market expertise can help you hire or investing in Saudi Arabia's burgeoning tourism and hospitality industries. Let us work together to achieve your business goals and contribute to the Kingdom's Vision 2030.

Sign Up Now

To get our fortnightly newsletter to keep up to date with the latest jobs, recruitment news and business highlights direct to your inbox.

Seems like you’re outside Saudi Arabia.

Do you wish to be redirected to www.tascoutsourcing.com

• Marketplace
• Marketplace Morning Report
• Marketplace Tech
• Make Me Smart
• This is Uncomfortable
• The Uncertain Hour
• How We Survive
• Financially Inclined
• Million Bazillion
• Marketplace Minute®
• Corner Office from Marketplace

• Latest Stories
• Collections
• Smart Speaker Skills
• Corrections
• Ethics Policy
• Submissions
• Individuals
• Corporate Sponsorship
• Foundations

The advent of travel and leisure season fuels demand for staff

Share Now on:

• https://www.marketplace.org/2024/06/07/travel-leisure-hospitality-jobs-restaurant-hiring/ COPY THE LINK

HTML EMBED:

Sign up for the Marketplace newsletter to get the day’s biggest business stories, our economic analysis, and explainers to help you live smarter, straight to your inbox every weekday evening.

In May, job growth beat expectations in several sectors, including leisure and hospitality. The Bureau of Labor Statistics said the U.S. added 42,000 jobs  in that category —  up about 0.2%  from the previous month.

We are well into leisure and hospitality season with summer travel increasing and more folks going out to restaurants and bars. That fun-seeking, plus the rising wages nationwide that were also highlighted in Friday’s numbers, translate into more jobs.

Prices at restaurants and entertainment venues may be higher than in the past, but we Americans do like to treat ourselves.

“The travel and tourism industry saw a sharp rebound after COVID,” said Rich Harrill, director of the International Tourism Research Institute  at the University of South Carolina. “Some of that’s still leveling off, but we’re still seeing strong job growth in the United States.”

Per Sean Snaith, director of the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Forecasting: “The owners of the restaurants and hotels and these other leisure and hospitality-related industries need to hire additional workers.”

While spending and hiring are up , the leisure and hospitality industry looks a little different from the past.

Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of research at the National Restaurant Association , said people are spending more on takeout and delivery.

For table service, however, “that segment now has over 230,000 fewer positions than it did pre-pandemic. So overall, industry traffic patterns are dramatically different as a result of the pandemic,” he said.

Restaurants, which are expected to bring on more than half a million seasonal workers this summer , have also changed who they’re hiring, Riehle said.

Their search for personnel is broadening the age range: “16-to-19-year-olds are much more likely to be employed in the industry than they were pre-pandemic, and the same is also true for the older cohorts, say, age 60 and above,” he added.

Those older workers can be a big asset to a sector that’s constantly hiring. Perhaps they’re picking up a summer job to supplement their retirement income.

Stories You Might Like

Hotels get creative as the hospitality labor market remains tight

As travel rebounds, hospitality workers are in high demand

When a jobs report adds up to nothing

Labor shortage? Wage data sends mixed signals.

The job market is hot. But who’s hiring?

Some industries still have a long way to go to recover from the pandemic

There’s a lot happening in the world.  Through it all, Marketplace is here for you.  

You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible.  

Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on . For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.  

Also Included in

• Hospitality
• Summer jobs

Latest Episodes From Our Shows

Campaign donors hope money makes the difference in hotly contested states

The disappearance — and reimagination — of the gay bar

What’s in a name? How neighborhood rebrands can grease the wheels of gentrification

How Georgia is training workers to make EVs at Hyundai's massive Metaplant

FIU mourns Harvey R. Chaplin, namesake of hospitality school and iconic industry pioneer

By Ivonne Yee-Amor

June 13, 2024 at 9:40am

A pioneer in the wine and spirits industry, community leader, family man, philanthropist and the namesake of the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at FIU passed away this week at the age of 95.

Harvey R. Chaplin was the chairman of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits  (SGWS), the world’s largest distributor of alcoholic beverages in North America. SGWS partners with FIU to host the annual Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF®) , which for the last two decades has raised more than 40 million dollars in support of FIU, including state-of-the-art facilities, an endowed professorship, scholarships and overall student success. 

“The FIU family is saddened by the passing of Harvey Chaplin, a visionary leader and advocate for hospitality education,” said Michael Cheng, Chaplin School dean. “Mr. Chaplin’s interaction with future hospitality leaders over the years and visits by him and his son to the school and their advice and knowledge passed on to our students has been priceless. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Chaplin family and our extended family at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.”

Harvey Chaplin and his family began their relationship with FIU in the late 1990s when the late professor and renowned wine expert Patrick “Chip” Cassidy showed Chaplin around the hospitality education program. In 1998, the family broke ground on the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center on the school’s Biscayne Bay Campus.

In 2007, the Chaplin family established the Harvey R. Chaplin Eminent Scholar in Beverage Management to expand the School’s Beverage Management curriculum. The position was awarded to Dr. Barry Gump .

In 2008, Harvey Chaplin received an honorary doctorate from the school. Three years later, the school was renamed the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. The naming recognized the commitment of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits and the Chaplin family as passionate supporters of FIU’s hospitality and tourism education.

“The university community mourns the passing of Harvey Chaplin, a true community leader and FIU hero,” said FIU President Kenneth A. Jessell. “We could not be more grateful to Mr. Chaplin and the Chaplin family for their dedication to and support of our students, alumni, and educational efforts.”

Harvey Chaplin was born in 1929 in Brooklyn, New York. During high school, he worked in the mailroom of Schenley Industries, a wine and spirits wholesaler and worked his way up in the company. In 1969, he joined Southern Wine, along with other founding executives. His life’s work resulted in the historic combination of Southern Wine and Glazer’s Distributing in 2016.

His vision for creating a national footprint to scale the value a wholesaler could deliver for suppliers and customers has driven the unparalleled growth of Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, which now operates in 45 U.S. markets, as well as Canada. SGWS employs hundreds of FIU alumni in South Florida and its offices all across the U.S. 

Harvey Chaplin (right) with actor George Hamilton (left) and chef and FIU Chaplin School alumnus, Allen Susser '78 at the Florida Extravaganza, the pre-cursor to SOBEWFF(R)

"His influence as a leader, a philanthropist, a loving family man and patriarch of our family has left an indelible mark on all who have known and worked with him. He was a larger-than-life figure and will be greatly missed by my family, and our entire Southern Glazer's team,” said Wayne E. Chaplin, chief executive officer of Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits.

Memorial contributions may be made to the FIU Foundation, Inc. to the Harvey Chaplin Student Support Fund at FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management.