Hospitality and Tourism

Within the hospitality industry, there are various career paths to choose from. Hospitality careers may include the following: hotel general managers, resident managers, executive housekeepers, front office managers, convention and event planners, casino managers, and restaurant managers. Following is a brief description of each one of these positions:

• Hotel general managers are responsible for all of the operations of the hotel. Specifically, they could be in charge of décor, guest services, restructuring and general management.
• Resident managers generally live in the hotel and are available at all times for emergencies. They also oversee the day-to-day management of the hotel.
• Executive housekeepers take care of all of the housekeeping and maintenance of the property. In hotels, they manage the housekeeping and maintenance staff and secure that the daily cleaning is properly executed.
• Front office managers are the ones who take calls from guests, make reservations and do check-in and out. They may also be responsible for finding transportation for guests and obtaining other information or services the guests may need.
• Convention and event planners promote and plan events at the site. Many hotels depend upon conventions and events for much of their annual revenue. Event planners may coordinate corporate retreats, weddings or even family reunions. Their work is critical to the success of the hotel.
• Casino managers see to the day-to-day operations of the casino. They supervise the various divisions within the casing, including gaming, entertainment and guest services.
• Restaurant managers work closely with restaurant chefs and employees to ensure that the restaurant is efficient and profitable. Restaurant managers are responsible for all of the restaurant operations, from ordering and supplies to décor and music.

Obviously there are many hospitality careers to choose from. Employers are increasingly emphasizing the importance of specialized training. Many courses and degree programs in hospitality are available at colleges, universities, and through distance learning education programs.