If you’re considering a career in the hospitality and tourism industry, then studying these subjects in college can be an excellent option for you. Hospitality and tourism are two separate fields, but they often overlap, and many colleges offer degree programs that combine both areas of study.
What is Hospitality?
Hospitality refers to the service industry that includes hotels, restaurants, casinos, resorts, and other tourism-related businesses. The primary focus of the hospitality industry is to provide guests with a pleasant experience during their stay. This includes offering comfortable accommodations, delicious food and beverages, excellent customer service, and various activities for guests to enjoy.
What is Tourism?
Tourism involves the travel industry and includes transportation services (airlines, trains), travel agencies, tour operators, and destination marketing organizations (DMOs). The main goal of the tourism industry is to promote destinations as desirable places to visit. This includes showcasing attractions such as historical landmarks, natural wonders, cultural events or festivals.
Why Study Hospitality and Tourism in College?
Studying hospitality and tourism in college can lead to exciting career opportunities in both fields. Graduates may work in hotels or resorts as hotel managers or front desk clerks. Restaurant management positions are also a possibility for those with hospitality degrees.
A degree in tourism can lead to careers in travel agencies or tour operators. Graduates may also work within DMOs as marketing managers promoting destinations around the world.
Coursework for Hospitality Majors
Hospitality majors typically take courses such as lodging operations management that covers all aspects of managing a hotel or resort. Foodservice management courses teach students how to manage restaurants effectively. Other courses may include event planning that covers how to plan weddings or other types of events.
Coursework for Tourism Majors
Tourism majors may take classes such as destination marketing that covers promoting destinations through advertising campaigns or social media. Travel planning courses teach students how to plan trips and book reservations for clients. Other courses may include sustainable tourism that covers how to promote eco-friendly travel.
Job Outlook for Hospitality and Tourism Graduates
The job outlook for graduates in hospitality and tourism is excellent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the hospitality industry are projected to grow by 6% from 2016-2026, while jobs in the travel industry are expected to grow by 7% during the same period.
Conclusion
Studying hospitality and tourism in college can lead to a promising career with a wide range of job opportunities. The combination of business skills and customer service training makes graduates well-rounded professionals who can excel in various roles within these industries. If you’re passionate about providing excellent service and enjoy working with people, then studying hospitality or tourism could be an excellent option for you.