Your Career Opportunities

Hotel and Resort Management 

Many roles relate to hotel and resort management, each playing a vital part in the successful operation of a hotel or resort and an exceptional guest experience. While a hotel or resort manager often refers to an establishment’s general manager, many other managerial positions are also essential within the lodging industry.

Common managerial roles within hotels and resorts include general manager, food service manager, special events manager, housekeeping manager, and conference center manager. The specific number and type of managers vary depending on the establishment's size and needs. 

A hotel management career is fast-paced and dynamic. Hotel and resort managers oversee onsite operations, requiring a broad understanding of all aspects of the hotel's functions.

They need to comprehend the roles each department and position plays to keep the hotel running smoothly and ensure guest satisfaction. Those aiming to work in hotel and resort management should be flexible, possess strong communication and leadership skills, be adept at financial management, and understand general marketing practices.

Hotel management should not be confused with hospitality management, which encompasses a wide range of sectors within the hospitality industry. 

Destination Marketing and Management 

Destination marketing and destination management are distinct yet interconnected career paths within the travel and tourism industry. Both roles are crucial for the growth and sustainability of travel destinations, with destination managers focusing on the operational and environmental operations, and destination marketers concentrating on attracting and engaging potential visitors. 

A destination manager oversees many facets of a travel destination, becoming an expert on local sites, activities, accommodations, restaurants, transportation, and more. They are responsible for ensuring sustainable tourism practices to prevent long-term issues resulting from a tourism boom.

Those interested in this field should have strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, critical thinking skills, and a broad understanding of marketing and business. Additionally, they need in-depth knowledge of the location they are managing to effectively promote and preserve its environment and appeal. 

In contrast, destination marketing focuses on developing strategies to attract potential visitors to a specific destination. This can involve creating ad and communications campaigns, developing promotional materials, and producing destination photography.

Destination marketers enhance a location's reputation and visibility to the public rather than concentrating on specific activities or packages. This role is particularly important for tourism boards and destinations seeking to increase visitor numbers. They must keep up with tourism industry trends to make sure their client or employer is competitively positioned to attract visitors. Pursuing a career in destination marketing requires a sophisticated understanding of marketing. 

Food and Beverage Management

A food and beverage manager oversees all aspects of the food and beverage operations at their establishment, ensuring guest satisfaction, service quality, and staff efficiency. This person manages costs and develops sales strategies, making a solid understanding of business practices essential to job performance.

Typical duties include recruiting and training staff, supervising employees, purchasing supplies, developing menus, maintaining health and safety standards, and tracking customer feedback.

Aspiring food and beverage managers should possess business and sales savvy, effective communication skills, strong conflict resolution abilities, extensive knowledge of food and beverages, and leadership skills.

A successful food and beverage manager combines these skills to create a memorable dining experience for guests while sustaining operational efficiency and profitability. 

Event and Convention Planning

Event and convention planners often need the same education and skill set as graduate students pursuing a master’s degree in tourism and hospitality.

Intertwined with the tourism and hospitality profession, event planning is a growing field that caters to a wide range of special interests.

Event planners may specialize in planning conventions, conferences, corporate events, ceremonies, weddings, and other gatherings. 

An event planner might work for a specific venue or establishment, but they can also work independently or for companies that organize events at various locations. An event or convention planner must have strong organizational and problem-solving skills, scrupulous attention to detail, and perform well under pressure to accommodate any unforeseen circumstances. These skills enable event and convention planners to create successful and memorable events for their guests and staff. 

Travel and Tourism Consulting

Travel and tourism consultants typically work with eager guests seeking help planning their travels. This role includes travel agents and travel coordinators who advise and work directly with clients to ensure their travel needs are met.

The primary responsibilities include helping clients identify travel destinations and goals, creating detailed trip itineraries, booking travel arrangements, and providing support during a client’s travels. 

Aspiring travel and tourism consultants have strong attention to detail, extensive geographic knowledge, and deep industry insights. Critical thinking skills are essential for mapping out effective itineraries, along with general business and sales knowledge and excellent communication skills.

Like any consulting role, travel and tourism consultants must prioritize understanding their clients' unique needs to recommend the best travel packages and trips that align with their interests, budget, and lifestyle.