Everything to Know About Hospitality Management

Have you ever wanted to work in the tourism industry with all of its many perks? Or maybe you’ve dreamed about working in exotic locations around the world? If so, hospitality management may be the career for you. Find out all about what a career in hospitality management involves here.

What is hospitality management?

Hospitality management involves the management of the day-to-day operations of facilities and services that are part of the tourism sector. This not only includes the management of hotels and resorts, but also cruise ships, spas, casinos, restaurants, tour agencies, airlines, convention centres, country clubs, and amusement parks.

The ability to work anywhere in the world, meet new people, and make money at the same time makes this career choice one of the happiest in the world.

Next to healthcare, the hospitality industry is the fastest-growing industry in the world, with forecasts expecting one in ten jobs to be in the sector by the year 2025. This allows for a rare opportunity of job security and advancement all in one.

Responsibilities of a hospitality manager

The day-to-day operations of hospitality facilities may vary depending on the size and nature of the operation. There are, however, some common tasks that reach across the spectrum:

  • Hire, train, and oversee personnel
  • Adhere to and maintain industry standards
  • Manage budgets
  • Maintain financial records
  • Assist with marketing
  • Set sales targets
  • Troubleshoot and resolve problems
  • Report to senior management
  • Supervise repairs and general maintenance
  • Ensure customer satisfaction
  • Oversee security and fire safety
  • Manage staff and work schedules.

Essential skills for a hospitality manager

A good hospitality manager must have a multitude of skills. Firstly, you need excellent communication skills as well as a friendly demeanour. Secondly, you must be able to organise yourself and others efficiently. Since you’re the leader, you’ll also need to be a good problem solver and look for solutions outside of the box.

Here’s a list of other skills needed to excel at this position:

  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Excellent language skills with proficiency in more than one language being ideal
  • Ability to stay calm and think clearly under difficult circumstances
  • Ability to be flexible and open to solutions
  • Excellent computer skills.

You can gain all of the skills needed to be a hospitality manager with the International Career Institute’s Hospitality Management course.

Career options

There are positions abound in the tourism industry for hospitality managers, allowing for a myriad of options. Jobs in the industry include, but are not limited to, the following in the hotel industry:

  • Hotel General Manager
  • Food and Beverage Manager
  • Front Office Manager
  • Housekeeping Manager
  • Human Resource Manager
  • Security Manager
  • Events and Catering Manager
  • Marketing Manager
  • Sales Manager
  • Public Relations Manager
  • Recreation Manager

Of course, there are many more options in other sectors of tourism as well to add to the above list:

  • Conference Centre Manager
  • Amusement Park Manager
  • Country Club Manager
  • Cruise Ship Manager, including:
    1. Guest Relations Manager
    2. Stage Manager
    3. Adventure Ocean Manager
  • Casino General Manager, including:
    1. Operations Manager
    2. Project Manager
    3. Cage Manager
    4. Entertainment Manager

Salary

Globally, a wide range of pay is available in the hospitality industry – and Australia is no exception. The average annual income of a hospitality manager is around $60,000, but some jobs can attract salaries of over $100,000. Apart from the salary, hospitality managers enjoy a number of perks, ranging from free accommodation and food to discounted hotel stays and travel.

Voices from the field: Why I love this job

“I was given free tickets to all of the shows in town, and all of the tours. So, if I had a friend visiting Las Vegas we would go see a show, or we would take a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon. It was a lot of fun, and I look back on that time with fond memories.” – B.L. (Concierge in Las Vegas Hotel)

“I have travelled to 50+ countries and hope to one day travel to every country in the world. I have always loved to travel and hospitality management incorporates travel. In the hospitality industry, one can travel the world working for different hotels. There is also the option to work on cruise ships, resorts, and restaurants.” – M.M. (Hospitality Professional)

“I’m passionate about hospitality because I think it’s life-changing and more of what the world needs.” – P.J. (Airbnb Owner)

How to qualified to be a hospitality manager

There are a number of ways to prepare for a job as a hospitality manager. The minimum qualification is a high school diploma and some experience. Ideally, however, candidates will have some kind of hospitality education as well.

A wide variety of options are available to choose from, ranging from certificates and diplomas to university degrees. Although some higher management positions may require a university degree, for those eager to get started on their journey, a certificate or diploma will do. Once hired, on-site training is offered at most places as well.

Start your career today!

To learn the basics of hospitality management, join the International Career Institute’s Hospitality Management Diploma program for as little as $49 a week.

Online, career focused education that suits your lifestyle.

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Gladys Mae

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Gladys Mae serves as the General Manager and Head of Student Services at the International Career Institute. Gladys holds a degree in Mass Communication - Broadcast Media from the University of San Jose-Recoletos. She joined ICI in 2010 and has over the past 12 years been instrumental in providing leadership and guidance to staff and students alike. Prior to joining ICI Gladys led a multifaceted career with key roles in the banking and business process outsourcing industries.