Hospitality itself comprises several areas of service to others, including:
- lodging
- travel and tourism
- food service
- event planning
Understanding these different types of hospitality and what they entail could help a person decide if a management track is the right career path for them.
Lodging Management
Lodging is one of the most well-known types of hospitality services that people encounter regularly. Lodging managers oversee all of the operations at a:
- hotel
- motel
- resort
- campground
- hostel
- similar lodging facility that accommodates guests on an overnight basis
These managers are responsible for:
- overseeing staff
- setting room rates
- ensuring that guests have what they need
- inspecting rooms and common areas for cleanliness
- coordinating special activities for guests
Large hotel chains and resorts usually require a bachelor’s degree in hospitality studies for a person to get into a management position.
Food Service Management
Food services are another important type of hospitality service. A food service manager oversees the food service operations in a:
- restaurant
- convention center
- hotel
- resort
- cafeteria
- fast food chain
- prison
- hospital
- school system
They have a variety of job duties, including:
- inventory management
- overseeing kitchen staff
- coordinating schedules
- ensuring that all employees are properly trained
- preparing for health department inspections
- creating and managing budgets
It helps to have some experience in the food service industry if a person wants to get into a management position in this type of hospitality service.
Travel and Tourism
Although a lot of people do their own trip planning, many people still prefer to work through a travel agency, explains Chron Small Business. A person could get into this type of hospitality service and work their way up from a travel agent to a manager of a travel agency. Some well-known organizations coordinate cruises and tours for their members, including the AARP and AAA. Business organizations may also coordinate trips for their professional members. Individuals also turn to travel agencies when they want to go on a big vacation. A person may not have enough knowledge or experience to plan their Greek honeymoon or retirement cruise to the British Isles. Working with a travel agency lessens the stress and ensures that all of the details are handled.
Related Resource: 15 Best Deals on MBA and Hospitality Management Online Programs
Event Planning
Business conferences, industry conventions and weddings are just a few types of events that benefit from professional coordination. Many convention centers and large hotels hire event managers who organize all of the aspects of the event. The event manager is responsible for coordinating or selecting service providers, including caterers and audio/visual specialists. They are also responsible for preparing the event space. The event planner or manager typically supervises the in-house staff, including:
- wait staff
- cleaners
- security teams
Hospitality management could provide many on-the-job perks for a person who excels in this type of work. A person who wants to get into hospitality management should plan to earn at least a bachelor’s degree. They should also have strong skills in:
- communication
- empathy
- interpersonal
Understanding what hospitality management is could facilitate the process of choosing a degree, applying for jobs and deciding which type of job or employer is the right one for their skills and preferences.