Explore Careers in Hospitality & Tourism
Careers in the hospitality and tourism cluster relate to the management, marketing, and operations of restaurants and other food services, lodging, attractions, recreation events, and travel related services.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
Hotel & Lodging Professionals
Manage and operate hotels, resorts, and accommodations — overseeing guest services, facilities, and the overall visitor experience.
Food & Beverage Professionals
Work in restaurants, catering, coffee shops, and food service operations — in roles from front-of-house service to culinary arts and management.
Travel & Tourism Specialists
Help individuals and groups plan and enjoy travel experiences — through agencies, tour operations, airlines, cruises, and destination services.
Event & Recreation Planners
Coordinate meetings, conferences, weddings, and recreational events — managing logistics, venues, vendors, and guest experiences from start to finish.
Considering a career in hospitality & tourism?
Some points to keep in mind:
- This industry is people-focused and you should expect to work in a customer-facing role. Success in most hospitality-related jobs relies on customer satisfaction.
- November and December holidays generate a great deal of activity in the hospitality and tourism industry, and workers are typically expected to work longer hours, evenings, and weekends in many positions.
- Summer months are typically busier than other seasons in this industry.
- A number of hospitality and tourism careers have lower base wages; however, tips for good service can provide a significant boost in pay.
Career Pathways
This is an extensive, but not exhaustive, list of industries and career pathways you can enter with a background in Hospitality & Tourism:
- Hotel and lodging management
- Restaurant and food service management
- Event planning and coordination
- Travel agency and tour operations
- Cruise line and airline services
- Theme park and attraction management
- Casino and gaming operations
- Meeting and conference management
- Destination marketing and tourism promotion
- Recreation and leisure management
- Hospitality marketing and sales
- Culinary arts and catering
Employers
This is an extensive, but not exhaustive, list of employers who recruit and hire for roles in Hospitality & Tourism:
- Hotels, resorts, and casino properties
- Restaurants, cafes, and food service companies
- Airlines and transportation services
- Cruise lines
- Theme parks and entertainment attractions
- Travel agencies and tour operators
- Convention and event venues
- State and city tourism bureaus
- Museums, state parks, and visitor centers
Career Navigation Strategies
Internships & Apprenticeships:
- Gain experience with an internship through these organizations or Hospitality Internships
- Find a hospitality apprenticeship through apprenticeship.gov
- Discover internships abroad with Intern Abroad HQ, Maximo Nivel, and The Intern Group (virtual options available)
Volunteering & Building Your Profile:
- Volunteer with nonprofits to support event planning
- Volunteer with Peace Corps, as a museum docent, at state & city visitor centers, or at state parks
- Use social media, a blog, or vlog to share travel experiences and demonstrate your knowledge of the industry
Frequently Asked Questions
The hospitality and tourism industry includes lodging, restaurants, event planning, theme parks, transportation services, cruises, travel guides, casinos, movie theaters, and tourism. Workers in this industry help plan trips and make travel reservations, operate hotels and amusement parks, guide tours, and create memorable experiences for guests and travelers. It is a people-centered industry where service quality is central to success.
Do you want to be a part of the crew at coffee shops, restaurants, recreation locations, or travel destinations? Then a career in the hospitality and tourism cluster may be a good fit for you. Here are some points to keep in mind.
A number of hospitality and tourism careers have low wages, however tips for good service provide a significant boost in pay.
This industry is people-focused and you should expect to work in a customer facing role; success in most hospitality-related jobs relies on customer satisfaction.
November and December holidays generate a great deal of activity in the hospitality and tourism industry and workers are typically expected to work longer hours, evenings, and weekends in many positions.
Summer months are typically busier than other seasons in this industry.
The field offers a wide range of paths depending on your interests. Common options include hotel and lodging management, restaurant and food service management, event planning and coordination, travel agency and tour operations, cruise and airline services, theme park and attraction management, destination marketing, and recreation management. There are also strong opportunities in hospitality marketing, sales, and corporate event management for those who prefer a less customer-facing role.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as nearly all roles involve working directly with guests, clients, or customers. Other key skills include problem-solving, attention to detail, time management, and the ability to stay composed under pressure. For management and operations roles, leadership, budgeting, and organizational skills become increasingly important. A genuine enthusiasm for serving others and creating positive experiences goes a long way in this industry.
Many entry-level roles in this field do not require a degree — experience and customer service skills often matter more at that level. However, a degree in hospitality management, business, or a related field can open doors to management and corporate roles more quickly. Certifications in event planning, travel, or food service can also strengthen your candidacy. A WGU business degree combined with industry experience is a solid foundation for advancing in this field.
Certifications demonstrate professionalism and commitment to the industry. Some well-recognized credentials include:
- CHA (Certified Hotel Administrator) — for hotel and lodging management professionals
- CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) — for event and meeting planners
- ServSafe — a food safety certification widely required in restaurant and food service roles
- TAP (Travel Agent Proficiency) — an entry-level credential for travel professionals
- CTIE (Certified Travel Industry Executive) — for experienced travel industry professionals
Professional associations offer networking, job boards, and professional development resources. Key organizations in hospitality and tourism include:
- AHLA (American Hotel & Lodging Association) — for hotel and lodging professionals
- NRA (National Restaurant Association) — for food service and restaurant professionals
- MPI (Meeting Professionals International) — for event and meeting planners
- ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors) — for travel agents and advisors
- HSMAI (Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International) — for hospitality marketing and sales professionals
