What’s the first thing you imagine when you hear the word “hospitality”? For many, it may be a restaurant or a hotel, but there is so much more to the hospitality industry than that. The main focus of employees in the industry is to create an unforgettable experience.
Some companies are well-known for offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences, such as Disney and The Ritz-Carlton. Disney prides itself on its extraordinary customer service, provided by highly trained staff and a dedication to creating immersive experiences for all to enjoy. The Ritz-Carlton is known for its luxury and personalized services, as many employees are encouraged to meet any request that a customer has.
If you’re interested in helping others and creating lasting memories for them, the hospitality field may be the perfect fit for you. The industry offers numerous career pathways to explore.
- Travel and tourism: airlines, shuttles, travel agents and destination marketing organizations.
- Accommodations: hotels, extended stay properties, motels, resorts, conference and convention centers, event venues and casinos.
- Food and beverage: quick service restaurants, full-service restaurants, food trucks, event catering and cafés.
- Recreation and entertainment: theaters, cinemas, stadiums, museums, tourist attractions, state and national parks, amusement parks and zoos.
Since 2022, the hospitality industry has been growing steadily as people are ready to travel and explore again. This means the industry must meet customers' needs and adapt to new environments. Some ways the industry has adapted include introducing new sustainability efforts, incorporating more technology into customer interactions and shifting to a company culture focused on the well-being of its employees. These adjustments have helped the market grow into a $4.9 trillion industry.
Current employees in the industry will tell you that no two days are the same, and I can attest to that. I’ve worked in a restaurant for the past four years and absolutely love what I do. First as a host, and now as a server, I’m able to create a memorable and fun experience for every customer I interact with in the restaurant. Each customer also presents a new opportunity. Some of my favorite experiences have come from listening to what customers want their meal to look like and suggesting something that fits, which they later enjoy. Another benefit of working in this industry is the opportunity to interact with people at every stage of life and learn from them.
It is also important to note that being hospitable is good for any career field. It can help to foster relationships with fellow employees that could turn into long-lasting friendships. Being hospitable can also help foster relationships with customers, leading to repeat business and positive public relations.
