Tourism and hospitality industries play a critical role in the global economy, providing a wide range of goods and services to millions of people worldwide. These industries are essential drivers of economic growth, job creation, and social development, contributing significantly to the GDP of many countries.
Due to the large number of employment opportunities available in the hospitality and tourism sectors, students opt for tourism and hospitality management programs during their undergraduate studies. This helps them acquire the skills and practical experience essential to starting a career in this field.
In this article, let’s go through the various benefits of studying tourism and hospitality management.
Career opportunities
The tourism and hospitality industries are vast and provide various job opportunities in areas, including hotel and restaurant management, event management, and travel and tourism. A tourism and hospitality management degree can help you gain the skills and knowledge needed to excel in these careers.
Here are some of the common job roles in the tourism and hospitality industries:
- Hotel manager
As a hotel manager, your duties include overseeing the daily operations of hotels and resorts, managing staff, ensuring guest satisfaction, and developing marketing strategies.
- Tour operator
A tour operator provides services and support to travellers, including planning and arranging tours, transportation, and accommodation.
- Event organiser
As an event organiser, you should plan and coordinate events such as conferences, parties, and other social gatherings.
Other careers in this field are restaurant manager, marketing associate, destination manager, travel agent, hospitality consultant, and customer service manager.
Cultivate transferable skills
Studying tourism and hospitality management can help you acquire practical skills that are transferable to many other industries, including communication, customer service, leadership, and problem-solving. These skills can help you succeed in any career you choose.
As skill-based hiring is the ongoing market trend, cultivating these transferable skills will be the first step to landing a lucrative job in the competitive marketplace.
Build your networks
Pursuing a degree in tourism and hospitality will help you meet several renowned individuals who have carved a name for themselves in various industries. Establishing connections with them will be beneficial for you in your career trajectory.
It also assists in your personal growth and gives you wide exposure to the ever-evolving world outside. In this way, you can witness growth in your personal and professional life.
Access to industry events will also help you stay updated with the latest trends which can help you during job interviews.
International opportunities
As the tourism and hospitality industries are global, you will get chances to study abroad for some semesters as part of student exchange programs which can help you gain a global perspective on many things. This can also bring you opportunities to work abroad.
Tourism and hospitality are diverse in nature and have something to offer to everyone who pursues this study program. Earning a degree in tourism and hospitality is also an opportunity for you to land a job that is flexible and hybrid.
Enrol in a tourism and hospitality management program to kickstart your career journey.