The hospitality and tourism industry is one of the world’s largest and fastest growing employment sectors, contributing 10.4% of the global gross domestic product (GDP). It is expected to grow even more in the coming years to meet the needs of revenge travelers, people who have strong desire to travel more than ever before to break free from the mundane routines caused by COVID-19. This growing demand is a great opportunity for students who graduate with hospitality and tourism degrees. With a degree in global hospitality and tourism from EKU, you will be able to work nearly anywhere and in any facet of the industry. Hospitality and tourism professionals are in-demand in a wide variety of industry sectors such as lodging, food and beverage, travel and tourism, event management, and casino and gaming.
Lodging Industry
Suitable accommodations are a priority on most consumers’ travel plans. Therefore, the lodging sector in the hospitality and tourism industry is continuously becoming more diverse with new concepts to meet the growing, varied needs of travelers. Some of the job opportunities include but are not limited to guest relations, accounting, human resource management, marketing, and housekeeping.
Food and Beverage Industry
Food and beverage are essential in our everyday lives and also when traveling. Travelers want to experience local cuisines at their destinations. This desire creates opportunities for unique and attractive careers that allow you to meet and interact with people from around the world. The food and beverage sector includes restaurants, bars, night clubs, catering, food trucks, fine wines and spirits, bakeries and sweets, recipe design, and more.
Travel and Tourism Industry
The travel and tourism sector includes cruise ships, airlines, travel agencies, tour guides, marketing, public relations and so much more. This area requires more business-related skills. People working in this sector rely on service skills to interact with customers, but they also plan and conduct marketing activities for tour packages and excursions. Responsibilities can also include destination management and tourism planning.
Event Management Industry
Event planning requires skills such as multitasking, being creative and flexible, and working within a budget. Planners oversee all aspects of an event often manage all logistics on-site. They frequently encounter unforeseen issues or obstacles, which can lead them to work long, non-traditional hours. Job opportunities within the event management industry include event planner, conference and meeting organizer, wedding planner and sports event planner.
Casino and Gaming Industry
The casino and gaming industry has grown substantially over the past few decades. In mid-2020, the market size of the global casino and online gambling industry was 227 billion dollars. Because of the variety of responsibilities and job titles, individuals working in the gaming industry require a wide range of skills, such as attention-to-detail, customer service, and good communication and interpersonal skills. Career paths are equally varied and range from being a casino dealer to marketing director.
Interested in a career in the exciting and growing field of hospitality and tourism?
Earn your online bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university. EKU Online has been an online education leader for more than 15 years. Complete the form to learn more about how you can earn your bachelor’s in global hospitality and tourism. You can earn an in-demand certificate in gastronomic tourism or sustainable hospitality along the way, giving yourself a competitive edge in the job market.