The Importance of Hospitality

Author: Marina Kaleb

The hospitality industry plays an important role in our everyday lives, no matter what your profession is. Very often, the importance of hospitality is overlooked, as it goes way beyond what we see. Now, more than ever, humans rely on the hospitality industry. Not only for exceptional service but also for an unforgettable experience.

The sheer importance of the hospitality industry has been proven again and again by the market value and high demand generating over 1.2 trillion USD annually! Isn’t that incredible? Also, even though the industry continues to grow, today, hospitality accounts for approximately 1 in 10 jobs globally!

The origin

The word ‘hospitality’ originates from the Latin word “hospitalitas”, meaning ‘friendliness to guests’. It’s not as simple as what you do, what matters the most is how you do it. Employees within the hospitality industry understand that guests expect the wow factor. From the moment guests step inside a hotel or restaurant, hospitalians are in charge of providing a positive and memorable experience.

The experience

Happy customers lead to loyal customers! Providing guests with an outstanding experience requires clear focus, consideration, and a true desire to fulfill customers’ wishes. Hospitalians tend to be natural caretakers, thoughtful and considerate of everyone around them. Being able to recognize and deliver to the needs of others is a gift. It is an essential requirement in hospitality!

Any hotel or restaurant can provide the essential and basic elements of hospitality. However, the smallest of details make the biggest difference when trying to go above and beyond. From a kind greeting upon arrival, to the decorations of the venue. These little details, paired with a positive attitude, are the key to an outstanding experience.

Brand association

The importance of hospitality comes from the smallest details yet it makes the biggest difference in someone’s day! Think about it, you tend to associate your experience at a restaurant or a hotel by the service you received. If the staff were attentive and kind, you would have a positive association and may want to return. However, if it was the opposite, you may have a negative impression of the venue and never want to go back.

People who wish to work in the hospitality industry tend to be a natural hospitalian, meaning they are kind, attentive and caring. The career requires individuals to interact with people on a daily basis, in complete contrast from your typical 9-5 office job. A hospitalians everyday life revolves around providing outstanding customer service. With the power to better someone's day, working in hospitality is extremely rewarding!

Why is it important?

The importance of hospitality stems from the need for warmth, respect and protection. It builds rapport between companies and guests which directly affects the brand’s reputation! On the other hand, the industry is exciting, ever changing and one of the fastest growing in the world. The hospitality industry continuously adapts to the newest of developments such as virtual reality and the meta verse.

Guests expect cozy accommodation, delicious food, entertainment and recreation, but these are simply the basics, right? Hospitality offers much more! As some are more frequent hotel and restaurant guests, there is a reason for their loyalty. Very often, it is the overall experience! A thoughtful hospitality team makes all the difference between a normal, ‘meh’ visit to a memorable and exciting adventure!

An exciting industry!

Hospitality is one of the most exciting industries to be in, and now is the perfect time to get started on your career! If you are a natural caretaker, attentive and detail oriented, you will be a great addition to the industry. Strive for excellence and be part of the shining brand reputation of your chosen properties!

It may seem too good to be true, but Hospitality Academy is here to make your dreams become reality! Join one of our campuses around the world and start working in the industry of your choice while obtaining a degree! Our programs enable you to study at your own time and pace, all while working at some of the most luxurious hotels and Michelin star restaurants in the world!

If you are looking to earn an internationally recognized hospitality management qualification in the USA or Europe, start your journey! We provide theoretical knowledge and guarantee paid work experience in luxury hotels and restaurants in the US and Europe.

Learn more about how Hospitality Academy can help you develop and enhance your hospitality career. You can email us at admissions@pihospitalityacademy.com, alternatively, you can check our top programs here!

Ready to embark onto the hospitality Industry in the USA or SPAIN?

APPLY TO OUR PROGRAMS!

Internships in the Hospitality Industry

Author: Kimberly Sutherford Editor: Marina Kaleb

If you value customer service and love to organise or develop relationships; then you may decide to pursue a career in hospitality. Individuals sometimes struggle to land their dream job, but internships in the hospitality industry help bridge the gap!

You may have heard that internships do not lead to a full-time job or are not worth your time. According to NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers), its report demonstrated the conversion rate of internships into full-time employment. It rose to 66.4% during the last year!

No matter what your future path is, an internship opportunity will likely enrich your professional career in many ways!

What does a hospitality internship entail?

Hospitality careers and internships vary depending on which company you find yourself working for. Since there are many hospitality jobs, an internship is ideal to determine if you enjoy working in that position.

Some common job titles/key skill sets within the Hospitality Industry include:

Hotel Management/Support: supervisory ability, overseeing employees
Clerical/Administrative Positions: strong customer service skills and organizational ability
Event Planner: organizational and multitasking skills, ensuring events take place seamlessly
Travel or reservationist agent: organizational and clerical abilities, maintaining consumer relations
Group sales manager: financial responsibility, accounting

You may not begin an internship in hospitality through one of the listed positions or performing these duties. The least you can anticipate is being a supporting staff member for someone in workplace. As always, be sure to review job descriptions thoroughly before making any commitments. Keep in mind that you are entering this position to learn-not to be the master!

Building your resume

For any job, the resume you present will determine whether you will be considered for an interview, and a resume without experience isn't ideal. It is important to keep in mind that unpaid internships are considered work experience. Any work experience is better than none! It allows you to refer to cases that you have encountered to demonstrate your knowledge and professional skills for the position.

Keep in mind that small business internships may not lead to a paid experience due to budgeting; however, you may have the option of having the opportunity to acquire the position and carry out specialized projects. This work experience simply cannot be replaced, and the absence of this element in your CV is detrimental.

Boost your chances!

Your internship is an opportunity to demonstrate your work ethic to your supervisor! They could potentially be evaluating your performance for a future permanent position. If you do the bare minimum during an internship, the employer will not be interested in investing in you as a permanent addition. Practice exceptional time management, and show a genuine interest in learning the position well! Keep an eye out for opportunities to acquire additional duties wherever possible.

While an internship provides valuable work experience, an open discussion with your supervisor may increase your chances for a full time hiring position! If your supervisor determines that employment is not an option, you are still networking by showing this initiative in your next career move. Networking, is critical in establishing professional references needed to apply for future jobs, and for future job openings.

How to obtain an internship

The global pandemic directly affected the hospitality industry but international travelling is slowly but surely coming back! The demand for positions in hospitality is at an all time high and it is the perfect opportunity to begin your career! While hospitality internships can be plentiful, finding a position in a well-known brand can a challenge without the right help. In an industry like hospitality, having a recognizable brand on your CV can launch your career further than you could ever imagine!

That is why Hospitality Academy partners with some of the most recognizable names in hospitality! Apply now to launch your career with the perfect internship!