The Wide-Range of Careers in Hospitality and Tourism

Careers in hospitality and tourism include the desk clerk handing you a room key at a ritzy hotel or the executive chef planning a feast for your wedding anniversary cruise. Overall, there is a never-ending list of careers and jobs within this particular industry that touches upon part-time gigs to lucrative management positions. While the bulk of such jobs require minimal training and education, there is always a need for hotel staff, casino management, theme park attendants, and event planners. To get an idea of the possibilities, consider the following employment opportunities found throughout the United States and Canada.

Hotel Staff

Whether it is the front desk person assigning you a room at the Quality Inn & Suites or the part-time lifeguard watching over the kiddies in the swimming pool - there is an abundant amount of hotel staff positions to consider. There are also plenty of establishments that range in small bed and breakfasts to 5-star accommodations. Depending on a job title, employees are paid on an hourly basis or earn a yearly salary. For example, housekeeping usually earns hourly pay, which usually amounts to between $17,760 and $24,347 per year. A high school diploma or its equivalent is suggested for this job.

Meeting & Event Planner

The person in charge of the aspects regarding an important business meeting or wedding reception held at a hotel is called a meeting or event planner. This job title will take care of all the factors associated with organizing an event. The amenities and accommodations of a site or facility become their responsibility, which calls for knowledge in contract negotiations. A bachelor's degree in a specific area, as well as two to four years of experience in the field (or related field) is necessary. The typical salary is found between $39,355 and $74,268.

Executive Chef

In charge of the direction and flow of a kitchen, the executive chef is responsible for arranging the menus that grace the tables on cruise ships, hotels, and other tourism hot spots. An executive chef is also responsible for inventory, keeping costs down, and purchasing necessary supplies and food items. Over time, they will establish and amend the menus in order to increase profits and lower the rate of monetary loss. Most executive chefs will test out new recipes and watch over the satisfaction of customers. A thorough understanding of federal, state, and local food sanitation rules and regulations are also a must. Executive chefs usually possess a bachelor's degree in an area of specialty and at least seven years of experience in the field in order to earn between $45,562 and $101,865.

Travel Coordinator

When companies are in need of coordination in regards to their travel plans, it is a travel coordinator that takes control. A host of duties one in this field may encounter include scheduling hotel stays and flights, as well as guiding travelers in obtaining their passports, visas, or other travel requirements. A travel coordinator makes sure that companies stay within their budget. A high school diploma or its equivalent with zero to two years of experience in the field is required to obtain this job. The typical salary is seen between $29,879 and $53,482.

Best Places to Seek Employment

When it comes to locating the best places to work within the United States and Canada, there are a few companies that shine in a variety of areas. Out of the top 100 places to work in 2007, the Four Seasons Hotels has made the list. The most common salaried position within the company pays $47,256 with the job title of Assistant Food & Beverage Manager. The most common hourly job (AM Guest Room Attendant) pays $25,842. Within the United States, there are about 12,000 employees with the Four Seasons Hotels, while 17,000 employees outside of the U.S. serve the company.

With Marriott International, the available training and development programs are quite impressive, especially through what is called the "Hotelkeeper's Living Our Core Values" initiative, which includes ESL classes. Within the company, there are more than 3,000 Marriott managers holding hourly positions. In the United States, there are 124,350 employees with the company, while international workers total 17,000. The most common salaried job with the company is Sales Manager at $54,274, where the most common hourly position is Housekeeper at $23,407.

As for the hospitality and tourism positions associated with common tourist sites, the Station Casinos in Las Vegas may have a base pay of $15,000 for their dealers, but supplementation is quite amazing, as an average of $40,000 in tips is added. Additional perks to working for this company is discounted child care and 100% health care coverage. The most common salaried job with the Station Casinos is Casino Floorperson at $43,427, while Table Games Dealer make a total of $55,688 with their hourly position.