The world of hospitality and tourism is unique because it offers opportunities in countless vocations. You could manage a department or design a luxurious lobby in a hotel, coordinate weddings, critique cuisine, write for a travel magazine, plan special effects at a theme park, hire and train employees at a resort, or select and buy furniture and décor for an up-scale restaurant. You could forecast profitability of a new multi-use stadium, publicize a new attraction at a world-famous zoo, organize on-location catering for film crews, or lead port excursions for cruise passengers. Entrepreneurs may find such opportunities as owning a wine bar or a bed-and-breakfast establishment or adventure-based operations offering river-rafting excursions or bicycle tours. Hospitality is a field of study that can open career doors to almost any area.
According to the American Hotel and Lodging Association, tourism is the third-largest retail industry. It supports almost 7.5 million jobs and employs one of eight Americans either directly or indirectly. The industry is known to promote from within and move talented employees quickly up the career ladder.
Advanced education is an asset and often a requirement for many hospitality and tourism positions, and it is important to have specialized training in some segments. In addition, practical knowledge gained by experience is extremely important in this industry. Opportunities extend far beyond individual restaurants, recreation services, foodservice operations, hotels and lodging facilities, and travelrelated businesses. Worldwide experiences abound in resorts, country clubs, catering companies, convention centers, theme parks, and more.
Emphasis in Hospitality
When you major in one of the disciplines of Culinary Arts/ Culinary Management, Destination and Event Management, or Hotel Management you also will receive an emphasis in Hospitality Management. The hospitality emphasis provides students a broad base of knowledge and understanding and creates a wider awareness of and preparation for the various career fields and options. The emphasis consists of core courses relevant to any segment and provides greater marketability to the industry beyond the focus of each specific discipline. Coursework is enhanced with field excursions and interaction and networking with industry professionals and experts.