What is Hospitality Management?
The hospitality sector's guiding philosophy is a customer-focused mentality, and management represents authority and accountability. The result of combining them is "hospitality management".
The broad industry of hospitality encompasses the functional, economic, and managerial activities of businesses in the hospitality sector.
Various sectors, such as food and beverage, travel and accommodation, and event planning are referred to as hospitality management. The repair, cleanliness, wellness, concierge, lobby, and many other departments are under the control of a hospitality manager.
A few key trends transforming the hospitality industry
Over the past twenty years, there have been significant developments in the hospitality sector and its future is being shaped by a few new trends.
- Modern technology
The use of new technology in the hospitality industry is currently changing how consumers interact with companies and how visitors interact with hotels both before and after their stay. More personalization, convenience, and control are now available to guests when booking events or accommodation than ever before.
- Real local experiences
The urge of visitors or travellers to seek out unique local experiences as part of their trips is another emerging trend in hospitality. Visitors today more than ever are looking for more authentic experiences when they travel.
- Sustainability
Visitors and customers in general are progressively more aware of environmental issues and want to know that the companies they do business with are acting responsibly.
As a result of this, sustainability is swiftly emerging as one of the most prominent trends in hospitality in recent years, with an increasing number of establishments touting their eco-friendliness.
Even though each is distinct and autonomous, all these developments point to a future where the guest’s desires and expectations will be more focused.
Aside from these trends, the only thing that can give the customer the finest possible experience is a certain set of abilities that you have acquired.
What qualities should you develop to pursue a rewarding career in hospitality management?
Your ability to serve others will continue to improve with continuous practice. But realising what you need to focus on can help you get started with your career and inspire you to use it in your day-to-day professional career.
You should develop the following abilities in order to pursue a successful career in the industry:
- Excellent consumer assistance:
In the hotel and tourist sectors, providing clients with a special experience is key. Any hotel or restaurant can thrive and expand significantly if it can live up to consumers' expectations.
Identifying the demands of the customer, being able to solve issues, and providing positive customer interactions are all characteristics of exceptional customer service.
- Impeccable communication:
In order to provide excellent customer service, a person in the hospitality industry must be able to communicate both competently and clearly through voice and body language. Effective communication skills are useful while working with people from different ethnicities and ethnic backgrounds while serving a wide range of consumers.
Additionally, it is crucial to maintain optimistic attitudes while communicating properly with coworkers, as this improves the team's productivity.
- Multitasking:
Practice is the best way to enhance your multitasking skills. Through rigorous practice, you can determine your limitations and learn how to allocate your time effectively.
- Compassion for your clients:
A skill that impresses customers and makes work easier for everyone is initiative-taking in the hospitality industry. This is defined as comprehensively meeting the requirements of clients and carrying your own weight.
To handle unexpected situations or duties, you'll need to rely on your own judgement and knowledge rather than rely on others or determine you can't help.
- Time management and efficient task execution:
Every day in the hospitality sector is different. The secret is to properly manage your time and look for faster alternatives to complete tasks.
You must be able to prioritise your responsibilities and complete them by the deadlines set in order to have a successful career in the hospitality industry.
- Be perceptive:
When you work in the hotel management field, the little things count. This can set your business apart from its rivals. One of the benefits of being vigilant is this: You can more easily improve your services by being alert and determining your clients' wants.
It is a fulfilling professional path that gives you the chance to welcome and value others while also exposing you to a variety of job opportunities.
What lucrative professions are available to those studying hotel management?
Opportunities for hospitality management are provided by several types of employers. The options are unlimited, but factors that affect salaries include geography, target market, size and status of the company, among others.
Along with the factors mentioned above, expertise in hospitality management may lead to a career in a variety of positions, such as:
- Restaurant Manager - Restaurant managers can be engaged to oversee several businesses, from neighbourhood eateries to upscale cafés and fine-dining restaurants that specialise in international cuisine, to ensure that everything is running efficiently.
- Public Relations and Marketing Positions - Depending on the demands of the industry, a job in marketing and PR can be related to both hospitality and tourism. Hospitality businesses need advertising and PR as a positive media image can significantly influence the number of tourists who stay at a hotel or visit other tourist attractions.
- Event Planner - Event planners can be responsible for all facets of an event, including client booking, weekly meetings, problem-solving, and post-event cleanup arrangements.
- Event Manager - An event manager oversees the organising and coordinating of different events. Along with overseeing the branding and the channels of communication, they also need to manage budgets and bills. They must also consider the feedback that is received from their clients.
- Banqueting and Convention Manager - This is a very interesting position because it involves creating menus, dealing with client complaints, and monitoring food safety laws. Additionally, they look after food supplies, monitor compliance with restaurant standards, and help with promotional activities.
When visitors entrust you with their care, they want to feel pampered. Working in the hospitality sector will require you to come up with fresh ideas to make sure that your customers' expectations are satisfied and even exceeded.
You can learn to create a career in the hospitality business with a Hospitality Management degree offered by the London College of Contemporary Arts. With this degree, you'll be introduced to important aspects of the field and given the tools you need to enhance your career.
To enrol in the hospitality management course and turn your passion into a career, click here.