Tourism and Hospitality - Both are terms that we often say and hear together. Just like we say and hear, they are intently correlated and are equally vital to the global economy. Now, they may be similar but they are also different. Did we confuse you? Let’s clear things a bit. With regards to the scope, nature, employment opportunities and the skills required for the industries - they are different. Once we learn to comprehend these differences it also gives people the scope to choose from the two based on what works best for them and what they are passionate about. In this blog, we aim to elucidate the distinctions between the hospitality industry, tourism industry and its management. Keep reading further to know more.

What is the Hospitality Industry?

Hospitality is part of the service industry that includes lodging and accommodation, logistics, food, refreshments and beverages; fundamentally an all - encompassing umbrella term with all things service relating to economics and business. Hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs and event planning are all part of the hospitality sector. The hospitality industry is constituted within the tourism industry. (further discussed below)

What is the Tourism Industry?

The tourism industry is inclusive of ways by which the above mentioned services are made accessible to people and businesses. It includes transportation, destination and experiences. The sector also is inclusive of tour agencies, travel companies, transportation services and tour operators. It is a broader industry that comprises the services offered by the hospitality sector. The experiences from tourism are both tangible and intangible.

What are the Career Opportunities in the Hospitality Industry?

1.  Event Planning and Management

As an event planning and management professional you are responsible for planning, organizing and hosting events such as conferences, workshops, weddings, business gatherings and much more. The job also requires to effectively communicate with vendors and suppliers, manage logistics and ensure guest satisfaction.

2.  Hotel and Resort Management

The hotel and resort manager ensures that the day - to - day functions in the establishment runs smoothly, they oversee customer service, staff and personnel management and financial management and planning as well. One gets to work as General Managers, Front Office Managers and Revenue Managers.

3.  Food and Beverage Management

Cafes, restaurants, bars, resto - bars, diners  and catering services - All of these fall under the food and beverage management sector. Career opportunities within this sector would be: Restaurant manager, executive chef, catering manager, sommelier and much more. Pursuing these careers requires a deep understanding of customer service requirements, culinary arts and food safety.

4.  Housekeeping Management

All guests, when they first arrive, look for clean and tidy spaces. However, very often the efforts behind such clean spaces are underestimated and overlooked. Housekeeping plays a very imperative role in ensuring guest satisfaction and overall betterment of the establishment. Housekeeping management involves responsibilities such as overseeing if rooms have been organized and cleaned, all necessities in the room have been correctly placed and much more.

5.  Concierge

The concierge is the professional responsible for providing tourists and guests with necessary information. They also help with arranging services for visits, booking transportation services, helping with making reservations and much more. They must be well - versed about all the locations nearby, popular spots to visit and must also know about hospitals that are accessible and other emergency requirements.

6.  Revenue Manager

Evidently as the name suggests, the revenue manager is responsible for managing all aspects relating to the revenue of the establishment from managing room rates to overseeing inventory requirements.

What are the Career Opportunities in the Tourism Industry?

1.  Tour Operators

Tour operators are people or companies that provide curated travel packages and itineraries for groups or individuals. The tour package ideally includes accommodations, transportation, guided tour facilities, a detailed itinerary, recommendations and timing to visit destinations and much more.

2.  Travel Agents

Travel agents are professionals who assist customers with planning their travel, bookings and other travel arrangements. Although these services are available online now, travel agents are still sought out for properly arranged and ensured travel experiences.

3.  Travel Writers

Travel writers are professionals who write blogs, articles and content - pieces related to their travel experiences and also based on requirements by travel companies. Doesn’t it sound fascinating to get paid to travel, experience new things and also write about them?

4.  Destination Marketing and Promotion

As the name suggests, a professional responsible for destination marketing and promotion aims to market spots that people can visit, uses promotional strategies to augment a destination’s culture and traditions to attract tourists and visitors and promotes tourism in the place.

5.  Adventure Tour Operator

An adventure tour operator organizes and plans adventure activities that are part of a curated tour itinerary. There are destinations dedicated solely for adventure activities that people can visit under the guidance of adventure tour operators and instructors.

6.  Culture and Heritage Tourism

Within the tourism industry, you also get the opportunity to focus on specializations. One such sector would be Cultural and Heritage Tourism. You get to engage with local communities, educate tourists and visitors about the culture of a destination, visit historical sites and share learnt knowledge.

What are the Requirements to Work in the Hospitality Industry vs. Tourism Industry?

 

	Hospitality Industry	Tourism Industry
Skills	-       Interpersonal skills -       Attention to detail -       Problem solving skills -       Time Management -       Multitasking skills	-       Organizational skills -       Planning capabilities -       Curating Itineraries -       Cultural Awareness -       Adaptability
Education	-       Degree in hospitality or business administration -       Specialization or certification is food safety or hotel management -       Internships and practical experiences	-       Degree in tourism management or geography or cultural studies -       Language courses and certifications if required -       Internships, volunteering and practical experiences
Growth Prospects	-       Personalization and technology integration -       Growing demand for sustainability in hospitality establishments -       Lucrative career options	-       Demand for authentic and off - beat travel paths -       Niche travel spots and destinations -       Lucrative career options
Curriculum	-       Customer Services -       Developing Management -       Food and Beverage Operations -       Small Business Enterprises	-       Tour Operations Management -       Travel and Tourism Sector -       Sustainable Tourism Development -       Travel Marketing -       Travel Agency Management
Focus	-       Students get to prepare to work in the accommodation, catering and services sector	-       All aspects involved in tourism and travel such as tour planning, organizing and management
Category	-       A sub - category within the travel and tourism sector	-       An umbrella concept inclusive of hospitality management

Conclusion

Both the hospitality industry and the tourism industry are fascinating and versatile in their own idiosyncratic way. With advancements and innovations happening every other day, the hospitality and tourism sectors have been growing dramatically with multifold opportunities to offer. If you see yourself as someone who can work in ever - evolving, fast paced environments, can effectively communicate and collaborate with people, have a flair and passion for knowing about various destinations and love traveling - then the hospitality and/or tourism industry is where you need to be. Read more about AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism.