Follow
The tourism industry is growing globally, and hotel management plays a leading role in the industry’s continued success.
Over the years, the lodging sector has evolved to include a large array of rental properties in addition to traditional hotels, motels, inns and bed and breakfasts. Competition from these other sources of lodging has prompted many reputable hotels to raise their customer service standards. These entities usually start by being more selective in the hiring of key management personnel. Subsequently, hospitality workers who have invested in formal education and who hold relevant academic credentials are attractive to a number of hotels of all sizes and price points.
Here are some examples of degree programs that these workers might choose to pursue in order to remain competitive in the lodging management career field.
Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Lodging Management
One of the most popular degree programs for someone targeting employment in today’s lodging establishments is the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Hotel and Lodging Management. This degree program cuts to the chase and exposes students to everything that they will need to know about running hotel operations efficiently. These students learn about the finance and accounting aspects of hotel activities, and they are introduced to standard marketing fundamentals and techniques that are regularly used by lodging management professionals. Course topics for these programs include the regulatory environment for hotels, ethics in hospitality management and hotel security.
Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management
Nearly all major hotels and resorts include onsite restaurants, cafes or dining rooms. Many also include options for room service or direct food delivery to guests. Subsequently, the B.S. in Hotel and Restaurant Management offers hospitality workers a good foundation for jobs in lodging management. This type of degree introduces students to the details of hotel operations that include front desk check in, housekeeping and facilities maintenance. Students also learn about food preparation, the health and safety regulations for food service establishments, menu planning and accounting for restaurant operators.
Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Tourism Management
The guiding principles of corporate responsibility that focus on social welfare and environmental stewardship have been adopted by most companies including those that operate in the hospitality and tourism industry. The B.S. in Sustainable Tourism Management integrates these concepts into a curriculum that includes all hospitality areas like hotel management, food service, tourist attractions and event planning. These students are also introduced to the planning aspects of constructing sustainable hotel facilities that benefit the local economies in which they operate.
Master of Science in Global Hospitality Management
Many hospitality workers want to make a name for themselves in the larger hotel chains. These hotel brands are usually a part of multinational companies that manage their lodging establishments from a global perspective.
Related: What Can I Do With a Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management?
Some examples of top hotel brands that operate worldwide include Ritz-Carlton, Marriott International, Four Seasons and Hilton Worldwide. The Master of Science (M.S.) in Global Hospitality Management allows students to develop the skills to be leaders in all aspects of hospitality management that include lodging operations, hotel marketing, restaurant and food service and even resort spa management. Interestingly, students find a rigorous curriculum for this particular degree program at the University of Houston’s Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management.
Conclusion
Many of today’s upscale hoteliers are all about delivering unforgettable vacation experiences to their clients. As a result, these establishments hire key personnel who demonstrate broad knowledge of tourism and travel and not just those who can simply check the boxes when it comes to the mechanics of hotel operations. The described degree programs and their associated internships help some hospitality workers to make their mark in hotel management careers.
