EUHT StPOL, new UN Tourism Affiliate Member
4 December, 2024When we think of the hotel industry, the first thing that usually comes to mind are traditional positions such as receptionist, waiter/waitress or chef. However, the Bachelor's Degree in Hotel and Gastronomy Management opens the door to a much more diverse and dynamic world than you may have known. There are multiple areas and departments within a hotel that also have great potential for professionals looking for a different path. Today we explore some of these departments:
1. Sports Tourism and Adventure Activities
Sports tourism is gaining ground at a rapid pace, especially in tourist destinations that take advantage of their natural resources to offer unique experiences. Hotels in adventure destinations are constantly looking for specialised staff to coordinate and organise activities for guests. Among the most sought-after positions are:
- Sports activities coordinators: They organise excursions or activities such as hiking, cycling or water sports.
- Sports instructors: Professionals who teach disciplines such as yoga, skiing, surfing or adventure sports.
If you are passionate about sport and would like to share it with other people while working in a tourist environment, sports tourism is an ideal option.
2. International Relations and Luxury Tourism
The luxury tourism sector is constantly expanding. Luxury hotels are looking for profiles capable of managing demanding customers, who expect exceptional attention and personalised experiences. In this context, job opportunities include:
- International Relationship Managers: They are in charge of relations with international clients, exclusive travel agencies and strategic partners.
- Luxury Concierge: Provide a highly personalised service for VIP clients, organising everything from private dinners to exclusive experiences such as private jet flights.
If you are interested in working in a high-end environment and providing exceptional service to clients with very specific needs, this field can be very fulfilling.
3. Human Resources (HR)
The Human Resources department is essential for any hotel to function optimally. In this sector, professionals focus on managing human talent, one of the key pieces in providing quality service. The functions in this department include:
- Training and development managers: They create programmes to ensure that employees are always up to date with the latest industry standards and trends.
- Well-being and job satisfaction specialists: They are responsible for designing initiatives that promote a positive work environment, improving employee motivation and engagement.
If you enjoy dealing with people and managing teams, HR in a hotel can offer you a very lucrative career path.
4. Finance and Cost Control
Behind the daily management of a hotel, there is always a solid financial strategy. The Finance department is crucial to ensure profitability and the correct allocation of resources. Some of the most common positions in this area include:
- Hotel accountants: Manage the day-to-day finances, including budgets, revenues and expenses.
- Operational cost analysts: Focus on optimising resources and improving operational efficiency, ensuring costs are kept under control.
If you have an analytical profile and are attracted to numbers and financial planning, working in finance within the hospitality industry can be a great opportunity.
5. Customer Experience Design and Management (CX)
The concept of customer experience (CX) has become a fundamental pillar in the hotel industry. Hotels are looking for professionals capable of designing memorable moments for their guests. Some of the roles within this field include:
- Experience designers: They create customised itineraries and activities to enhance guests' stay, from a simple stroll through the city to more exclusive experiences.
- CX Analysts: Collect and analyse data from customer interactions to improve the quality of service and ensure that every detail is in place.
If you are creative and empathetic, and passionate about delivering exceptional service, this is a field with many opportunities.
6. Sustainability and Environmental Management
The focus on sustainability is rapidly changing the hospitality industry. Hotels are looking to implement green practices to reduce their environmental impact, which has led to a high demand for professionals in this sector. Some of the most sought-after roles include:
- Sustainability officers: Responsible for developing policies and practices to make hotels operate in a greener manner and comply with environmental regulations.
- Environmental certification specialists: Helping hotels obtain green certifications that enhance their reputation and attract more environmentally conscious guests.
If you are interested in combining your passion for the environment with tourism, sustainability in hotels offers a promising career path.
7. Digital Marketing and Social Media
Nowadays, digital marketing is essential for the promotion of any hotel establishment. Professionals in this area are responsible for building the hotel's online image, interacting with customers and creating campaigns to attract new guests. The most relevant positions are:
- Community Managers: They manage the hotel's social networks, interacting with users and promoting special offers.
- SEO specialists and data analysts: They are in charge of optimising the hotel's website to improve its visibility on search engines and attract more traffic.
If you are passionate about content creation and digital campaign management, this field can offer you many opportunities to develop professionally.
8. Wellness and Spa
The wellness sector has experienced a boom in recent years. Clients are increasingly demanding relaxation and health services during their stay in hotels. Some of the most sought-after positions are:
- Spa and wellness therapists: Professionals specialising in massages, facials and other wellness services.
- Wellness coordinators: They design personalised programmes including yoga, meditation, healthy diets and fitness.
If your vocation is oriented towards health and wellness, this is a sector with many possibilities for expansion within the hotel industry.
The hospitality industry is much more than the more familiar jobs, such as reception or kitchen. There are specialised departments that offer opportunities for professionals with diverse interests, from digital marketing and sustainability to experience design and sports management. If you are considering a future in the hospitality and tourism sector, we encourage you to explore these less conventional alternatives, which can offer you a career that is as varied as it is rewarding. In our Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality and Culinary Management you can explore the sector and discover where you see yourself in the future. Remember that we also have other training options related to the hotel and restaurant sector, such as the Technical Degree in Gastronomy and Restaurant Service or the Master in Hospitality Management, among others. As you can see, the options are very diverse, and the industry is constantly changing and evolving, which means there is always room for new talent with innovative ideas.