Hospitality, Events, & Tourism
The Hospitality, Events, & Tourism Career Cluster focuses on creating travel, dining, recreation, and experiences for customers. The hospitality industry is one of the world's largest employers and is projected to grow faster than average.
What's included?
- Accommodations
- Conferences & events
- Culinary & food services
- Travel & leisure
Quick facts
Impacted by the economy
Consumer spending changes based on the economy, and has a major impact on hospitality profits and hiring.
Social environment
Many jobs offer constant engagement with people, a variety of challenges to troubleshoot, and a lively pace.
Wellness trends
Safety, hygiene, and environmental responsibility have become priority influences on hospitality businesses.
Growth opportunities
The industry is known for promoting from within, and managers often start in entry-level positions and work their way up quickly.
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Explore careers
Do you like organizing, hosting events, or making people feel welcome? A career in this cluster might be a good fit for you. Think about how many of the following statements apply to you.
Things I like to do:
- Cook or prepare food
- Plan trips or events
- Help visitors feel welcome
- Decorate or prepare for a big party
- Learn about different places or cultures
Ways to describe me:
- I'm creative and enjoy making people happy
- I'm organized and enthusiastic
- I’m friendly and helpful
- I like busy, active places
- I’m curious about the world
Problems I want to solve:
- How do we make healthy meals that taste good?
- How can we help people enjoy their time off?
- How do we create great experiences for visitors?
- How can we make travel easier and more fun?
- How can we make tourism good for local communities?
Source: The National Career Clusters Framework Career Interest Survey from Advance CTE
People who work in this cluster aim to enhance quality of life, comfort, and entertainment for other people, whether local or traveling for business or leisure.
Explore careers by their typical level of education below. Click on a career title to see an occupation profile with average pay and other details, plus links to local training programs that can help you prepare.
High school diploma or less, plus some training
Many entry-level positions in hospitality don't require higher education.
Baristas
Dishwashers
Fast food and counter workers
Bakers
Bartenders
Cooks
Food service managers
Hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop
Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks
Waiters and waitresses
Short-term certificate or associate’s degree
One to two years of training can open the door to these careers.
Concierges
Chefs and head cooks
Cooks, private household
Tour guides and escorts
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeship is a great way to earn a wage while gaining recognized credentials for a career. An apprenticeship is a paid work-based training program that combines on-the-job learning with classroom instruction. Apprenticeships may be offered in roles such as restaurant manager, hotel & lodging manager, cook, hotel associate, or nutrition care specialist. Visit Apprenticeship.gov and select "Hospitality" to learn more.
Bachelor's degree
A four-year degree can qualify you for careers such as:
Lodging managers
Recreation workers