Hospitality Management
Article | July 24, 2023
Embark on transformative journey through top hospitality management certification in the tourism and hospitality industry. Elevate career prospects with industry-recognized hospitality certification.
The hospitality industry is a dynamic and fast-growing sector that requires skilled professionals to deliver exceptional guest experiences and drive business success. Whether you are an aspiring hospitality professional or a seasoned industry expert looking to expand your knowledge and enhance your career prospects, pursuing a hospitality management certification or course can be a valuable investment. Hospitality management courses are short-term, specialized training programs designed to offer learner with a comprehensive understanding of hotel management and the hospitality industry.
1. Management Foundations in the Hospitality Industry
Experience a transformative journey in hospitality management with the hospitality management certification, Management Foundations in the Hospitality Industry. This advanced course caters to industry experts, equipping them with a comprehensive understanding of motivation, leadership, communication, decision-making, and effective human resources management. Delve into service-driven excellence, ethics, social responsibility, and enhancing consumer experiences. This course consists of four modules covering resource allocation, talent recruitment, interviewing, employee training, performance appraisals, and liability avoidance. To solidify your knowledge, the course features curated readings, interactive discussions, and practice quizzes. Elevate your professional prowess and unlock new horizons in the dynamic hospitality industry.
2. Guest Service in Hospitality and Tourism
Enhance your hospitality and tourism industry expertise with the exclusive certification in hospitality management, Guest Service in Hospitality and Tourism. This advanced course caters to industry experts, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge to excel in customer service. Dive into the intricacies of greeting guests with finesse, responding adeptly to complaints, and creating unforgettable experiences. From maintaining composure in challenging situations to demonstrating empathy, you'll master the art of exceptional service. With this course, you can learn and leverage practical strategies to handle common grievances, ensuring guest satisfaction at every turn. This certification program will unlock a world of opportunities in the dynamic field of hospitality management.
3. Introduction to Hospitality Management
Embark on a transformative journey with a certificate in hospitality titled, Introduction to Hospitality Management. As you transition into a managerial role, renowned restaurant consultant Mike Ganino shares expert insights in this comprehensive online course. Acquire essential skills, from preparing for your first day as a manager to effective task prioritization, delegation, and confident leadership. This 30m 35s online course will help you to optimize staff rostering, master multitasking, and ensure exceptional service standards. Gain expertise in handling challenging situations with demanding customers and effectively respond to customer feedback. With this course you can unlock new possibilities and elevate hospitality management career.
4. Hospitality Management Cornell Certificate Program
Uplift in the hospitality industry with Hospitality Management Cornell Certificate Program. As one of the premier hospitality courses developed by the renowned School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University, this advanced certification equips industry experts with the essential skills and best practices to excel in management roles. From finance and marketing to team building and guest loyalty, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of every facet of hospitality management. The course allows one to learn from renowned experts and participate in virtual Zoom sessions, exploring the industry's trending topics. This certificate program is for a duration of three months, divided into weekly modules of three to five hours per week.
5. Teamwork in the Hospitality Industry
Embrace the power of effective teamwork in the dynamic hospitality industry with the comprehensive Teamwork in the Hospitality Industry course to improve your work experience. As a hospitality industry expert, one must understand teamwork's crucial role in enhancing work experiences and driving success. In this microlearning program, organized with four lessons to fit seamlessly into a busy schedule, you'll develop the essential teamwork skills required to thrive in the fast-paced hospitality environment. From understanding the significance of effective communication within teams to practical applications and navigating noisy environments, this course empowers you to elevate collaboration and deliver exceptional results.
6. Understanding Travel and Tourism
One of the best hospitality and tourism management certifications, The Understanding Travel and Tourism, a course published by NuYew, is one of the best hospitality management programs to enhance expertise in the thriving world of travel and tourism. This course provides a platform for learners and industry experts to gain valuable insights into the travel industry's fundamentals, benefits, and terminology. Acquire the essential skills necessary for success in this dynamic field and discover renowned global tourist destinations and attractions. In addition, the course also includes the intricacies of business travel, hygiene standards, food safety, and event planning within the hospitality and catering industry.
7. Accounting and Financial Management for Travel Agencies
Overcome the difficulties of managing the travel and hospitality businesses' accounting transactions or financial statements with Accounting and Financial Management for Travel Agencies. Designed to help industry experts boost their financial management skills, this course will equip you with the knowledge to navigate accounting transactions effectively, interpret financial statements, and make strategic decisions that drive profitability. With the combination of practical case studies and interactive simulations, the course has been created to develop a deep understanding of accounting principles and learn proven strategies for financial success. Whether aiming to meet investment requirements or comply with industry regulators like IATA, this course ensures you have the skills to manage the agency's financial health.
Summing Up
Learning has become more accessible and convenient than ever before thanks to the advancements in technology. By embracing the listed hospitality management courses, individuals can equip themselves with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of the hospitality industry. As we move forward, it is evident that continuous learning and upskilling will be crucial in staying relevant and competitive. The online hotel management certification allows professionals to adapt to the changing demands of the industry and stay ahead of the curve. By harnessing the power of digital platforms and innovative learning methods, individuals can unlock new opportunities and pave the way for a successful career in hospitality management.
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Hospitality Management
Article | August 28, 2023
Embrace the opportunity in hospitality management careers. Make a difference in tourism to benefit businesses & explore rewarding pathways within sustainable hospitality and tourism industry.
Contents
1. Introduction
2. Current Trends in Hospitality Management Careers
2.1. Technology Integration in the Hospitality Industry
2.2. Sustainability and Environmental Consciousness
2.3. Personalization and Customization
2.4. Focus on Wellness and Health
3. Importance of Skill Development and Training for Hospitality Management Careers
4. Emerging Opportunities for Hospitality Management Careers
1. Introduction
Embarking on a career in hospitality management opens the doors to a captivating world of endless possibilities within a dynamic and continuously expanding industry. Whether aspirations are rooted in hotel management, restaurant operations, event planning, or tourism, the hospitality sector boasts a multitude of diverse roles and avenues to explore.
To embark on this exciting journey, a combination of formal education, practical experience, and a service-oriented mindset is paramount. By acquiring the necessary skills, forging connections with industry professionals, and staying attuned to the latest trends, one can strategically position oneself for a fulfilling and ever-evolving career in this thriving field.
2. Current Trends in Hospitality Management Careers
2.1. Technology Integration in the Hospitality Industry
The pandemic accelerated consumers' adoption of technology in hospitality industry, while hotels quickly embraced new tools like contactless check-in systems and branded applications. However, a significant digital skills gap persists among hospitality workers, with nearly one in three lacking necessary AI, machine learning, and content-driven marketing competencies. Trends in the hospitality industry presents a tremendous opportunity for individuals seeking a career in hospitality management.
Upskilling in digital roles highly sought after by hotel brands, such as digital marketing, cybersecurity, e-commerce sales, data analysis, social media management, mobile app development, and digital guest experience management, can pave the way for a thriving career in the industry. Combining a hospitality management course with specialized training in digital marketing or ICT equips professionals to excel in the digital hotel economy. As the hospitality industry continues integrating technology, skilled individuals with digital expertise will play a vital role in driving innovation, enhancing guest experiences, and staying ahead of the competition.
2.2. Sustainability and Environmental Consciousness
90% of employees believe that companies should prioritize positive impacts on the planet as much as they prioritize profits. Moreover, consumers are increasingly concerned about environmental issues. A survey among 72,000 Hilton guests revealed that approximately 33% preferred hotels with environmental and social programs, emphasizing the significance of sustainability.
(Source: ehotelier)
Therefore, many hotels embrace sustainable practices, leading to a global shift towards the low-impact hospitality industry. The rise of green hotels contributes to a more environmentally conscious sector and creates additional employment opportunities for hotel staff. The demand for specialized green skills, such as auditing, compliance oversight, and change management, further reinforces the need for specialization in this expanding field.
Sustainable hotels and eco-tourism offer a growing array of career options for individuals passionate about the environment, travel and hospitality sector. By pursuing a career in this sector, professionals can contribute to preserving the planet while capitalizing on the increasing demand for sustainability-focused services.
2.3. Personalization and Customization
Customers in today's market seek tailored experiences that cater to their unique preferences and needs, prompting hotels and hospitality businesses to prioritize personalized offerings.
The rise of technology has played a crucial role in enabling personalization at various touchpoints. From personalized welcome messages to customized recommendations based on guest preferences, hotels harness data and advanced analytics to deliver exceptional and individualized guest experiences.
This trend creates exciting opportunities for professionals seeking to excel in hospitality and tourism careers. Roles such as guest experience managers, data analysts, and CRM specialists are in high demand as businesses strive to provide personalized services to their guests. Additionally, expertise in customer relationship management (CRM) systems, data analysis, and guest profiling can significantly enhance career prospects.
By staying updated on emerging technologies, honing customer-centric skills, and understanding the importance of data-driven decision-making, hospitality professionals can thrive careers in hospitality industry that are focused on personalization and customization. Embrace this trend, and position yourself at the forefront of delivering unforgettable, tailored experiences in the hospitality industry.
2.4. Focus on Wellness and Health
The pandemic has led people to be health conscious, and therefore, they have started prioritizing it, resulting in the growth of people prioritizing health with massive US $1.7 trillion market. With an expected growth rate of 44% in 2022, wellness is the fastest-growing segment of the tourism sector.
With this explosion of consumer interest, hotel brands are expanding into the wellness space and acquiring reputable spa, wellness and fitness brands. Hyatt, for example, recently received Two Roads, Miraval and Exhale, and IHG acquired Six Senses.
For hotel professionals , this trend opens up a new potential career opportunity that combine expertise in the wellness area with skills relevant to the hotel industry. For those who are passionate about wellness and health and like the idea of a career in beautiful locations and settings, this might be the right pathway in the hospitality and management career.
3. Skill Development & Training Importance for Hospitality Management Careers
The hospitality industry is known for its focus on providing exceptional service and creating positive guest experiences. It is a people-oriented sector that relies on the skills and efforts of individuals to ensure customer satisfaction. Skill development is paramount in this industry as it encompasses diverse skills necessary for running a successful enterprise.
Hospitality is a deliberate and sustained effort to maintain mutual understanding between organizations and the public, adapting to market requirements. As one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global economy, the industry faces the challenge of
aligning its skills requirements with the evolving labor market.
With approximately 10% of the global workforce engaged in the tourism and hospitality-related industry, skill development becomes a crucial concern for every entity operating as a hospitality service provider.
Effective skill development programs and training initiatives enable professionals to acquire the necessary competencies to excel in their roles and deliver exceptional guest experiences. By investing in skill development and training, individuals in hospitality management careers enhance their abilities and adapt to changing customer demands. Continuous improvement in skills ensures that professionals meet guests' diverse needs and contribute to their organizations' success.
4. Emerging Opportunities for Hospitality Management Careers
The hospitality industry is rapidly growing and evolving, presenting exciting career opportunities. To adapt to changing dynamics, the sector emphasizes the importance of skill development and training. The global health crisis has acted as a catalyst for innovation and technology adoption, enhancing customer experiences.
Hospitality education has transformed to meet industry demands, ensuring a talented workforce with relevant skill sets. Aspiring students can explore diverse career prospects in hospitality, culinary entrepreneurship, revenue management, media, e-commerce, client servicing, lifestyle consulting, and health & wellness. Bespoke hospitality has expanded beyond traditional hotels, offering personalized experiences like luxury staycations, glamping, and high-end cruises. Culinary entrepreneurship thrives on creativity and unique dining concepts. The health and wellness segment is rapidly growing, focusing on improving customers' physical and mental well-being.
Media and technology play significant roles, with social media engagement, e-commerce platforms, and virtual experiences shaping the industry. Customer service, revenue management, and 'human' skills like critical thinking and communication are highly valued. Skill development is crucial for success in the ever-evolving hospitality field. Professionals who embrace continuous learning and stay abreast of industry trends will seize abundant career opportunities in this dynamic sector.
5. Key Takeaway
Careers in the hospitality industry offers various opportunities in hotel management, restaurant operations, event planning, and tourism. To succeed in this dynamic field, skill development and training are essential. Emerging trends such as technology integration, sustainability, personalization, and focus on wellness present exciting avenues for hospitality professionals.
Digital skills are in high demand as hotels adopt new technologies and emphasize digital marketing, cybersecurity, data analysis, and guest experience management. Sustainability is a growing focus, with green hotels and eco-tourism creating opportunities for professionals with auditing and change management skills. Personalization and customization are key as hotels leverage technology to deliver tailored guest experiences, requiring expertise in guest management and data analysis. The wellness industry is also booming, offering potential career paths for those passionate about health and wellness.
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Hospitality Management
Article | June 29, 2023
Bleisure travel has taken over the travel industry. It brings together two worlds—business and leisure—to make a work trip enjoyable for employees.
The concept of bleisure is simple. While on a business trip, employees choose to stay back at their own expense to explore the city or region they are visiting, if their company agrees.
According to Stratosjets, 243 million business trips (60%) of 405 million long-distance business trips in the United States are converted into leisure trips every year.
“As businesses are becoming increasingly global, the necessity to travel for business is on the rise. It is estimated that by 2022, companies will be spending a total of $1.7 trillion to send their employees travelling around the world. As business travel grows, so does the ‘bleisure’ trend with more employees taking advantage of business travel and improved travel policies.”
-Spokesman for Amadeus, the travel technology company.
Businesses that support this type of travel are seeing a steady increase in employee satisfaction, and increased productivity in professionals. Bleisure also brings higher revenue for bleisure-ready hoteliers.
How Does Bleisure Benefit Travel Businesses and Employers?
Driving Brand Loyalty
Travel companies and accommodation services can gain the attention of the next generation of travelers who indulge in bleisure. They can employ modern travel technologies to attract millenials and youngsters. Sharing economy services like Airbnb are shaking up the traditional hotel model. Adopting bleisure can make hospitality brands relatable, drive brand loyalty and higher revenue through the high acquisition costs of corporate travelers.
Boosting Employee Productivity
Employees worldwide want to achieve a better work-life balance. 78% of travelers said bleisure travel increased their well-being when they returned to work. (Source: TalentIntelligence). Happy employees translate to a lower attrition rate, fewer medical claims, higher productivity, and less absenteeism, making it a win-win situation for employers.
Combating Talent Shortages
Companies that address the needs of their staff through a flexible bleisure policy are more likely to attract the best and the most talented people. It could be the only offering that could make an employee choose a company over its competitors.
Preparing for Bleisure
To capitalize on the demand for bleisure travel, hoteliers should offer amenities and services such as:
A suitable workplace where business travelers can fulfill their work commitments
Child-care and kid-friendly amenities for travelers who bring their families along
A dedicated concierge service and ready local sightseeing recommendations
Employers offering bleisure to their employees need to do their due diligence. They must offer a comprehensive policy that ensures employee travel safety and is compliant with duty of care legal requirements.
Cutting to the Chase
The bleisure tourism market is estimated to reach a valuation of $497.5 billion in 2022 with sales skyrocketing at an impressive 19.5% CAGR over the assessment period (Source: Future Market Insights). The tourism market is looking at bleisure as an opportunity for growth while recovering from the pandemic. They are investing in direct marketing, sales, discounts, giveaways, events, and other promotional activities to attract bleisure travelers and endorsing bleisure as a way to attain their revenue targets.
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Article | September 10, 2020
As COVID-19 wreaks havoc across the globe, tourism-dependent regions are suffering exponentially. The continent of Africa is one glaring example, with South Africa propelled into the global top 10 for coronavirus infections, reportedly now surpassing the United Kingdom in cases. For its part, the tourism and industrial sectors in North Africa will likely be hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the African Development Bank’s 2020 edition North Africa Economic Outlook report.
Even as Africa contends with pandemic concerns, there are still throngs of travelers who are keen to visit the region in the near future. Many are doing diligence to discern if, when and how to go about scheduling a trip to this tourism hotspot.
To help spotlight some top-line issues, I turned to entrepreneur and philanthropist Jay Cameron, Executive Director of Maximum Impact Travel. As one of the leading global experts on Africa travel and commerce, Cameron’s insights are invaluable as travelers deal with this tumultuous situation, helping ensure they plan smartly in the post-pandemic era.
MK: What are the key do’s and don’ts when traveling to Africa amid COVID-19?
JC: Surprisingly, some African countries have escaped the devastating impacts COVID-19 has caused globally. While other countries around the world have experienced often overwhelming consequences as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, much of Africa appears to have been spared. Even so, the statistics do not suggest the citizens of the countries of Africa have not felt its impact. The fact is, many countries in Africa are seeing regular increases in the numbers of those infected by the novel coronavirus, while much of the world is experiencing a decline in infections.
Around the world, experts warn outbreaks of COVID-19 in Africa may continue, resulting in a higher rate of deaths due to the limited local health services available. With coronavirus worries come fears of potential famine due to the virus threat, in combination with existing drought conditions and ongoing conflicts.
With this in mind, should you intend to travel to the continent now, or post-COVID-19, you should be prepared. Some good preparedness ideas include researching virus statistics in the country you wish to visit that, for one, you can review at AfricaNews.com. It is also advisable to learn if said country has any travel restrictions, which is information that is accessible online via at CDC.gov. Of course, maintaining a healthy lifestyle to boost immunity before and during your visit is also key.
MK: Should travelers be ready to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result, either before departing or upon arrival?
JC: African countries are now opening for foreign travelers, but this does not indicate the belief that they have won the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Most African countries are still battling with COVID-19 outbreaks, as the number of infected cases continues to rise daily in nearly every African country. To this end, stringent efforts are in place to ensure individuals arriving on the continent and entering various countries are free of the virus.
With this in mind, you should be prepared to present proof of negative COVID-19 status before entering the country to which you are traveling. This measure is being implemented around the globe and the countries of Africa are no exception.
In the same vein, departing any African country will require the same proof of negative COVID-19 status. Both mandates are in place to protect your fellow travelers on the flight as well as the residents of the country to which you are traveling. As things ebb and flow, you can check the status of this mandate online at AfricaTravelInc.com.
MK: What would you suggest about localized regulations?
JC: Travelers must research the localized regulations and requirements with respect to hotel and resorts, airports, ground transportation, public spaces and such for both their own country and their destination.. It is necessary that you understand departure rules from your country of origin, and even more important that you understand your destination country’s prevailing laws for foreign travelers regarding COVID-19. Some African countries like Tanzania and Zambia, for example, have mandated the use of face masks in public places with punishment for the contravention of such laws. Some hotels and resorts also have taken stringent measures and issued their own strict requirements for travelers arriving from foreign countries. For example, at this time, hotel bars in Rwanda are closed but the hotels themselves remain open.
Researching and understanding these laws before traveling enables you to stay safe during your visit and steer clear of legal issues with the local authorities. A helpful resource for staying up-to-date on laws that might affect travel to Africa can be found at Travel.State.gov.
MK: What about the airlines, specifically?
JC: Investigate the requirements for your airline as each carrier has varied responses to COVID-19. As a result of the pandemic, most airlines have adopted measures to keep their passengers and their staff safe. While some airlines like Delta require proof of a negative COVID-19 test before boarding your flight, others provide testing before your flight and attach the result to your ticket. Therefore, to ensure you are able to fly when scheduled, it is your responsibility to know the requirements of your airline before the flight to avoid any issues. A good resource for this is Go2Africa.com.
MK: Should tourists be prepared for temperature screenings and COVID-19 tests upon arrival and departure?
JC: As pointed out earlier, many African countries are still battling the pandemic, so to keep the residents of their countries safe post-COVID-19, airports have been mandated to request test results or test passengers on-site. Therefore, when traveling, you should be prepared for a coronavirus test upon arrival or departure from any African country. If you refuse to allow this, you will not be able to fly.
MK: What about a potential 14-day quarantine upon arrival—is that only for travelers who show signs of COVID-19?
JC: Apart from testing, be prepared for a 14-day quarantine if you show signs of the virus or test positive during a test given at the airport. African countries are determined to ensure the pandemic is eliminated completely from their countries. If you show symptoms of the virus upon your arrival in any country in Africa, you will likely be quarantined for 14 days. This can even entail having to stay in the country instead of returning to the U.S.
MK: Would you say that travel insurance is an imperative?
JC: Make sure your travel insurance company offers COVID-19 coverage and arrange for COVID-19 travel insurance requirements from airlines. You will want to be insured by your travel insurance company for COVID-19 coverage before traveling to any African country. Check with your travel insurance company to ensure COVID-19 is covered under their insurance policy, in the event you need to change your travel plans due to the pandemic. Such coverage policy can protect you by covering expenses related to unexpected changes and/or medical care in the event of illness.
MK: With any trip, but especially now, there can be unforeseen circumstances. Any insights on that front?
JC: DO NOT travel without extra funds and the ability to extend your trip in the event of a quarantine. With the points mentioned above, there is a great likelihood you will be required to spend more time and money in the country to which you are traveling if your COVID-19 test is positive. As a result, it is advisable to travel only if you are prepared with time and financial contingency plans. However, African countries are not barring U.S. travelers at the same rate as other countries, meaning you can potentially realize your dream safari vacation or other adventure across the continent’s beaches, jungles and deserts.
As the world contends with COVID-19 issues, African countries will endeavor to stay open for tourism, business and much more. Preparing for, and abiding by, the region’s travel requirements will make your journey and overall stay in the country more enjoyable and safer for all.
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