It is common to see the terms “hospitality” and “tourism” used side by side. Formal university degrees, such as the BA (Hons) in Tourism and Hospitality Management, are occasionally provided in both subjects simultaneously. They are not the same thing, though. Even though they are seen as sharing a roof, the two are not the same. The differences between tourism and hospitality are evident when institutions confer distinct degrees, such as a BA (Hons) in Hospitality Management and a BA (Hons) in Tourism Management.

What tourism is defined as

According to Wall and Mathieson (2005), referenced in McCabe (2009), tourism is the culmination of all the interactions resulting from people coming to and remaining in locations outside their normal surroundings for up to a year straight for leisure, business, and other reasons. The tourism sector includes travel destinations, travel tickets and transportation, and tourism activities, including hiking, rock climbing, canoeing, mountain biking, jungle safaris, and sightseeing.

What hospitality means

Taking care of someone who is traveling by providing them with lodging, food, and drink is known as hospitality. In the historical sense, it refers to a moral obligation to provide strangers with food, drink, and safety (shelter) (Lashley, 2000, cited in McCabe, 2009).

What qualifications are necessary to succeed in jobs in hospitality and tourism?

Only some people are suited for a career in the hospitality and tourism sector. These are some essential skills that will set you apart from the competition if you want to have a successful career in this field:

Interaction

People often assume someone is an excellent communicator because they can write or speak. False. It takes work to communicate effectively while avoiding ambiguity or extra details. If you want to convince clients to choose you over your competitors in the hospitality and tourism industry, you must carefully consider the language you use.

Being an excellent listener is the simplest method to accomplish this. Listen to understand, not to decide how you will respond. You’ll be in a much better position to explain how and why you can meet people’s expectations after you know exactly what they want or need.

The art of diplomacy

Diplomacy is necessary for career chances in tourism management. Communication and awareness of your and your client’s emotions are key to diplomacy. You will benefit from becoming a skilled diplomat because the tourism and hospitality industries are subject to rapid change. Hotels can be reserved, flights can be delayed, or inclement weather can ruin guests’ vacations.

The main idea is that you must be prepared to handle disgruntled customers, resolve disputes, and act quickly to provide a solution, such as a refund, a discount, or another place to stay or travel.

Managing stress

Stress management skills are crucial for jobs in hospitality and tourism. You can learn how to do it even though you’re not very good at it right now. This will come in handy when you have to bargain with clients or oversee several large projects simultaneously.

The secret to doing well under duress is knowing when to seek assistance. Take only what you can manage, and communicate to your manager or fellow employees when you require assistance. If you’re in charge, develop your ability to assign and motivate others. Although it will sometimes be complicated, if you work together and communicate well, you and your team can handle difficult problems more easily.

Solving issues

The key to fixing problems is considering options and potential fixes rather than whining. This skill complements analytical thinking and meticulous attention to detail. With the help of these competencies, you will be able to assess possibilities and select the best one based on the client’s demands.

Working in the hospitality and tourism industry may also put you in situations that need other options. You have to learn to let those go and stop trying to control things out of your control. Let folks know about the issue and try to improve things slightly.

Advice on selecting a degree in tourism and hospitality

The following questions should help you determine the difference between tourism and hospitality and which hotel and tourism management program to enroll in:

• How much time am I able to commit to a course?
• Do I have to move or travel to pursue this program?
• How much is the program going to cost me?
• What abilities do I want to acquire from a course?
• What kind of degree or certification am I looking for?

These inquiries will assist you in selecting between a longer undergraduate or graduate program at a university, a certification in a particular field of interest, or an online course you can complete from the comfort of your home. 

Your level will determine the program you should enroll in. Do you want to work up to a management position, or are you just searching for an entry-level job? You can look for programs that fit the work requirements and read through job advertising that catches your attention.

Opportunities for employment 

Holiday Representative: Holiday representatives are responsible for looking after guests who arrive at hotels or resorts as part of vacation packages. It is their priority to ensure everything runs smoothly and that guests have a great time. The representatives are responsible for greeting customers and addressing any problems they may have while traveling.

Event Manager: Social, commercial, and promotional event planning and organization fall within the purview of event managers. They oversee the ongoing event, ensure patrons are involved, and effectively promote the event’s message. From the planning stage to the execution of the event and the post-event review, event managers oversee every aspect of the event. 

In summary

Tourism and hospitality are separate but closely related sectors supporting global trade. Both have strong earning potential, yet they cater to differences between tourism and hospitality hobbies and professions. While tourism emphasizes travel and adventure, hospitality places more emphasis on guest experiences. Your passion and ideal world determines your path.

In the hospitality or tourism industry, your journey begins whether your dream is to manage a five-star hotel, serve delectable cuisine, or guide visitors to intriguing locations. Remember that when you work in these disciplines, the world becomes more interesting and pleasant.