Fundamentals of What is Tourism & Hospitality Management

Hospitality & Tourism Industries

Simplistically put, tourism management focuses on the tourism marketing and management of the travel industries at a specific location. Hospitality management focuses on all the other aspects of hospitality operations such as hotels and resorts, restaurants, convention centers, tour operator providers, etc. The two become intertwined when a consumer becomes a tourist, and looks to the hospitality industry to fulfill their needs for that travel experience. The hospitality sector, in turn, generates revenue for the local economy, as tourists spend money and purchase goods on their journey. Tourism is vital for many economies around the world. The industry creates hundreds of thousands of jobs, develops infrastructures, and raises the quality of life for its citizens. Tourism also creates a cultural exchange like no other between visitors and local.

Managerial Processes

Tourism management and destination marketing are both managerial processes that work in tandem to drive demand to potential destinations and increase the brands’ awareness to potential visitors. In order to attract visitors, it’s important that the destination marketing efforts have clearly defined brand essence. A destination’s branding is a very important factor not only to tourists that visit, but stakeholders, governments, and other tourism-related businesses and industries. Hospitality management is the process of creating an exceptional experience and welcoming vibes to an environment, be it a hotel, a guided tour, restaurant, attraction, etc… all with the goal of driving revenue. Tourism and Hospitality Management offers a variety of business opportunities, is a global powerhouse industry, and is also one of the most creative fields to work in. It’s pretty much guaranteed no two days are ever the same.

Effects of COVID-19 on the Hospitality & Tourism Industry

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected global tourism. From border closures grounded flights, docked cruise ships, to shuttered restaurants, the world closed down. With so many unknowns, booking or planning travel, a night out to a restaurant, etc. is on shaky ground. Especially when we’re told by governments to stay home to stay and stay safe. And it appears this may continue for quite some time. Niche travel segments, those that focus on specific aspects of tourism, like meetings, incentive travel, event travel, destination weddings, for example, will take a few years to recover. In order to bounce back, tourism management will need to redefine many aspects of its hospitality services. Destination marketing will play an important role in communicating that services meet the levels of sanitation and hygiene standards the post-pandemic consumer will demand. Whatever lies ahead for travel and tourism, it’s proven, at times of crisis, to be resilient and transform to meet the needs of the consumer.

Join an Exciting Industry

As a seasoned expert, I can share that a career in the destination marketing field is extremely rewarding, no matter the times or challenges faced as the industry continues to evolve. It allows you to develop in different areas depending on your interest and will allow you to expand your horizons. It is one of the most exciting work environments in the world. I share some advice below for anyone interested in the field, just starting out, or looking for a change.