The hospitality industry is one of the fastest growing and sustainable industries in South Africa, Africa and the world. It holds many different perceptions – glamorous, servant-like and so on. Many of the perceptions are true, and many are just fabulously scandalous stories. So we’re going to take some time to separate the fact from the fiction and expose what you can really expect from the hospitality industry when you decide to join it.

Before we begin, here is an update on the industry right now

 The Hospitality Industry is a GLOBAL industry! It offers EXCITING opportunities to graduates who wish to TRAVEL, and take up CAREERS both locally and abroad. It is one of the world’s fastest growing and most dynamic fields of employment, with positive trends forecasted for the coming years. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the industry is promising more growth and a powerful economic influence in the next decade over and above the 260 Million jobs worldwide already created by the industry. In fact, here are some really exciting worldwide statistics:

• 8.7% of WORLDWIDE employment is in Travel & Tourism/ Hospitality
•  Travel & Tourism worldwide is expected to GROW by 4% per annum 2013 – 2023
• 337 million jobs worldwide by 2023 OR … 1 in every 10 jobs on the planet

Hours and job conditions – they’re shocking, right?

Wrong! The hospitality industry has a bad rap when it comes to working hours. Yes, for many years, hospitality staff worked unsociable, irregular hours, and plenty of them. Because of the basic conditions of employment that govern our working hours in South Africa, hospitality professionals do get a say in their hours of work. If they are asked to work extra hours, they are paid extra for this. Despite hours being reasonable, this doesn’t mean that working hours are sociable. Sometimes you may be working split shifts (a lunch shift with a break, followed by a dinner shift); sometimes you may be working the late shift (2 – 11pm), other times you may be on breakfast (5am – 2pm). The fact is, hotels or hospitality establishments are in many instances open 24 hours a day…working hours in the hospitality industry aren’t always going to go your way.

Working conditions are certainly good. Most properties offer a staff canteen for meals, living quarters for live-in positions and other perks like discounts on accommodation or meals for family or friends. Working conditions include meal breaks like any other working environment and policies and procedures which govern the working processes and standards of the work required.

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Are there any jobs out there and if so, they’re probably poorly paid?

Traditionally, salaries in the hospitality sector have been conservative. The substantial increase overall in hospitality salaries over recent years now makes it a highly viable career option for youngsters searching for great job options with equally grand salaries. Job progression is easily found in the hospitality industry – when staff leave, they move on, and doors open for new job opportunities and job growth every day. Graduates with recognised qualifications and solid practical experience can walk into jobs these days with starting salaries of around R15 000 per month, depending on where they are placed. GM’s and senior management can these days earn R60 000 – R120 000 per month. Our industry is paying well for those with recognised qualifications, great skills and dedication to the job.

What sort of hospitality jobs are on offer?

There are so many jobs to choose from – it’s a very diverse industry. Here are some broad industry sectors to consider:

•  Hotels, resorts and Game lodges
• Restaurants and all other types of foodservice operations
• Cruise ships, airlines and luxury passenger rail
•  Theme parks and casinos
• Meetings, events and incentives
• Recreation and sports management
• Local tourist destinations and attractions

Having so many options open to you allows you growth and progression within one single industry through a variety of diverse and interesting job opportunities. Here is a breakdown of more hospitality jobs you can choose from – there are simply too many to mention in this blog.

What are some of the benefits of working in this industry?

• Getting to travel whilst you work – whether it’s at a resort or hotel miles from home, or on board a cruise liner.
• You get to meet new people all the time – both guests and staff.
• No two days on the job are the same – there is never a dull moment.
• There are always jobs going locally or abroad for passionate and hard working hospitality talents – take advantage of the plenty of job opportunities that abound. And when you’re tired of trying new jobs, go for career advancement for yourself – either sideways or straight up into management.
• You can work part time or full time in the hospitality, so there’s plenty of flexibility. With flexibility comes the opportunity to work and travel or study while you work.

What are some of the downfalls?

• Unsociable hours are a definite requirement of the job – not in all cases but in most so the sooner you accept that, the better. It’s a choice you make.
• Moving around or travelling for your job can be upsetting for some. If you want to avoid this, make your intentions clear when you start with the company you are working for.
• Pressure, high standards and deadlines can be intimidating and stressful. It’s not just the hospitality industry that has these sorts of demands – but they do exist in hospitality and there is little or no margin for error. Be prepared for this and keep abreast of changes, trends and standards in the industry.
• The glamorous side of the hospitality industry is seldom true – you don’t actually get to dine with the rich and famous. You do however get to serve them. 

We hope you are as excited as we are to work in such a wonderful industry. If you have any questions for us or you would like to know more about the International Hotel School, simply call 0861 44 33 00 or visit our website: www.hotelschool.co.za