Hotel and Lodging Industry

The industry includes all types of lodging such as luxurious five-star hotels, destination resorts, budget motels, hostels and recreational vehicle parks. While many simply provide a place to spend the night, some cater to extended-stays, all providing various forms of food services, recreational activities, and event planning options.

Hotels and motels comprise the majority of establishments in this industry and are generally classified as offering either full-service or limited service. Managers at full service properties can expect to oversee areas such as food and beverage services, laundry and valet services, retail shops, swimming pools, beauty salons, fitness centers and/or health spas.

The larger hotels often have banquet rooms, exhibit halls, and spacious ballrooms to accommodate conventions, business meetings, wedding receptions, and other social gatherings. Conventions and business meetings are major sources of revenue for these properties. Some commercial hotels are business meetings are major sources of revenue for these properties. Some commercial hotels are known as conference hotels - fully self-contained entities specifically designed for large-scale meetings.

Hotel and lodging industry managers also perform Administrative duties such as shift reports and scheduling, as well as Human Resources functions such as hiring and training. There are other health and Safety standards and Legal requirements that managers must adhere to and ensure are being followed as operational components of the business.