Each year, millions of Americans travel by plane, train, ship, bus, and automobile. A smooth trip, comfortable room, good food and a helpful hotel staff can make being away from home an enjoyable experience for both vacationing families and business travelers.

Travel, reservation and ticket agents make arrangements for transportation, hotel accommodations, car rentals and tours. Agents use computerized systems to quote fares and room rates; sell tickets; and make reservations for customers. They may also advise on weather conditions, restaurants, tourist attractions and recreation. For international travel, agents also provide information on customs regulations, required papers (passports, visas, and certificates of vaccination), and currency exchange rates.

Hotel managers and assistants are responsible for the efficient and profitable operation of their establishments. In a small hotel, motel, or inn with a limited staff, a single manager may direct all aspects of operations. However, large hotels may employ hundreds of workers, and the general manager may be aided by a number of assistants assigned to the various departments of the operation.

Front office managers coordinate reservations and room assignments as well as train and direct the hotel's front desk staff. They ensure guests are treated courteously, complaints and problems are resolved, and requests for special services are carried out. Front office managers often have authorization to adjust charges posted on a customer's bill.

Food and beverage managers direct the food service operations of hotels. They oversee the hotels' restaurants, cocktail lounges, and banquet facilities. They supervise and schedule food and beverage preparation and service workers, plan menus, estimate costs, and deal with food suppliers (see also Culinary Arts/Food Service Technology).

Convention services managers coordinate the activities of large hotels' various departments for meetings, conventions, and special events. They meet with representatives of groups or organizations to plan the number of rooms to reserve, the desired configuration of hotel meeting space, and any banquet services needed. During the meeting or event, they resolve unexpected problems and monitor activities to check that hotel operations conform to the expectations of the group (see also Meeting, event and convention planners below).

Executive housekeepers are responsible for ensuring guest rooms, meeting and banquet rooms, and public areas are clean, orderly, and well maintained. They train, schedule, and supervise the work of housekeepers; inspect rooms; and order cleaning supplies.

Hotel and motel desk clerks perform a variety of services for guests of hotels, motels, and other lodging establishments. They register arriving guests and assign them rooms, and check guests out at the end of their stay. Clerks must consider their guests' preferences while trying to maximize the establishment's revenues. They keep records of room assignments and other registration information on computers, and when guests check out, they prepare and explain the bill of charges, as well as process payments.

Meeting, event and convention planners organize events for trade groups, professional organizations, associations and private individuals. They plan and execute logistics, negotiations and contracts; and may also market the event (see also Office Technology).

 

Because hotels and ticket counters are usually open around the clock, early morning, night, holiday and weekend work is common. Hours in travel agencies may be more regular. Willingness to relocate, usually to a big city, is often essential for advancement to positions with greater responsibility.

 

Careers in travel and hospitality can be demanding, so good health and stamina are important. Because most employers emphasize personal qualities,.hospitality professionals must be able to get along with all kinds of people, even in stressful situations. Self-discipline and initiative are essential, as well as the ability to solve problems and concentrate on details. A neat and clean appearance is a must because hopitality workers are often in close personal contact with the public.

 

NATIONWIDE INDUSTRY OUTLOOK

Spending on travel is expected to increase significantly over the next decade. With rising household incomes, smaller families, and an increasing number of older people who are more likely to travel, more people are expected to travel on vacation—and to do so more frequently—than in the past. Business travel will continue to grow, and increased domestic and foreign tourism will also create demand for additional travel services, hotels and motels.