Whether you own a restaurant or manage a hotel, the key to success is providing good customer service. There are multiple choices where people can eat or spend the night. The reason they will return to your establishment and spread the word that yours is a quality business is that you've made their experience a positive one.

 So, you want a career in the hospitality industry? That's great. But the hospitality industry is extremely broad and encompasses many different career paths, everything from restaurant management to sports and event management. To make sure you are well-trained for your future career, it's important to do your research and decide which hospitality degree is the best fit for you and your career goals.

The ability to celebrate special occasions, visit new destinations, savor a meal at your favorite restaurant, or attend any type of event—be it sporting, a concert, or even a conference—was shattered this year due to the pandemic.  Always fragile, hospitality was perhaps one of the industries hardest hit during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Many tourism destinations across the globe are known for their natural wonders—beachfront properties, jungle foliage, mountain peaks, and the list goes on. The impact of tourism on these natural areas can have a devastating effect, which creates the demand for tourism professionals who also understand sustainable economic development. In order to protect these natural wonders for future generations, today's tourism industry leaders must use sustainable practices.

The hotel and hospitality industry is constantly changing. Guests' needs and desires are something that change on a regular basis, and staying on top of those changes is essential if you’re going to be successful. In addition to pursuing a hospitality education, one of the best ways to know what is happening in the industry is with podcasts for hospitality professionals.

But with the industry so full of podcast options, how can you decide which one to add to your playlist? Here are some top options to help hospitality professionals expand their expertise and wow their guests.

Now that we are several months into 2021, members of the food service profession continue to ask me if better days are ahead. Being data-driven, this resulted in my analysis of industry and economic data to determine what the remainder of the year will look like. 

This past year was tough for the hospitality industry. How will the events of the COVID-19 pandemic impact the lodging and hotel industry in 2021? From revamped sanitation protocols to alternative accommodations to environmentally conscious services, there are a lot of changes happening in hospitality venues. Here are some of the trends that hospitality experts predict will take off in 2021.

You know that person who first greets you as you arrive at a hotel? That person has the power to enhance the entire feel of your vacation. A warm smile and hearty greeting and you start your stay away on a happy note. Having the ability to make guests feel good about their trips is just one of the many rewards of a career in hospitality management.

If you enjoy working with people, organizing events, and leading employees, a career in hotel management may be for you. It’s an exciting career — no day is exactly the same  — and the skill set you develop can even take you to related industries like hospitality, management, or event planning.