Join an industry bursting with some of the most exciting and diverse careers imaginable!
Discover careers in hospitality and tourism
3 reasons why you should have a career in hospitality and tourism
Whether you crave a fast-track management career, the opportunity to meet different people every day, or simply a fulfilling job that’s lots of fun, the hospitality and tourism industry has it all.
If you love working with people, thrive on challenges and are looking for a career where no two days are the same, then hospitality and tourism is a fantastic choice!
This is an industry bursting with some of the most exciting and diverse career opportunities imaginable and there are many ways into hospitality and tourism.
There’s a career to suit YOU
If you like to keep active, there are hands-on roles in the kitchen, and a career in restaurants and bars is perfect if you love being around people. It doesn’t stop there! The industry includes restaurants, hotels, bars, visitor attractions, events and more! Each industry offers a unique working environment and its own set of careers. You could manage a hotel, turn your hand to events management or create amazing dishes as a chef – the world is your oyster!
Work hard and you’ll be quickly rewarded
If you want to work your way to the top – and fast – hospitality and tourism is an ideal place to get started. Many managers start out in entry level positions and progress through on-the-job training and dedication. Learning on the job means the possibilities are endless!
Plus, every country in the world has a hospitality and tourism industry, and the skills you learn here are readily transferable, meaning that a career in hospitality and tourism can very easily be the key to discovering new countries, new cultures and new people!
If you want to work your way to the top – and fast – hospitality and tourism is an ideal place to get started. Many managers start out in entry level positions and progress through on-the-job training and dedication. Learning on the job means the possibilities are endless!
Plus, every country in the world has a hospitality and tourism industry, and the skills you learn here are readily transferable, meaning that a career in hospitality and tourism can very easily be the key to discovering new countries, new cultures and new people!
200 million people can’t be wrong!
The hospitality and tourism industry globally boasts a workforce number of over 200 million people. Restaurants and hotels in particular have make up much of that workforce, and the best thing is you’re definitely not stuck for choice with a career in either of these places. Waiting staff, sommeliers, hoteliers, mixologists and event coordinators all play a part in creating the welcoming hospitality experience.
The hospitality and tourism industry globally boasts a workforce number of over 200 million people. Restaurants and hotels in particular have make up much of that workforce, and the best thing is you’re definitely not stuck for choice with a career in either of these places. Waiting staff, sommeliers, hoteliers, mixologists and event coordinators all play a part in creating the welcoming hospitality experience.
Career options
Accommodation
The accommodation sector comprises hotels, self-catering, B&B and youth hostels to name a few. If you’re looking for variety and the potential to progress, a career in accommodation could be for you! Whether you want to build a career in Northern Ireland or work around the world, there are a wealth of opportunities in accommodation, ranging from general managers, housekeepers, receptionists through to sales & marketing, human resources and gardeners.
Food serviceIf you have a passion for food, enjoy a sociable working environment and want a varied working life, a role within food service offers a wealth of opportunities. From restaurants to coffee shops, banqueting to events, you could be working front of house serving fine dining, fast food, coffees or drinks or back of house using your creativity to present a range of amazing cuisine!
Events
If you enjoy a fast-paced role, events are definitely the place to be! Whether working at sporting, music, corporate or charity events, the industry could offer you a role as a venue manager, events coordinator, sponsorship or marketing manager to name a few!
Attractions
Visitor attractions offer fun, sociable and rewarding careers. You could find work with organisations ranging! You can find work with organisations ranging from small independent attractions to large global visitor attractions. Whether it’s a theme park, botanical garden or museum or country park, there are a range of roles such as operations managers or front line attractions staff where your duty is making sure visitors are enjoying themselves!
Tourism support
There are a number of organisations that support the tourism industry including national and regional tourist organisations that are responsible for promoting, marketing and developing tourism in their region and tourist information centres. There are a wide variety of jobs available ranging from tour guides to supervisory and managerial positions.
Passenger transport
Taxis, planes, buses and trains all form a critical part of the tourism experience, taking passengers to their destination, attractions and local restaurants, bars and events. Whether you want a role as a pilot, driver, cabin crew or a supporting role in a back office function, the possibilities are endless!
Contract catering
A contract company typically provides specialised services that are outsourced by businesses within the industry. These services allow hotels, resorts, tourist attractions, events and other related businesses to focus on their core operations, while the contract company manages specific functions.
By stepping into this sector, you’ll discover a wealth of employment opportunities across diverse roles. Whether you're a passionate chef, a skilled kitchen staff member, or someone who thrives in logistics and customer service, there's a perfect fit for you!
By stepping into this sector, you’ll discover a wealth of employment opportunities across diverse roles. Whether you're a passionate chef, a skilled kitchen staff member, or someone who thrives in logistics and customer service, there's a perfect fit for you!
Career opportunities & other resources
Access more information on how to develop your career in the hospitality and tourism industry:
Make it here - Careers campaign on hospitality & tourism from Tourism Northern Ireland
Careerscope - Advice, guidance and information from Springboard
Careers occupational information bulletin from Department for the Economy
Make it here - Careers campaign on hospitality & tourism from Tourism Northern Ireland
Careerscope - Advice, guidance and information from Springboard
Careers occupational information bulletin from Department for the Economy
Hear from others
Hannah Anthony, Assistant Manager, The Rabbit Hotel
Gavin Magee, Food & Beverage Supervisor, Adair Arms
