Sectors in travel: Accommodation

The accommodation sector is not only one of the most accessible for anyone hoping to take their first step into hospitality but can also provide a lifelong career.

More people are choosing to work in this sector, either at small, family-run properties or multinational corporate hotels.

The sector was cited as one of the biggest drivers of job growth in the UK earlier this year by the Office for National Statistics, and reports suggest jobseeker numbers have risen sharply since Covid as candidates are attracted to the career opportunities in hospitality.

The jobs available in the accommodation sector range from front-of-house positions such as receptionists, bartenders and porters to chambermaids and chefs.

Depending on the size and type of property, roles can include looking after younger guests in kids’ clubs, providing activities such as fitness coaching and watersports, performing as an on-stage entertainer, working as a therapist in a health spa, or acting as a concierge to help guests with their luggage and offer advice on transport and local excursions.

While many roles are customer-facing and require staff who enjoy interacting with the public, there are plenty of behind-the-scenes roles to keep a hotel’s rooms, facilities and eateries operating smoothly and to ensure that they meet guests’ expectations.

Hotels also require staff to take reservations and run events – from weddings to conferences – as well as to work in sales and marketing roles to promote the brand direct to consumers and to agents and operators selling the property.

As with all businesses, there are roles across different divisions, such as finance, accounting, IT, HR, marketing and operations.

What’s more, if you have always dreamt of living and working abroad, this could be your chance to give it a try.

International hotel groups have branches and offices in different areas of the world, so you can not only climb the career ladder but also fulfil your ambition of living and working abroad.