1. HOSPITALITY & TOURISM An Introduction

2. What is Tourism?
Although many of us have been "tourists" at some point in our lives, defining what tourism actually is can be difficult. Tourism is the activities of persons traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business or other purposes.

3. The Importance of Tourism
one of the largest and fastest growing industries in the world
provides many career opportunities (1 in 14 people)
generates revenue and stimulates local development (alleviate poverty)
encourages cross-cultural awareness
encourages awareness of history, culture and conservation
can be a renewable resource
instills pride in community and country

4. There are countless types of businesses that make up the tourism industry, but they all have one thing in common – they cater to the needs of travelers either directly or indirectly.
Jobs directly within tourism include: flight attendants, tour guides, chefs, casino or hotel management, bartender, waiter, pilot, outdoor adventure guide, tour bus driver, etc…
Jobs indirectly related to tourism: Accountants in hotels, etc., computer technicians who maintain networks for an airline, delivery drivers for food companies supplying restaurants, workers in laundry services for hotels, etc.

5. What is the Hospitality Industry?
Hospitality is the reception and entertainment of guests with generosity and good will.
The “hospitality industry” involves the two largest sectors of tourism:
Accommodations (providing travelers with a place to stay)
Food & Beverage (providing travelers with food and refreshments)

6. Tourism Jobs in Canada
Tourism employs over 1.7 million (2014 Stats Canada) Canadians - this represents 13% of total Canadian employment, or one out of every eight jobs.
There are over 400 different occupations in tourism, the largest being:
food counter attendants and kitchen helpers
food and beverage servers
cooks
food service managers

7. Job Levels in the Tourism Industry

8. Front Line/Entry Level
where most people start
has most contact with customers
very specific tasks
no experience needed
lots of room for advancement

9. Supervisory Level oversees front line employees hiring and scheduling
gives direction and observes performance
may discipline employees

10. Management Level requires more complex skill and training
analysis and planning
budgeting
interacts with other sectors and community

11. Executive Level usually found in corporate head offices
may be responsible for many businesses
analyze and solve complex problems
responsible for strategic planning

12. Advantages of a Career in Tourism: Learn about new cultures/traditions
Meet lots of people
Might get to travel
Lots of room for advancement
Not boring
Flexible Hours
A Lot of perks with tips and bonuses

13. Disadvantages of a Career in Tourism: May be only a seasonal worker
Job may be affected by the economy
Could work only on commission
Deal with many angry or unsatisfied customers
Many times may have to start with low paying entry positions

14. Top 10 things tourism employees like about their jobs
Variety
Meeting people from across Canada and the world
Working as a team member
Job opportunities anywhere
Advancement potential
Developing global skills
Easy to get started
Training opportunities
Tips
Creativity

15. Qualities of a Successful Hospitality & Tourism Employee
Interested in people
Outgoing/extroverted
Good communication skills
Creative problem solver
Fast learner
Can work under pressure
Able to multi-task
Eager to learn
Non-judgemental
Comfortable with basic math skills

16. Some Other Important Terms
Outbound Tourism: people traveling from our region to other places in Canada or the world
Inbound Tourism: tourists coming to our region from other places in Canada or the world
Itinerary: the planned route and schedule for a journey

17. MNEs - motivations, needs and expectations (of the tourism customer)
Domestic tourist - a person travelling within their own country
Foreign tourist - a person visiting a country other than their own