Sub-Industries

Accommodations
Conferences & Events
Culinary & Food Services
Travel & Leisure

Cool Jobs

Experience designer
Sustainability coordinator for hotels or restaurants
Virtual event planner
Food and wellness retreat host
Cultural heritage tourism guide
Smart hotel technology specialist

Where People Work

Hotels and resorts
Restaurants and catering services
Convention centers and event venues
Cruise lines, airlines, and tour companies
Theme parks and recreation facilities
Travel agencies and tourism boards
Spas, wellness retreats, and entertainment venues
Independent businesses and entrepreneurial ventures

Hospitality, Events & Tourism

Unlocking Adventures and Elevating Experiences

This career cluster is all about helping people have meaningful experiences, whether through food, travel, entertainment, or events. It includes careers in hotels, restaurants, theme parks, travel planning, catering, event management, and tourism services. From behind-the-scenes logistics to unforgettable guest moments, this field combines creativity, culture, and customer service at every level.

Why We Love Hospitality, Events & Tourism

An image representing the Hospitality, Events & Tourism industry.

This industry is powered by people who love bringing joy, beauty, and connection into everyday life. Whether you're plating a gourmet dish, planning a wedding, or welcoming travelers to your city, you're helping create experiences that people remember for a lifetime.

It's also an industry full of variety and energy. One day you might be organizing an event schedule, and the next you're managing an emergency at a resort or helping a family create a dream vacation. If you're the type of person who thrives in a setting where no two days are alike, you'll never be bored here. Hospitality and events careers are ideal for those who love meeting new people and want to make them feel welcomed and valued. If you're passionate about presentation, love the details that go into making something special, and enjoy working as part of a team, this field might be a perfect fit.

Many people are drawn to this cluster because it offers emotional rewards as well as financial ones. When you see someone smile because of something you helped create, it's incredibly fulfilling. And you don't need a four-year degree to make it happen. Hospitality values dedication, service, and a great attitude.

Great Industry Resources

Example Career: Event Coordinator

55,000

Every event tells a story. Whether it's a birthday, a brand launch, or a festival, my job is to make it unforgettable - and I love the energy that comes with that responsibility.

Event coordinator speaking with client about flower display

Camille R.

Event Planner

Top Tips

Do I need a four-year degree to start?

No. Many careers in this field begin with hands-on training, certifications, or work experience rather than traditional college degrees. Jobs like hotel front desk staff, line cooks, event assistants, and servers offer direct entry points. From there, it's very possible to grow into management roles or even start your own business with the right experience and reputation. Success in hospitality often comes down to your ability to think on your feet, anticipate needs, and create comfort and delight. You need strong communication skills, an eye for detail, and the emotional intelligence to navigate guests' needs. Creativity, adaptability, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are also key traits for this field.

How can I grow my career without college?

One of the strengths of this industry is that it rewards people who show up, learn quickly, and care deeply about customer experiences. Many large employers offer paid training programs or apprenticeships. You can also find certificate programs in hospitality management, culinary arts, tourism, or event planning. Career growth here often comes from your performance, not your diploma.

Is this industry just about hotels and restaurants?

Absolutely not. Hospitality and tourism includes so much more. People in this field might organize concerts, coordinate business conferences, lead ecotourism trips, manage food and beverage operations at sports arenas, or design spa and wellness experiences. It also includes travel planning, resort entertainment, and global tourism development. The world is your workplace.

What if I want to own my own business someday?

This is one of the most entrepreneurial clusters out there. Many people in this field go on to open their own catering businesses, event firms, boutique travel companies, or unique hospitality spaces. If you have a vision and are willing to work hard to make it happen, this industry provides many paths to self-employment.

Hear from Someone in Hospitality, Events & Tourism

This content is based on the National Career Clusters® Framework, a national initiative led by Advance CTE. Advance CTE works to empower every learner to pursue career success through high-quality CTE programs. Their modernized framework helps connect education to real-world career opportunities and is used across the United States to guide career exploration and planning.