The hospitality industry is an industry that requires extroverts who enjoy working with people. The industry is diverse and includes a wide range of services related to food, accommodation, entertainment and recreation.
Traditionally, the word hospitality brought to mind a hotel, a resort or a restaurant. In recent years, however, there has been a surge in a wide range of additional facilities ranging from chisa nyamas to institutional catering, which have all expanded the employment opportunities in hospitality.
Still, the sector is largely dominated by Small, Medium and Micro sized enterprises (SMMEs), most of which are owner-managed businesses, with the owner playing a significant role in the day-to-day running of the business. So if you have that entrepreneurial spirit, this industry is definitely the right one you.
In addition, to work in this industry, you will need to be enthusiastic and hospitable by nature, have good communication skills and have a willingness to serve others, while also having a passion for service excellence. The industry is diverse enough for you one to work in different areas of interest and still be employed within it.
Employment in the hospitality industry means more opportunities than just working in hotels and motels. Cruise ships, resort accommodations, spas, bed and breakfasts, retirement communities any other place that affords overnight accommodation can also be factored into the mix.
So, are you interested in pursuing a career in this industry? CATHSSETA can help you. We provide funding for bursaries, learnerships, internships and work integrated learning programmes. We also offer career advice.
If you are an employer in the industry, you can contact us on how you can access funding from CATHSSETA for your skills development interventions.
For more information about this sector or for career advice, please contact your nearest regional office.