From The Student Room

TSR Wiki > Careers > Career Options > Leisure and hospitality

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Some parts of the leisure and hospitality industry, such as leisure centres and gyms, are doing reasonably well.

Other areas, such as hotels, are still suffering the after-effects of terrorism in the USA and the fear of terrorism - meaning fewer tourists are coming here. On the other hand, because the economy has been good, people are eating out more and taking more weekends breaks.

Compared with many countries, prices tend to be high but recently a number of foreign hotel chains have been opening here which offer cheaper accommodation. There’s also been the rise of luxury hotels (and luxury gyms). This means a great variety of job options are available.

Opportunities available

Opportunities are extremely varied. Within the hotel industry, for instance, you could work on reception, in the kitchen or restaurant, behind the scenes in management, in housekeeping, the list is endless.

Many jobs have long and unsocial hours but self-employment is possible (though, if you’re running your business, hours will still be long!)

Entry requirements

Work-related qualifications are expected for areas like hairdressing, beauty therapy and gyms and leisure centres. They’re also helpful for potential chefs, but it’s possible to learn on the job.

For many jobs, especially in hotels and restaurants, people skills can be more important than qualifications.

Trainee management positions often require degrees but relevant experience from part time or summer jobs is also important.

Future trends

We’re becoming more concerned with how we look and what we eat so this could affect parts of the industry including beauty and hairdressing salons, leisure centres and fast food restaurants.

Staff shortages, common in parts of the industry in Britain, may become less of a problem with the arrival of new European Union workers.