March 2018 – Hospitality Management Degrees

50 Tips and Resources for Travelling With Kids

Do you love air travel? We didn’t think so. As much as we love visiting relatives or destination vacations, most of us look at air travel as an inconvenience, at best. For kids, the routine annoyances of airports and airplanes can be even harder to tolerate. There’s rushing around, waiting in line, standing still, sitting still, cramped quarters, and a tiny airplane bathroom with a frighteningly loud-flushing toilet. It’s no wonder that traveling with kids doesn’t tend to bring out the best in any members of the family.

Fortunately, as a parent, you know how well a little thoughtful planning can smooth over bumps in any new experience. We’ve collected the 50 top tips, tricks, and products that make traveling with kids a calm and painless process. We’ve rounded up innovative ways to pack, bright ideas for regulating electronics, motion sickness remedies, comfort items, battery-free entertainment options, and even a few tips to help your kids stay on their best behavior. Read on and fly happy.

Packing Up

Travel Tips for Successful Preparing and Packing

Parents know that preparing is essential for anything new or challenging. Sometimes that means over-preparing. Sometimes, that even means considering the worst-case scenario. Before traveling with kids- especially on their first flight- take your time to plan, purchase, and pack all the items that will keep them calm, quiet and comfortable.

1. Bring it all, but not all. That is, aim to bring all the essentials, plus enough treats and emergency items to get you through. Make a checklist so you won’t be caught short. On the other hand, the last thing you want is to be bogged down with excess luggage, or have to rummage in an overstuffed bag for that much-needed pacifier. The best solution? Take a lot of items but downsize each as much as possible. Pull out a few coloring book pages to bring along instead of the whole book. Stash just a few baby wipes in a ziplock bag. You can always buy more at your destination.
2. Divide and conquer. Put everything that’s not needed for the flight, valuable, or irreplaceable in your checked bag. If possible, check your bag(s) curbside so you won’t have to haul them through the airport.
3. Max out your carry-ons. Policies vary, but most airlines require parents to purchase a separate seat for kids 2 and older. Your toddler may not be old enough to haul around a carry-on, but one is included with his or her seat, so take advantage of your “extra” bag by packing an additional tote.
4. Prepare for the unexpected. When flying with kids, always anticipate travel snafus. Checked luggage sometimes gets lost- don’t pack that favorite teddy bear in a checked bag. Flights get delayed, sometimes overnight- don’t pack only enough diapers for your planned flight.
5. Enlist the kids. Kids ages 3 and up should be able to participate in packing. Give them a gallon-size ziplock bag and allow them to fill it with items they want to bring with them when they travel.

6. Load them up. Kids ages 3 and up should be able to wear a backpack to tote their own snacks and small toys through the airport. Bonus: very small kids can wear a backpack harness to avoid getting lost in a crowded airport. There are a number of cute backpack harnesses with animals and popular characters available.
7. Be full of surprises. Before flying with kids, drop $10 at the dollar store on little throwaway surprises, like fake tattoos, stickers, silly putty, and trading cards. Dole them out periodically over the course of the flight or as needed.

Eating Well

Travel Tips for Keeping the Family Fed

Gone are the days of free hot meals and little bags of in-flight peanuts. If you want to keep your kids happy, comfy and quiet, you’ll need them hydrated and well-fed. Whether you’re a health-conscious family or a family of Cool Ranch Doritos aficionados (we don’t judge!), you’ll need to prepare accordingly.

8. Pack smart. Put some extra thought into your airplane snack bag. Don’t pack messy food, smelly food, or favorite treats that might not sit well on a queasy stomach.
9. Downsize. Buy “fun size” packs or put small amounts in disposable containers. Pack a sanitizing wipe and napkin (or three!) in each snack bag. Generally, it’s best to avoid foods that require utensils, since there’s a lot more potential for mess.
10. Find balance. If you’ll be flying with your kids through lunchtime, aim to pack a real meal, like a sandwich or wrap. Even if they’ll just be snacking, opt for a couple of items with protein and/or fiber. An apple is a great choice- oranges require peeling and bananas tend to get squashed. A Babybel cheese or almond butter packet packs a protein punch and requires no cleanup.

11. Use a spoonful of sugar. Even if you generally avoid candy, it can’t hurt to pack a couple of sweets “just in case.” That lollipop could be a magic bullet if your child becomes airsick, frightened, or cranky.
12. Prepare for security. Formula and breast milk will be subject to additional screening by TSA at the security checkpoint. Yogurt, applesauce, and drink boxes aren’t allowed through airport security, and will need to be purchased by the departure gate.
13. Spills happen. Pack a change of clothing at the bottom of your carry-on. You probably won’t need to dig it out, but you’ll know it’s there in case you do.
14. Bag it up. You and your kids don’t want to sit in a pile of wrappers and cups waiting for the flight attendant to come around collecting trash. Save a couple of folded-up plastic grocery bags to collect trash as you go.

Going Electric

Travel Tips for Using Electronics

The American Academy of Pediatrics has been pretty clear in their guidelines for kids and electronics: less is more. That being said, we don’t fly with our kids every day, or even every week. And, if you’re traveling for a vacation, they won’t be playing the iPad once your family arrives at Disneyworld, Grandma’s house or the beach. Consider this a chance for them to take the edge off of the discomfort of traveling by indulging a little.

15. Protect your assets. You probably already have a sturdy case for your tablet, phone or gaming devise. If you don’t, now’s the time to invest in one that can survive the jostling, bumps and slips that accompany an airplane flight with kids. The gold standard is still the almost-indestructible Otterbox Defender. At $50-$80, it’s not cheap, and at 13 ounces, it’s not slim or lightweight. But if you’ve ever suffered a cracked screen mid-flight, you’ll find it worth the investment. Want something lighter? Fractus Learning has a great list of kid-friendly cases. Look for a case that has screen protection as well as a shell, and can be used as a stand as well.

16. Protect their ears. Adult headphones can be uncomfortable for kids, and can be turned up loud enough to actually damage a child’s hearing. A good pair of headphones designed for kids will fit snugly and comfortably, and will have a pre-set or adjustable decibel limit. Most are inexpensive ($13 and up), and should be sturdy enough to survive your travels. Lifewire has a good list of the Best Headphones for Kids of 2018.

17. Try a headband. Ear buds seldom work out for kids 5 and under- they tend to fall out or make their ear canals uncomfortable. Headphones, can be a good option, but may be too bulky and awkward for the youngest set. Headband earphones, though are cozy, thin, washable, and travel-friendly. We like CozyPhones ($22), which have cute designs and volume control.
18. Beware the battery. The power of a tablet or smartphone to calm and entertain is almost magical. The last thing you want is to lose that magic mid-flight due to battery power. Worse still, after a couple of hours of Angry Birds, you could arrive at your destination without sufficient power left on your phone to make necessary calls. Be sure everything is charged up, and bring a portable external battery for charging on-the-go.
19. Class App. Kids eventually get saturated by playing their favorite recreational games. Cue the boredom and complaining. Mix up the virtual “junk food” with a little fun learning by establishing a 15/15 rule: for every 15 minutes of just-for-fun games, they have to play an educational game. The iTunes store is bursting with instructional mobile games for every subject and age level, and some of them are so cool, you’ll want to jump in and play along. We love the top educational app lists posted by Common Sense Media.
20. Debut a new movie. Gifting your kid a new movie or app can inject some novelty and fun into a long, dull flight. You can surprise them with a new movie or app of your choosing or allow them to pick one ahead of time on the iTunes store.

Staying Busy

Travel Tips for Entertaining Kids

There are plenty of ways to keep the kids busy apart from screen time. There are only so many hours of movies and apps that a kid can handle, and devises can’t be used during takeoff and landing, or while moving through the airport. For that reason, you’ll want to have a few other tricks up your sleeve.

21. Bust out activity books. It’s hard to imagine a more perfect kids’ travel resource than Little Dover Activity Books. Pocket-sized, weighing almost nothing, and costing as little as $1.50, they’re packed with puzzles, mazes, art games and activities. Hit older kids with a geography challenge or try alphabet mazes for little kids. There are Celtic, butterflies, and dinosaurs temporary tattoos, or stickers of snowflakes, horses, and hummingbirds. At this size and price, you can buy a few.
22. Make a DIY travel kit. You know your child best, so assemble a little bag of activities that will interest them. A few crayons and coloring book pages are a great start- try these free printable kids coloring pages from Crayola. Add some stickers, crossword puzzles, or Write and Wipe Games to Go for a personal fun kit.
23. Get a BusyKit. No time to assemble a travel craft kit? Keep Smiling makes a kids travel activity kit called “MyBusyKit”. The clear, zippered mini-tote contains a paper journal, activity pad, washable markers, crayons, wooden craft, tape measure, safety scissors (that do cut paper), fuzzy coloring, sticker activity (play passport), finger puppet, and inflatable globe.
24. Pair them up. Get siblings involved in a game of Mad Libs or Loaded Questions and they’ll be cracking one another up in no time.
25. Just imagine. Get your imagination going with an old-fashioned game of pretend. Bake a cake, go fishing, or act out scenes from a favorite story- just don’t be afraid to get silly. Make-believe is alive and well.
Guess again. Use your powers of deduction to play 20 Questions or Charades. Look around the cabin to play I-Spy. These spontaneous and hands-free activities can be great when you’re standing in line for security or waiting at baggage claim.
26. Play the classics. Tiny magnetic travel game boards allow you and your kids to play classic games like checkers, chess and Parcheesi. At $10 for 12 games, you can buy a bunch and rotate your options.
27. Get hooked on a podcast. There are great podcasts for kids aimed at every age, from serial mysteries to classic fairy tales. Check out this list of top picks from Common Sense Mediaand load up your kids’ playlist.
28. Get lost in an audiobook. Get your kid absorbed in a long-format book like Harry Potter or A Series of Unfortunate Events, and they’ll be entranced for hours. Common Sense Media curates a great list of kids’ audiobooks books for each age group.

Feeling Better

Travel Tips for Coping with Motion Sickness

“Mommy, I don’t feel good!” No parent traveling with kids ever wants to hear those words. We all know how unpleasant motion sickness feels, and how tough it can be to tolerate the nausea and dizziness that goes along with it. Fortunately, there are a few tips that can help prevent this harmless but very unpleasant experience, and a few kid-friendly tricks for helping too chase away air sickness if it occurs.

29. Use devises with caution. Sadly, watching in-flight movies, playing games and even reading can induce nausea in those prone to motion sickness. If your kid is susceptible, avoid or limit these activities. Instead, try audiobooks or music.
30. Snag the window seat. Looking out, even at the clouds, can help a child regain their equilibrium. Leaning up against the cabin’s wall can also help them relax when they’re not feeling well. A seat over the wing of the airplane has the least up-and-down motion, so look for this row when booking travel with kids.
31. Feed them.An empty stomach is better if a kid’s prone to nausea, right? Actually, pediatricians recommend settling a child’s stomach with a meal beforehand, and even using a small, bland snack to calm a queasy stomach.
32. …But feed strategically A small meal that’s easy to digest and contains protein and starch is best. Peanut butter on crackers is a good choice. If nausea does set in, try saltines, half a banana or other digestible foods.
33. Hydrate. A ginger ale or tonic water can be very soothing, but plain old water is also great. Dehydration worsens nausea, so don’t avoid fluids if your child’s stomach is upset while traveling.
34. Try acupressure. The jury’s out on the effectiveness of acupressure, but it certainly can’t hurt, and can at least give your child the comfort of taking action to help themselves feel better. Have your child press their thumb into the center of their wrist on the palm side and hold while breathing deeply. Acupressure wristbands are another option- they’re inexpensive, lightweight and reusable.

35. Give ginger a shot. Your child may not care for the strong and taste of ginger tea, but candied ginger or ginger chews can be just as effective. This botanical cure has been safely and effectively used for thousands of years. If your child hates spicy foods, though, skip this remedy- ginger can pack a bit of heat
36. Give them a lollipop. Actually, give them a Queasy Pop, an all-natural sucker infused with essential oils. This brand is popular with mothers suffering from morning sickness, and comes in a variety of classic flavors like strawberry and pineapple.
37. Medicate. Children’s Dramamine is highly effective in relieving motion sickness. Be aware that this medication does tend to produce drowsiness in many kids. For helping them rest on long, international flights, however, this side effect may be a bonus rather than a problem.

Setting Expectations

Travel Tips for Preparing Kids Ahead

Kids always do best when they know exactly what’s expected of them. Likewise, all the hustling, waiting, and sitting still that travel requires is easier to tolerate if kids know what’s ahead. Set clear expectations and involve them in the Big Picture, though, and they may surprise you with how well they can be a part of the travel team. Here are a few ways to arrive at their airport forewarned and forearmed.

38. Articulate the basics. When traveling, it’s extra-important for kids to kids to adhere to everyday expectations, like “stay close to me,” “keep track of your belongings,” and “follow directions the first time.” That’s not obvious to kids, though. In fact, the unfamiliar situation and confusion of travel can make it easy for them to forget those basic rules. Give a quick refresher on the way there.
39. Explain special airport rules. In addition to the standard rules, there are probably a few extra things you’ll need your kids to do to when traveling. Airports and airplanes involve seatmates, tray tables, tickets, baggage, security checkpoints, and all sorts of other things that they don’t interact with on a daily ba
sis. Be clear about your expectations in advance.
40. Share the plan. Try sharing your itinerary ahead of time and involving your kids in the travel logistics. They can help you look for your departure gate, figure out whose boarding pass is whose, and search for your seats as you board. They will have a better understanding of what’s going on, which will reduce boredom and anxiety.

41. Sweeten the deal. A small reward for stellar behavior can be a big motivator for kids when traveling. If you make a point of delivering a treat at the arrival point, you’re likely to see a much better performance on the plane, especially if you make this a regular practice.
42. Keep the peace. Parents traveling with multiple kids have to content not only with each child, but also with the dynamics between them. Consider seating yourself between your kids if you expect squabbles.

Making Yourselves at Home

Travel Tips for Getting Kids Comfortable

Unless you’re flying your whole family in First Class, you’re probably squeezing all of them into a crowded cabin, down a narrow aisle, and into small seats. The air quality, smoothness of the flight, smells, and sounds in a typical airplane can all be unpleasant. A few measures and inexpensive products can help your kids feel cozy in spite of their surroundings.

43. Clean up. If you’re germ-conscious or have small children whose fingers frequently wind up in their mouths, you’ll want to clean up the area before your kids get settled. Wipe down the tray table, armrest, seat belt buckle etc. with a couple of sanitizing wipes.

44. Hydrate inside and out. The recycled, pressurized air inside an airplane cabin is notoriously dry. Have everyone drink plenty of water. Use hand and face lotion and lip balm.

45. Scarf = blanket. Remember when flight attendants gave out thin, fuzzy blankets and little pillows to all passengers? Those days are gone, but you can do one better with a large pashmina or scarf. Wear it onto the plane to avoid taking up space in your bag, then give it to your kids to use as a blanket, privacy curtain or, (rolled up) as a pillow. You’ve got a blanket and a functional wardrobe piece.

46. Blow up a pillow. Everyone has their own way of getting comfortable, and there are loads different styles in airplane travel neck pillows in both kid and adult sizes. We suggest foregoing the memory foam and choosing an inflatable neck pillow, which takes up almost no room in a carry-on bag. At just $10, we love the super-soft fleece kids travel neck pillow from KeepGoUp.

47. Travel plush toys do triple-duty. What’s better than a stuffed animal? How about one that’s also a pillow and blanket? From teddy bears to Very Hungry Caterpillars, 3-in-1 travel toy animals are widely available, portable and affordable.

48. Aromatherapy works. Essential oils have been used for therapeutic purposes for nearly 6,000 years, and there’s ample modern science to back up the practice. There are plenty of great brands, but we especially like the high-quality oils from doTERRA. A tiny bottle won’t take up much room in your bag, and giving yourselves a quick dab of scent as you get settled in your seats can have a great effect. Peppermint is cooling and ginger is warming, but both can fight nausea. Lemon is energizing, lavender is calming. Choose the oil that suits your kids’ needs, but be mindful of other passengers- choose a light scent and use it sparingly to avoid scenting the whole cabin.

49. Do double-duty with a mist. You can create a spa-like atmosphere (for a moment, at least) by releasing scent and fighting dry air with an aromatherapy mist. At home, shake a few drops of a chosen essential oil into a mini-spritzer, then fill with tap water. Spritz a few puffs of mist around your row of seats when the air gets dry or the kids need a pick-me-up.

50. Freshen up with gum. Mint chewing gum can not only freshen you kids’ breath, it can also help with popping ears during take-off and landing, when the cabin air pressure changes. A sugar-free brand made with xylitol, like Spry, will strengthen their tooth enamel as well.

50 Must-Know Etiquette Tips For Hosting Events

“Etiquette is all about making people feel comfortable and being respectful.”-Peggy Post

Proper etiquette may come naturally to most professional event planners as they want their guests to have the best experience, but a novice planner may need to rely on a time-honored code of behavior. The idea of a party is to have fun, but the planning process can be daunting. Whether it’s your best friend’s wedding or an intimate gathering, hosting a group event can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there are some basic etiquette tips that you can use to make it a lot easier. Event etiquette is essential to making sure you do not overstep your boundaries or end up with a subpar reputation as a host. Etiquette is not a thing from the past but an essential part of making people feel at ease—at the table, in business meetings, and at social events.

Planning a large scale event can take months, so whether you are planning a casual gathering or a formal gala, you need to do everything you can to make sure that your event goes smoothly by avoiding rookies mistakes and faux-pas. If you are planning a wedding or a company event and you are not sure about the protocol to follow, you may want to refer to the consensus. As the host, the first thing you need to do is, of course, choose a venue. After you have selected the appropriate place for the occasion, the next step is to invite your guests. Then questions like–who to invite, when to send the invites, or who pays for what–vary based on the event. One thing is sure is that as the host and event planner, you can create a memorable day for someone and in order to leave your legacy intact, here are some essential etiquette tips you may want to follow.

General Hosting Etiquette

1. Manners

Good table manners say a lot about you personally and professionally. Without a professional code, it is easy to cross the line of acceptable behavior.

2. Be punctual.

There are certain demands that are expected from the host and being on time is one of them. If you’re the host, make sure to be on time. Need we say more?

3. Dinner Timing

Plan dinner for at least an hour later than the time noted on the invitation, and give enough time to have a couple of cocktails in the meantime.

4. Delaying Dinner

It is acceptable to delay dinner fifteen minutes for a late guest. Upon the guest’s arrival, proceed with the course that is being served at the time.

5. Smartphone Etiquette

We live in a digital world, and as a host/event planner you certainly will need to stay connected throughout your event to ensure that you are available in the event of a crisis. Keep your smartphone in your purse and set the ringer to vibrate. If you must take a call, politely excuse yourself from the room or make the conversation short and sweet.

6. Communication

Make sure to let the staff know that you are the host (and their contact) so they can appropriately serve everyone else first (see #7 for Proper Seating)

7. Seating Arrangements

Make a seating plan in order to help your guests to not only make new connections but also to prevent awkward pairings. Don’t forget to tell guests that there will be a seating arrangement. Traditionally, guests were seated according to title and status rather than personality, but the modern seating protocol is a lot more relaxed. Here are some simple rules:

Do sit host and co-host opposite each other
Alternate men and women
Pair people based on common interests, language ability, and expertise
Don’t hesitate to separate husbands and wife
If there is a guest of honor, he or she should be seated to the right of the host

8. Introduce Guests The Right Way

Greet your guests warmly as they arrive and make them feel welcome and comfortable going into the evening. As the host, you will be expected to introduce various guests to one another. Prior to the event, make sure to research your guests’ backgrounds so you can make introductions with context, including titles such as “Judge”, “Professor”, or “Doctor”. This is particularly important at corporate events. Additionally, be sure to introduce lower-ranking guests to higher-ranking guests.

9. Conversation Topics

If you are hosting a formal dinner, make sure to keep the conversation light and if it ever turns to politics, religion, or anything inappropriate, make sure to redirect.

10. Dietary Preferences And Restrictions

More and more people have dietary restrictions nowadays, so it is paramount to have a least one gluten-free, vegan, and kosher option on the menu.

11. Attire

When coordinators plan a party, they should be specific about the type of attire required. For instance, base your recommendations on the type of event and the rest of the guest list. Know what type of clothing is expected at this particular gathering. The type of attire might be dictated by the time of day, season, or by the quality of the meeting and event space.

12. Invitation Timing

As a quick reference, the larger and more important the event, the sooner you’ll want to mail the invitations. As a general guideline:

Formal dinner: 3 to 6 weeks
Informal dinner: a few days to 3 weeks
Fundraising: 6 weeks to 3 months

13. Post-Event Follow-Up

Post-event follow-up is essential and a great way to thank attendees for coming or to get feedback on the venue, menu, and overall event. Dropping a thank you via email may be appropriate–above all if you sent paperless invites–but a handwritten note is certainly expected for a formal event.

14. Handling The Bill

When dining at a restaurant, discreetly tell the maitre d’ or waiter ahead of time that you will be responsible for the check.

15. Alcohol Selection

Although guests won’t expect a large selection of beverages, not having enough options to choose from is a mistake. Whether you decide to only offer wine and beer, make sure to provide several crowd-pleasing options.

Tips for Bartenders

16. How to Serve a Bottle of Champagne the Right Way

First and foremost, your bottle should be properly chilled to around 45 degrees Fahrenheit–the perfect temperature will prevent the cork from becoming a dangerous projectile.

Next, tilt the glass to a 45 degree angle while pouring. Start with just a splash, then wait for the bubbles to settle before filling. Then, in order to avoid spillage, only fill up the glass to ¾ full.

17. Giving Advice

Do not offer unsolicited advice but always know a joke or two

When Hiring Bartenders

18. Dos and Don’ts

As the host, you are responsible for taking care of the bartenders, not the guests. A tip jar is never an appropriate option at a wedding or any other formal event so remember to tip them generously at the end of the evening.
Do send a thank you note

Wait Staff Etiquette Dos & Don’ts

19. Approach from the left

As a general rule of thumb, you should serve drinks, change cutlery, and serve dishes from the left. Traditionally, it is assumed that most people are right-handed so serving from the left is less likely to interfere with the meal.

20. Wine Glass Holding

Hold wine glasses by the stem as you pour, and (if you can) pour while holding the bottom of the bottle. Glassware is placed to the right. Bread plates will be placed to the left.

21. Keeping Distance

Wait staff shouldn’t be overbearing and should stand up rather than bend to the level of the guest while all together keeping a respectful distance.

22. When to clear the table

Don’t start clearing the table until everyone is finished, and always ask the guest if they would like to order something else before proceeding to remove dishes from the right.

23. Be presentable.

This goes without saying but wearing a clean, ironed outfit is expected.

Hosting a Catered Function

24. Dos & Don’ts

If you are the host at a corporate event, you are representing your company and as such, some basic etiquette applies
As the host, you should eat and drink lightly and wait until all the guests are served before going through the buffet line
If the event is formal, conversation should be geared toward business
The host shouldn’t linger at the party and preferably leave before the end of the event

Fundraiser

Planning a large-scale event can take months, so whether you are planning a casual gathering or a formal gala, you need to do everything you can to make sure that your event goes smoothly and make the night a success.

25. How to solicit contributions

First of all, do not hit up people directly more than once a year. For small contributions, it is fine to send a blanket email or to post a request on social media, but when soliciting larger amounts, send a personal email building your case for the charity and make sure to include an opening for someone to decline. Make it clear on the invitation that this is a fundraising event by using words such as “donations gratefully accepted” or “please remember to bring your checkbooks”.

26. Presentation

During the party, it’s a good idea to wait until the guests have been enjoying themselves for at least 30-45 minutes or so before giving your pitch. Let people know where the money is going and how much you’re hoping to raise during the event.

27. Who to Invite?

First on your list are your established donors who are familiar with your cause; reach out to them as they are most likely to introduce new prospective supporters to attend. Encourage your donor pool to bring a “plus one” to make new connections.

28. Following-up

One of the most important part of your event is to reach out to every donor (and potential ones), vendor, and volunteer to thank them for their support.

Hosting a Business Lunch or Dinner in a Restaurant

29. Who Pays the Bill?

When hosting a business lunch or dinner, your job is to handle the logistics such as selecting an appropriate restaurant and making reservations ahead of time. Technically, the host should always pay the bill–the host being the one who did the inviting–regardless of gender. However, this rule is not rigid and can be altered based upon circumstances. An elegant way to handle the situation is to go pay the bill away from the guests.

Bachelor & Bachelorette Party

Bachelorette parties became popular during the 1960s (and the women’s sexual revolution), but it wasn’t until 1981 that the term”bachelorette party” came about.

30. Who is Hosting?

It’s long been customary for the maid of honor to hostand plan the event. While everyone pays her own way, whoever throws the party is expected to cover the cost for the bride, but it’s perfectly OK for other guests to contribute as well (in that case, include a respectful request for a financial contribution).

31. Who is Invited?

The guest list should include the wedding party, sisters, and besties. Make sure to consider everyone’s budget when choosing a venue and/or an activity.

32. Invitations

Invites can be sent via email or any other methods and do not need to be formal unless the party itself is formal–then, the invitations need to be mailed. They should be mailed at least 3 weeks in advance (earlier when it’s a destination party). You may want to include relevant information such as time, place, maps, cost, when and how to RSVP, etc…

Bachelor party

The tradition of the bachelor party originated in the 5th century BC from the Spartans and was meant to celebrate the rite of passage of marriage. Just as with the bachelorette party, the job of planning the party usually falls on the best man. Again, everyone is expected to pay for themselves and chip in for the cost of the groom.

33. Choose the Date

Since a rehearsal dinneris often set for the night before the wedding, make sure to plan to have the gathering several weeks before the wedding so that it doesn’t conflict with other events and can accomodate out-of-town guests.

34. Who is Invited?

Men in thewedding party, good friends, and close male relatives of the groom should be invited.

35. Choosing a Venue

Tailor the activities to the groom’s interests–not your own–and do not assume that all men are into strip clubs.

Rehearsal Dinner

36. Who is Hosting?

In the past, the groom’s parents generally hosted the rehearsal dinner, but, today, there are no set rules. As you probably guessed, the one who hosts also pays for the event. Traditionally held the night before the wedding, it is an opportunity for the future couple to meet and greet in a less formal setting than the wedding. It is also the time to give thanks to everyone who has been helping with the wedding preparation.

37. The Guest List

Aside from close family members, the rehearsal dinner list usually includes the wedding party–including the wedding officiates–and potentially out-of-town guests, depending on budget.

Wedding Reception

38. Attire

Never ever wear white. “Probably the worst faux pas, I think ever, is for someone to wear white at a wedding,” says David Monn, a renowned event planner to celebrities. Traditionally, white is reserved for the bride, and no one should outstage the bride on her special day.

39. Who is invited?

For starters, in order to spare hurt feelings, be sure to invite all shower guests to the wedding, then make a guest list based on budget and family size.

40. Second Wedding Dos & Don’ts

The celebration can be as extravagant as you wish
If you are throwing a bridal shower, the second time around, it needs to be kept small and simple. Also, as the hostess, you may want to specify on the invite that gifts
are optional.
Even if you are still in good terms, an Ex-spouse shouldn’t be invited to the wedding.

Bridal Shower

Bridal showers are thought to have originated in 16th century Holland as a replacement of the dowry system.

41. Who is Hosting?

Traditionally, the maid of honor or the bridesmaids have been in charge of throwing the wedding shower, but, more recently, the bride’s mother has been taking over that role.

42. Who Should You Invite?

You may send invitations to the bride’s closest female friends, relatives, the groom, close female relatives of the groom, and basically anyone who shares a close relationship with the bride. Each guest should pay for her own meal, while the host paysfor the bride.

Baby Shower

This celebratory custom to welcome a new baby in the world originated in ancient Rome and Greece.

43. Who’s throwing the baby shower?

Anyone is able to volunteer, with the exception of the mother-to-be or her spouse, but typically a friend or one of the father’s grandmothers will throw a shower.

44. The Invitations

The host or hostess of the shower should make the invitation clear—whether it’s for women only or coed. Another concern is to ask the couple if they would prefer a pre-or post-birth shower, but traditionally the event is held around 2 months before the birth. Invitations should include the following information:

Name of the expectant parents
Name of the host
location and time of the shower
theme of the shower
type of gifts

45. Dos

Do invite the fertility-challenged, but give them an option to decline.

46. Don’ts

Do not serve alcohol at a baby shower since the mother-to-be cannot drink.

Funeral Reception

47. Who is invited?

A funeral reception, or repass, is a gathering that anyone can attend unless specified otherwise by the family.

48. Greeting and introducing guests

As guests enter the room, make sure to make them feel at ease–greet them, make introductions, and escort them to the receiving line. It may be a good idea to have a printed service program including relevant informations.

49. Reception Etiquette

The family should be the first to be served at the funeral reception, then other attendees can be served. While not all family members will want to eat, it is proper etiquette that they should have the option.

50. International Etiquette

While it is true that some etiquette holds true just about anywhere, other rules vary by culture. If you are running an international event or are dealing with an international audience, be aware of some basic cultural differences as some gestures may cause confusion or even be offensive. The bottom line: do your research before hosting a dinner or giving a speech to an international crowd.

What is a Restaurant Management Certificate?

If you’re looking to own or manage a restaurant, hotel, tourism or hospitality business, you’ll need to have experience, but you’ll also find your options widened by getting an education specifically tailored to the position you’re looking for. A Restaurant Management Certificate will give you skills and education you can use to manage or own restaurants, or work in adjacent businesses. While certificates like this are useful, and can often be obtained for less money than traditional degrees, you might consider a traditional degree in the restaurant field. At Hospitality Management Degrees, we’ve ranked a number of degrees related to this field by their affordability, flexibility and accommodation, and online academic quality. We’ve prized online degrees because they can often be earned for less money and with less time commitment than traditional, on campus degrees, and they don’t require relocation in order to complete them. To check out our rankings page, please go here.

Some people are able to work their way up to lucrative positions in the hospitality field strictly by working in the industry, but earning an advanced degree in hospitality can speed that process up, and help you avoid wasted years at lower wages or transitioning through positions that don’t fit your career goals. Degrees in Hospitality Management can prepare you to

Build a business plan for a restaurant, hotel or other related business.
Manage a restaurant, hotel or other hospitality related venture.
Plan detailed, successful events
Understand the nuances of businesses like casinos, conventions, clubs, lodging spaces and more
Better understand tourism and travel

They can also build your skills in

Budgeting
Communication
Leadership
Teamwork
Sourcing
Fundraising
Daily Operations
Management

Learning in this country has often been tied to traditional degrees, and the prestige of higher institutions. If you’ve ever seen “Good Will Hunting,” you know this isn’t the only path to advanced knowledge, no matter the field. People learn differently, and there’s no time limit on when you decide to commit to building your skills, knowledge and experience in a new area. If you want to build your skills in the Hospitality Management field, but can’t afford the time or money necessary to earn a higher degree, you might consider a MOOC. MOOCS (Massive Open Online Courses). MOOCs are often free or cheap, and can give you real experience in a field that you’re interested in, without a heavy commitment. They’re also a way to dabble or dip you feet into something and discover whether or not it’s a good fit. If you’d like to take a MOOC, here’s a couple resources for discovering one that will get you started on your way in the Hospitality Management career path:

Degrees in Hospitality Management

Perhaps self-directed learning isn’t for you. Sometimes a traditional structure is the best way to build your skills, experience, network and force yourself to commit to a path, or package your previous experience and consolidate it in a degree program. If you’re looking to work towards a more detailed education in restaurant management or ownership, there are several options that you can explore. At Hospitality Management Degrees, we have grouped degrees based on degree level, and ranked them by a number of criteria that include affordability, flexibility, prestige, support services, academic quality, and more. Some of our top rankings can be found here:

So what are some of the certificate options in restaurant management?

Option 1: MOOC Certificate of Completion

MOOCS are often free or cheap, and only take weeks of your life. Remember, every MOOC is different, but some offer certificates of completion that can demonstrate your competence in a facet of restaurant management or other hospitality skills. MOOCs are for:

People who want to start exploring restaurant management.
People who don’t have a lot of money to start their restaurant management education.
People who don’t have a large amount of time to commit to this pursuit yet.

For a comprehensive list of online hospitality management courses, check out our guide here.

Option 2: Professional Certifications

Professional Certifications are often a more significant investment than MOOCs, and generally convey a more intense form of study and skills earned. Professional Certifications are for:

People who have worked in restaurants or the hospitality industry but are looking to be certified to do something they already do but don’t have credentials in, or something they want to begin doing.
People who can’t commit to a traditional degree.
People who want to earn a credential and start using it in the shortest amount of time possible.

Option 3: For-Credit Certificate Courses in Hospitality Management

These are a perfect blend between professional certifications and MOOCs in terms of money/time commitment. These certificate courses will help people who:

Want to earn credits towards a degree program or other certification.
Want to build towards new credentials over time, at their own schedule.
Want to gain experience and skills with the option to then shorten the length and cost of a related degree.

For all things Hospitality Management certificate related, make sure to go here.

Differences Between Degrees in Hospitality Management

An Associate’s generally requires 60 credit hours, and is a great start for anyone working in hospitality, or who aspires to own or manage a restaurant, hotel, or other hospitality business. Bachelor’s degrees delve deeper into business, entrepreneurship, accounting, and hospitality through their coursework. Students will also more likely find specializations in Bachelor’s degree programs in Hospitality Management that can tailor their education towards aspects of the field they’re most interested in, like Food Services, Lodging, Meeting and Event Planning, or Tourism. Master’s can often be earned in a year, and offer even more specific specializations, like hotel marketing or kitchen management. And if you really want to set yourself apart from the pack in the hospitality field, check out our ranking of the 10 Most Prestigious Hospitality Departments in the World, in which you can discover top PhD’s in the Hospitality Management universe.

Certificates in Hospitality Management

If you’d like to split the difference between earning a higher degree in Hospitality Management and taking a free or cheap one-off course online, another strong option are graduate certificate programs in the field. We’ve collected some of the best here. Some are graduate level clusters made up of 3-5 courses, while others are MOOCs, and still others in between.

Now that you have a wide swath of options within hospitality management, the choice is yours. Do your research, and get cooking!

What Do Eco-Labels on Food Really Mean?

Although food companies are seldom required to give specific details about their products, there has been a growing concern about food safety, sourcing, ingredients, and how food is produced. To meet consumer demand, environmental and ethical labels are increasingly appearing on food products, so consumers are faced with an overwhelming number of choices.

We do live in a society that loves choices and manufacturers and consumers alike are faced with an array of unclear labels to choose from–there are currently over 450 ecolabels to choose from, with more added each year. While some food labels have legal implications, others only give limited information. In other words, how can you decipher between what has a legitimate meaning and what is pure marketing?

What label matters most to you?

Understanding food labels can be confusing these days, and breaking these labels down can be extremely useful to consumers when making food choices that match their beliefs, lifestyle choices, and health concerns. Consequently, when researching labels, you may ask yourself which sustainability aspect of food production do you prioritize most: environmental, ethical, both? For example, are you more concerned by animal welfare, if products are locally grown, if the animals are raised with the use of antibiotic and hormones, or all of the above? It is your right to be a better informed consumer by knowing what current labeling practices really mean and how they impact your life and the lives of others. Despite the multiplication of “green products”, “organic”, and labels in general, it is still difficult to understand the impact on the planet of the products we purchase on a daily basis.

Below, we explain 10 of the most common ecolabels andratings systems.

How much do labels really tell you?

USDA Organic

You’re probably familiar with the label USDA Organic–the only government certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA or Certified Organic is a very reliable seal in terms of upholding specific government guidelines. Organic agriculture is essentially concerned with promoting ecological balance, ethical practices, and preserving biodiversity. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, organic farming practices preserve the environment, avoid pesticides/antibiotics, and do not use genetically modified seeds. Among other requirements, organic farmers are subject to annual inspections, and for a product to be certified organic they have to meet the following requirements:

Must contain at least 95% organic ingredients
Must contain a list stating what is organic, as well as the non-organic, ingredients
Non-organic ingredients must be from an approved list
Organic crops cannot be grown with chemical additives, synthetics, pesticides, or genetically engineered ingredients
Animals must be fed an all-organic diet (without animal byproducts) and can’t be treated with synthetic hormones or antibiotics
Animals must have access to the outdoors, and animals like cows must have access to pasture
Animals cannot be cloned
Food cannot be irradiated

Non-GMO Project

The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit organization and established market leader for GMO avoidance. The Non-GMO Project offers a comprehensive third-party verification system for non-GMO food and products to participating retailers. Many of the processed foods available at the grocery store contain genetically engineered ingredients. Not to be confused with traditional breeding, the term “genetic modification” refers to a man-made process of taking genetic material from one species and injecting it into another organism using a special device, bacteria, or viruses. Basically, GMOs are crops that have been altered at the genetic level. The organization supports organic agriculture, access to non-GMO choices, and a healthy food supply chain for the future.

Fair-Trade Certified

This label offers consumers a guarantee that they are purchasing products produced in a developing country were cultivators worked in decent conditions and received a fair compensation for their harvest. For instance, a minimum price per pound must be paid to farmers. If market prices drop, Fair-trade Certified farmers are still guaranteed that minimum rate. Growers also receive incentives for promoting community-development. Emphasis here is on “certified” Fair Trade because, without a label from a recognized organization such as Fairtrade International or Fair Trade USA, you may not be getting what you pay for.

MSC Marine Stewardship Council

The Marine Stewardship Council is the result of a team effort to protect the oceans and their resources for future generations, thus encouraging a more sustainable seafood market. MCS recognises and rewards sustainable fishing practices so buyers can trace their seafood back to a sustainable source. The blue MSC label tells you that your fish was caught by a responsible fishery in a sustainable manner. If not wild-caught, fish and seafood at least come from fisheries certified by the MSC standard.

Sustainable Farming

Sustainable farming relies on techniques that promote environmental preservation, public health, animal welfare, and protects biodiversity for future generations. Sustainable farmers forgo chemicals in favor of more natural methods such as compost, as opposed to conventional farmers who rely heavily on pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Sustainability also applies to the seafood industry. Sustainable fisheries’ goal is to help rebuild depleted fish stocks and reduce the impact of industrial fishing and fish farming on the environment and on communities.

Certified Humane Raised and Handled

Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) is a leading non-profit organization devoted to improving the quality of life of farm animals. The Certified Humane Raised and Handled® label assures that animals come from facilities that follow responsible and specific guidelines for the treatment of farm animals. The label now officially encompasses “Free Range” and “Pasture-Raised” under the same seal of approval.

Free Range

Free Range is a term that exclusively applies to chickens, and the label only indicates that the birds have access to the outdoors for an undetermined period of time on a daily basis. There are no government regulations so it doesn’t say anything about the animals’ health, confinement, diet, etc. (unless it falls under the Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC)’s Certified Humane program). Under the Free Range certification, the requirement is 2 square feet per bird. The hens must be outdoors–weather permitting (in some areas of the country it’s seasonal)–and when they are outdoors they must be outdoors for at least 6 hours per day.

Pasture-Raised

“Pasture-raised” means that animals spend at least some time outdoors feeding on grass or foraging, fields are rotated consistently, and the animals have access to shelter for protection. The USDA has not developed any legal definition and, although this practice usually applies to smaller-scale farms, it doesn’t tell you how much time the animal is actually allowed to spend on pasture unless the products are also Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC)’s Certified Humane.

Cage-Free Eggs

The term “Cage-free” only indicates that birds are raised without cages, but it does not describe any other living conditions. For instance, it doesn’t guarantee that birds can roam around outdoors, and it could actually mean that they live in overcrowded spaces without direct access to pasture. Consequently, “Cage-free” is one of those vague labels with a marketing edge.

Grass-Fed

As stated by the USDA, the “Grass-Fed” label for meat indicates that an animal’s primary source of food comes exclusively from grass or forage, and the animal is not fed grains such as corn. Despite the fact that animals have continuous access to pasture during growing season, during the off-season the animals may be kept indoors and fed harvested grass or forage. A relatively new label, the Certified American Grassfed Standard for dairy products is concerned with animal welfare, diet, and confinement, as well as sustainability. Aside from this certification, the term “Grass-Fed” alone doesn’t say much about the animals’ living conditions or if hormones/antibiotics were administered. To guarantee that animals are never treated with antibiotics or hormones, products must also be approved by the American Grassfed Association (AGA).

The 10 Most Affordable Online Associate’s in Hospitality Management Degrees

The Hospitality industry is one of the largest industries and covers as many as 25 sectors- including those in hotels and resorts, casinos and games, food and beverage, tourism, event planning, and amusement parks. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that combined over 30 million Americans work in the hospitality industry. Nasdaq lists a number of indicators showing hotel industry growth from just last year, and that trend is not expected to slow any time soon. Each area of the industry has a different projected 10-year growth, but just to give you an idea the hospitality industry generats $6.5 trillion dollars anually, and the sector is likely to contribute over $11 trillion dollars in global GDP by 2025.

So, you are looking to get ahead in the hospitality industry. We understand- the job comes with its ups and downs. You can do something you love, but not always for a salary that works for you. Sometimes the management gets to choose their hours, and you know that with some advanced knowledge you too can start picking your optimal work times and even start taking weekends off. An associate’s degree in hospitality management is a great way to get the information you need to quickly advance in this sector. Though a number of skills may be learned on-the-job, a number of managerial skills and theories you need to move up the ladder are taught in the classroom. But talk is cheap and education is not. It’s one thing to say you’re ready to make more money in this sector, and another to actually do it. We understand that education can come with a pretty hefty price tag which is why we selected associate’s degrees that offer affordable tuition rates and programs that provide their candidates with financial aid. What is affordable to one may not be affordable to someone else, so financial aid is often a determining factor. Below you will find our top programs for most affordable associate’s degrees in hospitality management.

1.) Albany Technical College

Albany Technical College is a public 2-year institution located in Albany, Georgia.There are 3,251 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is just 15:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Albany Technical College (ATC) to award associate’s degrees as well as professional certifications. ATC offers programming in technical and creative fields- pulling in a diverse student body. Academic offerings range from horticulture to hospitality to graphic design. We selected ATC for their affordable tuition rates and robust percentage of students receiving financial aid. Many students return to college at different phases in life, and ATC accommodates non-traditional learners – offering over 35 fully online affordable associate degrees and professional certifications.

Albany Technical College offers (ATC) an online associate’s in hospitality management. We selected this online degree for its affordable tuition rate and for the high percentage of students receiving financial aid. Out-of-state tuition is approximately $4,794- which is nearly half of the national average. Their online associate’s degree is a 60 hour degree that is divided into three main component parts: general education requirements, core components and electives. The core components provide a broad overview of the hospitality industry and include an introductory course on hotel and restaurant tourism management, travel industry and travel geography, hotel operations and management, event planning, food and beverage management, hospitality marketing, hospitality law, super and lead hospitality industry and an internship. Your elective courses give you an opportunity to hone your program to match your needs, or sample courses to gain more exposure.

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Approximate Cost for Out-of-State Tuition: $4,794
Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid: 99%

2.) Central Georgia Technical College

Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) is a public 2-year institution located in Warner Robins, Georgia. There are 7,762 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits CGTC to award associate’s degrees and professional certifications. CGTC accepts dual credits, credit for life experience, and Advanced Placement (AP) credits. Carnegie classifies CGTC as an associcate’s college with a high vocational & technical-mixed traditional/nontraditional institution which is evinced through their range of programming. Degree programs are in fields like business, computer information science, construction, engineering, hospitality management, culinary arts, mechanics and repair, visual arts among others. Distance learning options and online programming are affordable and robust and include nearly 50 online degrees and certifications. The most popular online associate degrees are in the fields of business, health, and homeland security.

CGTC awards an affordable associate’s degree in hotel, restaurant, and tourism management. We selected this online program for the affordable tuition rate and for the high percentage of students receiving financial aid. Their out-of-state tuition is approximately $4,810- nearly half of the national average tuition rate. This 60 credit hour program requires just 15 credit hours of general education courses with the remaining 45 credit hours being occupational. The broad-range of programming gives you a solid overview of the hospitality industry as well as potential for a salary boost upon completion. Some of the occupational courses include: and introduction to hotel, restaurant, and tourism management, hospitality law, food and beverage management, supervision and leadership in the hospitality industry among others. This online degree requires an internship.

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Approximate Cost for Out-of-State Tuition: $4,810
Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid: 93%

3.) Casper College

Casper College is a public 2-year institution located in Casper, Wyoming. There are 3,626 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Casper College to award associate’s degrees as well as professional certifications. Carnegie classifies Casper College as an “Associate’s College with Mixed Transfer/Vocational & Technical- High Non-tradional” status. When it comes to academics, programming is vast- ranging from agriculture to journalism to visual and performing arts. Within those fields are a wide-range of degree offerings includes hospitality management, art teacher education, animal sciences, rehabilitation engineering, and much more. Casper College offers 10 fully online associate degrees and certification programs, and provides handy student service options. We selected Casper College for its highly affordable tuition rates, flexible online associate degrees, and for the high academic quality.

Casper College offers an affordable associate’s degree in hospitality management. We selected this course for the low tuition rate, and high percentage of students receiving financial aid. Over 90% of students enrolled with this program receive some form of financial aid. This online degree requires a minimum of 60 credit hours for completion and is divided into two components: general education requirements and major requirements. The major requirements cover hotel operations, food and beverage course material, and tourism management. Some of the courses covered include: business law, recreation and tourism planning, sales and customer relationship management, principles of accounting, and an introduction to information management. If you are looking for an affordable degree that offers a wide-range of courses in the hospitality industry, this is a fantastic option.

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Approximate Cost for Out-of-State Tuition: $7,104
Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid: 93%

4.) Pulaski Technical College

Pulaski Technical College is a public 2-year institution located in North Little Rock, Arkansas. There are 6,576 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is 18:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Pulaski Tech to award associate’s degrees as well as professional certifications. When it comes to transfer credits Pulaski Tech accepts both dual credits and Advanced Placement credits. We selected this program for its affordable online associate degrees and it high academic quality. Programming is appropriate for both traditional and non-traditional learners. There’s a wide range of degree offerings including programming in culinary arts, liberal arts, military technology, education, business and more. Pulaski Tech offers 12 online degrees where the most popular programs are in the liberal arts, business, and health. Local students may also take part in their evening and weekend options.

Pulaski Technical College offers an affordable online associate’s degree in hospitality management. We selected this program for the affordable tuition rate and high percentage of students receiving financial aid. The cost for out-of-state tuition is approximately $6,151- over $3,000 below the national average. The 66 credit hour Associate of Applied Science degree is broken into three main components: general education, core materials, and elective credits. The core courses include: Applied foodservice sanitation, an introduction to hospitality, the restaurant industry, dining room operations, lodging operations, fundamentals of tourism, hospitality marketing and sales, hospitality facilities, food and beverage management, and food production for hospitality. All students may select two courses for electives from a wide-range of exciting options such as: baking, resort management, spanish for the workplace, food production, American Regional Cuisine among others.

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Approximate Cost for Out-of-State Tuition: $6,151
Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid: 90%

5.) Beckfield College- Florence

Beckfield College- Florence is a private 4-year institution that has a primary focus on the 2-year degree and is located in Florence, Kentucky. There are just 578 students enrolled at the Florence Kentucky location and the student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1. The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools accredits Beckfield College to award associate’s, and bachelor’s degrees as well as diplomas and certifications. The mission of Beckfield is to “provide a substantial concentration of courses designed specifically to prepare students for career in the professions they have chosen” which is evident in the associate’s-dominate school. Students at the Florence locations study business, computer information sciences and support, health, homeland security, law enforcement, and firefighting, parks, recreation and fitness as well a legal profession and studies. There are 7 fully online programs with the most popular by enrollment in business administration, health information and nursing. We selected Beckfield College for its affordable tuition rates, high academic quality, and flexibility online associate degree format.

Beckfield College offers an Associate of Applied Science or Applied Business in Hotel Restaurant Management. Professors and Industry professionals alike present the course material with endorsement from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute. We selected this program for the affordable tuition rate, and high percentage of students receiving financial aid which is 96%. Students will learn to oversee food preparation and presentation, manage inventory and order supplied, keep budgets and more through the relevant course material. Student have the option to approach hospitality through a business perspective which includes core business course material as well as area-specific material like hospitality and safety security, travel and tourism, front office management, hospitality management and more.

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Approximate Cost for Out-of-State Tuition: $13, 281
Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid: 96%

6.) Bryant and Stratton College- Online

Bryant and Stratton College- Online is a private for-profit institution headquartered in Orchard College, New York. The brick-and-mortar main campus is located in Southtowns. There are 3,406 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is 21:1. The Middle State Commission on Higher Education accredits Bryant and Stratton to award associate’s and bachelor’s degrees as well as professional certification. Student services includes remedial services, academic and career counseling, employment services, and placement services graduates. For those seeking to transfer credits Bryant and Stratton accepts dual credits, credit for life experiences, as well advanced placement credits. For our purposes, we are reporting on the Online college. Currently, there are 29 online degrees and professional certification that include fields like business, communication technologies, health, legal professionals and more. The most popular programs by enrollment are in the fields of health, business, and law.

Bryant and Stratton College-Online offers an Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Management. We selected this online degree for its high percentage of students receiving financial aid as well as the affordable tuition rate. The program is 60 credit hours long and is divided into two main components: the liberal arts components and the key course component. As part of your major requirements you will examine business principles, marketing principles, hospitality management, fundamental hospitality management principles, technology in the hospitality management industry, ethical hospitality management, leading hospitality management, and much more. All students culminate this degree with either a capstone experience or an internship.

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Approximate Cost for Out-of-State Tuition: $14,054
Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid: 93%

7.) Monroe College

Monroe College is a small private university located in Bronx, New York. There are 6,823 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is 18:1. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits Monroe College to award associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees as well as professional certifications. U.S. News ranks Monroe College as the 30th best online graduate criminal justice program, 140th best online MBA programs, and 180th for best online bachelor’s programs. Additionally U.S. News ranks Monroe College as the most affordable private college in New York State. Monroe College offers a number of career-ready degrees for a wide range of interests including culinary arts, early childhood education, health administration, and hospitality management. Additionally, there are 16 fully online degree offerings that work well for non-traditional learners like the online bachelor’s in hospitality administration, online associate in information technology among others.

Monroe College offers an online associate in hospitality management. We selected this online degree program for the affordable tuition rate and for the high percentage of students receiving financial aid which is 95%. Like with most associate degrees, students are required to complete general education courses in addition to their major. That being said, even their general education requirements are applicable to this career and include a course on business writing, composition, quantitative reasoning, and integrated business applications. We like the wide-range of major courses that include: beverage management, travel and tourism, and introduction to hospitality, restaurant operations, dining room management, and more. This course culminates with a cooperative education seminar.

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Approximate Cost for Out-of-State Tuition:$14,450
Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid: 95%

8.) Arizona Western College

Arizona Western College (AWC) is a public 2-year institution located in Yuma, Arizona. There are 7,569 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 21:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits AWC to award associate’s degrees as well as professional certifications. The Carnegie Association classifies AWC as an Associate’s Mixed Traditional/ Non-Traditional institution.This is apparent in the both the types of degree offerings as well as the accommodating student services that include on-campus day care, placement for graduates, remedial services, employment services and academic/career counseling services. Academic programs range from drama to geology. There are over 30 online degrees and certifications available including in hospitality management, criminal justice,office management and more. We selected Arizona Western College for its academic quality as well as for the affordable online associate degree offerings.

Arizona Western College offers an Associate of Arts in Hotel Restaurant Management. We selected this program the affordable tuition rates as well as for the high percentage of students who receive financial aid. This degree prepares students for leadership roles in the growing hospitality industry. This online degree is divided into three main components: general education requirements, the major, and electives. The major courses have a stronger emphasis on restaurant services, Some of the major courses include: production kitchen, catering-planning production and the dining room, an introduction to hospitality, customer service management, and property management.

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Approximate Cost for Out-of-State Tuition: $9,590
Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid: 86%

9.) Cincinnati State Technical and Community College

Cincinnati State Technical and Community College (Cincinnati State) is a public 2-year institution located in Cincinnati, Ohio. There are 9,056 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Cincinnati State to award associate’s degrees as well as professional certifications. According to Carnegie Cincinnati State offers programming appropriate for both traditional and non-traditional students. Those seeking to transfer from other institutions will be happy to hear that Cincinnati State accepts dual credits, credit for life experiences, as well as advanced placement credits. Academic offerings are robust and include everything from Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture to Visual and Performing Arts. When it comes to online education, Cincinnati State offers 20 fully online degrees and professional certifications including programming in hospitality management, health informatics, civil engineering and more.

Cincinnati State offers an Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Management. We selected this online degree because it’s affordable, and a high percentage of students receive financial aid. The approximate cost for out-of-state tuition is $7,393- over $2,000 below the national average. The curriculum includes general education classes, business classes, and hospitality industry courses. Participants learn about principles of management and principles of microeconomics. Students participate in courses that cover a wide-range of opportunities in the hospitality industry including: food service, food and beverage, rooms, hotels, event meeting and convention management. You will also gain insights into business management specifics through their courses in business law, managerial accounting, leadership, financial accounting, principles of management, and professional practices. For those looking to step into a high-up managerial position, this affordable associate in hospitality management can help you get there.

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Approximate Cost for Out-of-State Tuition: $7,393
Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid: 73%

10.) Central Texas College

Central Texas College (CTC) is a public 2-year institution located in Killeen, Texas. There are 18,117 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1. We selected CTC for its affordable online associate degrees, high quality academics, and for their flexible online options. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits CTC to award 2-year degrees including professional certifications. Academic programming is robust for both traditional and non-traditional students. In fact, the Carnegie Association lists CTC as an Associate’s college with high non-traditional programming and high transfer activity. Traditional students may select programs that range from agriculture to visual arts. When it comes to online options, there are 35 online and affordable associate and certification programs. The most popular programs are in the liberal arts, business, and military sciences.

Central Texas College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Management. We selected this online degree for the affordable tuition rate and for the percentage of students receiving financial assistance. The tuition is nearly $3,000 below the national average! Those who study this program online may choose from a wide range of courses which enhances flexibility- you can essentially tailor your degree to match your professional needs. This 60 credit hour degree is divided into two three main elements: general education courses, hospitality management courses, and an internship. The online courses available include: an introduction to the hospitality industry, sanitation and safety, front office procedures, hospitality legal issues, principles of food and beverage operations, hospitality industry training, dining room services, menu management, hospitality supervision, an introduction to travel and tourism, an introduction to convention and meeting management, and an internship. If you are looking for an affordable online degree that covers the hospitality industry, this is a great option.

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Approximate Cost for Out-of-State Tuition: $6,420
Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid: 65%

The 10 Best Hospitality Management Graduate Certificates Online

Graduate certificate programs are generally good fits for current professionals who don’t have time to return to school for a prolonged period, but who also believe some additional education would help them to move up the career ladder. Graduate certificates in hospitality management are also often offered on just one subset of hospitality management. So if you need graduate level courses in hotel management, but don’t need to learn about bar management, a graduate certificate might be a “better fit” than a full degree program. Graduate certificates often involve taking 3-5 accelerated courses. And often graduate certificates are either entirely online or just require 1-2 in-person meetings. Some of the best hospitality management schools in the world offer graduate certificates in hospitality management related disciplines, and for many of them they are their only online programs. This means that for many hospitality management professionals, one of the most practical ways to attend a world-class hospitality management program is to pursue a graduate certificate.

1.) Cornell University

Cornell University is a private Ivy League research institution located in Ithaca, New York. There are 22,319 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1. Cornell has a land, sea, and space grant and is categorized though Carnegie as having the “highest research activity.” When founded in 1865 Ezra Cornell envisioned “… an institution where any person can find instruction in any study.” Today, the Middle State Commission on Higher Education- a regional accrediting body- accredits Cornell to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as postbaccalaureate certifications. In fact, there are 7 academic undergraduate schools and 7 academic graduate schools that award degrees from a wide-range of fields including: visual arts, social sciences, engineering, liberal arts, and business. U.S. News ranks Cornell as the 14th best school in the nation, and 23rd best school in the world. To accommodate busy professionals, Cornell University opened their online campus- eCornell that provides quality professional certifications 100% online; including in the fields of hospitality, marketing, data science, human resources, among others.

Cornell University offers an online graduate-level certificate in Hospitality Management. We selected this online certification in hospitality management for the high quality of academic programming, and convenient flexible formatting. All courses are just 2 weeks in length and presented 100% online. This is a rigorous program presented by Cornell professors at the SC College of Business- ranked by U.S. News as the 16th best business school in the nation. Let’s take a look at closer look at the course material:

Hospitality Certification Course Content

Understanding Financial Statements- this course provides you with relevant tools necessary when evaluating and examining budget reports, and will help you make sound budget and investment decisions
Building High Performance Teams- learn how to not just “build a team” but also how to create a positive work environment for all.
Services Marketing Planning and Management- learn how customer behavior and data influence marketing and how to create and apply service marketing principles.
Introduction to Hotel Revenue Management- this hotel industry-specific course delves into the value of revenue per available room.
Building Guest Loyalty- focuses on methods to engage customers so that they want to come back-often the heart and soul of your hospitality business.

If you are ready to lead the way in the field of hospitality, a professional certification from Cornell University is hard to beat.

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Duration: 3 Months
Estimated Total Cost: $3,600

2.) Michigan State University

Michigan State University (MSU) is a public land and sea grant research institution located in Lansing, Michigan. There are 50, 340 students enrolled at MSU and the student to faculty ratio is 17:1. Founded in 1855, MSU actually served as the model for land-grant institutions. Today, the Higher Learning Commission accredits MSU to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. U.S. News ranks MSU as the 81st best school in the nation, and 33rd top public school as well as 21st for best online graduate business program, and 31st for best online graduate education program. It has the 11th best agricultural program in the US. Though a land and sea grant institution, MSU offers a vast range of academic programs for all types of interests including degree programs in city and urban planning, history education, journalism, accounting, public health and film studies. Currently MSU offers 19 fully online degree and professional certifications programs for undergraduates and graduates alike including their online master’s in food science, online bachelor’s in nursing, and professional certification in hospitality management.

MSU offers an online graduate certificate in hospitality management. The Management Certificate in the Business of Hospitality Courses is presented through one of the best business schools in the industry- The School of Hospitality and Business. Through the three online courses you will learn how to hone your skills in management and leadership and gain knowledge of financial planning, information systems, human resources, operations, quality services, facilities, food services management and more. Each of the three courses are 8- weeks in length and taught by the same professors on-campus. Let’s take a closer look at their certification courses:

Hospitality Certification Course Content

Hospitality Business Operations- this cross-disciplinary course examines how to operate lodging, clubs gaming events and food and beverage operations. You will learn about marketing, financial planning, and customer relations.
Hospitality Business Management- This course builds on the previous, and gives valuable insights into how you can increase the efficiency and productivity in the workplace. You will also learn about accounting as well as financial analysis.
Hospitality Leadership- in this course you will learn how to create positive interactions with employees and co-workers ensuring your interactions with staff lead to quality outcomes through caring and meaningful interaction.

MSU even offers 2-week mini courses in hospitality management for those who need some more time to “shop around” for the perfect fit.

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Duration: 4 Months
Estimated Total Cost: $3,495

3.) Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University is a public land, sea, and space research university located in College Station, Texas. There are 65,632 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 21:1. Founded in 1876, this was the first public institution in the state of Texas. Today the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Texas A&M to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. U.S. News ranks Texas A&M as the 69th best school in the nation, 43rd best value school, 8th best school for online engineering, and 53rd best school for online graduate education programs. Carnegie classifies Texas A&M as an R1 university with the “highest research activity.” You may have guessed that Texas A&M with such a high number of students enrolled, offers a high number of academic programs. You would be correct. The number of areas covered are massive and include some unique degree offerings you may not find anywhere else including programming in poultry science, molecular genetics, agricultural teacher education, naval architecture, and hydrology. Of course you will also find some of the more common degrees such as those in the disciplines of education, law, health, and engineering. In addition to a vast on-campus program, Texas A&M offers a huge selection of online degrees for both undergraduate and graduate students alike such as their online course in geology, online master’s in statistics, online bachelor’s in public health, and online certification in hospitality management.

Texas A&M offers an online undergraduate certification in hospitality management. We selected this online programs for the high quality academic offering, and flexible formatting. The course is comprehensive in that it examine not only management, marketing, and finance but also contemporary issues like cultural tolerance, and sustainability. Those interested in this certification must already be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program from Texas A&M. This hospitality management certificate (HMC) will help you to understand the ins and outs of tourism. You will learn how to plan, analyze and make decisions for management positions in the hospitality industry.

Hospitality Certification Course Content

Application of Tourism Principles- this online course examines local and international tourism principles, and how to market destinations as well as experiences.
Tourism Marketing- takes a deeper looking into tourism marketing principles across a variety of settings such as businesses social causes and even governments. You will learn how to made decisions regarding products, locations, price and distribution.
Tourism Management- is an in-depth course that examines all managerial concerns relevant to tourism including the history of a place, how to lead individuals, ethics and sustainability, planning operations, and the future of tourism.
Hotel Resort Operations- simply put, this course gives you the full gambit of how to manage a hotel across all major departments such as food and beverage, recreation, sales and marketing, and rooms.
Service Quality for Hospitality Organizations- or SERVQUAL include service strategies, service planning, and delivery to help enhance customer service. This course also focuses on management and training of employees.

If you are searching for a comprehensive undergraduate hospitality management certification, you can’t get better than this.

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Duration: One Year
Estimated Total Cost: $19,041

4.) Temple University

Temple University is a public research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There are 39, 296 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratios is 15:1. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits Temple University to award comprehensive degree programming and professional certificates. In 1884, Temple was founded by a baptist minister though there are no religious affiliations today. According to U.S. News Temple University ranks as the 115th best school in the nation, 12th for online graduate business programs, and 2nd for best online bachelor’s programs. Carnegie classifies Temple University as a research institution with the highest research activity. That certainly reflects in the wide-range of programs available at Temple. Students are fortunate to study the liberal arts, sciences, and mathematics and some of Temple’s unique degree offerings include a master’s degree in musical conducting, ceramic arts, urban studies, forensic chemistry, dispute resolution, occupational therapy, Japanese, and meeting and event planning. Temple Online offers over 20 degrees and professional certifications in myriad of fields like hospitality management, pharmaceutical studies, tourism, and athletic training.

Temple University offers a graduate certificate in destination management. We selected this program for the accelerated format, flexibility, and high academic quality. In just 15 weeks you will have a graduate certification in destination management. All participants have the option to select three out of four available courses- giving you a little bit of freedom to tailor your certification to match your interests. The program is presented by the School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM) which is the largest provided of hospitality education in Philadelphia. For those interested in further study, the 9 credit hours received through this certification do count towards their Master’s of Science in Travel and Tourism. Let’s take a closer look at the 4 courses (of which you choose only 3):

Hospitality Certification Course Content

Destination Marketing and Management- this online course examines issues surrounding destination marketing organizations and convention visitor bureaus. You will learn how to plan tourism ventures in global, community and urban and rural settings. Learn how to develop your product and engage with your primary stakeholders.
Tourism Economics and Policy- in this course you will learn how to collect data to determine the value of resources, analyze tourism and how it related to the private and public sectors of the industry, and unpack policy theories central to the tourism industry.
Sustainable Tourism Development- looks at the three major areas of sustainability in tourism: economics, socio-cultural, and environmental
Crisis, Risk and Disaster Management- walks you through what to do when a crisis affects tourists, and covers crises like terrorism, epidemics, natural disasters, crime, service failure and more.

This in depth accelerated certification course truly prepares you for all issues related to hospitality management.

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Duration: 15 weeks
Estimated Total Cost: $10,341

5.) Colorado Mountain College

Colorado Mountain College is a public 4-year institution located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. There are 5,806 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1. In 1967 CMC was a community college offering 2-year degrees. Today, the Higher Learning Commission accredits Colorado Mountain College (CMC) to award associate’s and bachelor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. CMC offers the full gambit of student support services including remedial support services, academic and career counseling, employment services, and even credit for life experiences. A number of their academic offerings are vocational including robust programming in the field of business, engineering, health, and more. There are a few technical and career ready programs that are less common such as their associate’s degree in photography, culinary arts/ chef training, forest technology, natural resources management, veterinary health, and tourism and travel services management.

Colorado Mountain College offers an undergraduate certificate in hospitality management. We selected this certification program for the quality of academic offerings, and the affordable tuition rate. This 25 credit hour certification will take one year to complete, and is a comprehensive guide that provides a number of career opportunities in the hospitality sector. This certificate may be applied to the 2-year resort management degree. This program is taught completely online and requires 9 courses for completion. Here are the nine courses in more detail:

Hospitality Certification Course Content

Introduction to Hospitality- this introductory course is a great way to gain exposure to the wide variety of careers in the hospitality sector. You will become familiarized with the inner workings of hotels, restaurants, noncommercial food service, travel and tourism, conventions and meetings, clubs and more.
Housekeeping Management- learn the basics of managerial theories nad practices necessary for managing the housekeeping department of a hotel.
Front Office Procedures- in this course you will learn about business flow including booking and billing processes for hotels.
Introduction to Food and Beverage Management- is a course that focues on the important role marketing plays in building customer rapport. Additionally you will learn how to produce food, plan a menu and more.
Basic Hotel and Restaurant Accounting- learn the ins- and outs of computerized accounting as well as taxation, and financial analysis.
Supervision in the Hospitality Industry- in this course you will learn how to manage staff including everything from the recruitment process to teaching time management techniques.
Hotel Sales and Marketing- learn about what makes a successful sale including how to merchandise, plan and cater a positive guest experience.
Food, Beverage and Labor Cost Control- a realistic step-through of what it costs to manage and run a food and beverage business
Work Experience- this is a practicum experience in the hospitality industry.

This is a cost-effective route towards a career advancement in hospitality management.

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Duration: one year
Estimated Total Cost: $11,000

6.) Royal Roads University

Royal Roads University is a Canadian University located in Colwood, British Columbia. Once a military university today Royal Roads is a public university that enrolls 5,300 students. The student to faculty ratio is 12:1, and classes remain small- averaging around 25 students. Graduates of Royal Roads come from all over the world and impact a greater international community. More than 20,000 graduates currently work as leaders in the fields of business, communication, tourism, hospitality and social justice. The academic centers are: Centre for Livelihoods and Ecology, Centre for Teaching and Educational Leadership and Research, and others. Their campus is located in the Hatley Castle- a part of the Hatley Park National Historic Site- a recognized federal heritage building. Royal Roads offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees as well as a number of online bachelor’s and master’s degrees and professional certifications.

Royal Roads University offers an online graduate certificate in tourism management. We selected this program for the high level of flexibility, affordable tuition , and high quality of academics. Participants of this program will be able to tailor their certificate to meet their special interests. No other program offers this level of flexibility. Additionally, you may take the course online, on-campus or blended and take this course either part-time or full-time meaning that you can finish as quickly as 3 months or as slowly as 18 months- work at your own pace. Upon completion you can carry on and complete their online master’s in hospitality management. This online course has a strong focus on sustainability and ethics as they related to global tourism. Students are not required to take all of these courses but let’s take a closer look at what’s available:

Hospitality Certification Course Content

Orientation to Tourism Graduate Studies- tis the only “required” course and steps you through the services available to students, as well as the basics of citation, library access and more.
Trends and Issues in Hospitality- this course focuses on the value of sustainability in the hospitality industry.
Finance For Tourism and Hospitality Management- in this course you will learn how to make sound financial decisions related to hotels, resorts and other forms of international hospitality
Research Methodology- learn about ethics, design and data collection that helps you make sound decisions for your hospitality business.
Strategic Planning for Tourism- learn how to form, implement, and then assess your business strategy while considering the importance of social responsibility in the context of hospitality and tourism
Tourism Leadership- be prepared to reevaluate what you know about “leadership” in this gripping course that teaches innovated frameworks for what it means to be a solid, effective, and compassionate leader.
Global Tourism- learn how to create your global business in a way that is respectful and mindful of global communities
Strategic Tourism Marketing– as the world changes, so along with it does tourism, learn how to strategically navigate your way through this ever-changing market
Sustainable Tourism Management- this course focuses on green tourism planning, and the environmental impacts of tourism as well as how to make ethical managerial decisions. You will examine case studies
Global Tourism- learn how to create your global business in a way that is respectful and mindful of global communities
Ethics in Tourism and Hospitality- furthering on the above course, you will delve deeper into the debates relevant to ethics in the the hospitality and tourism industry
Social Entrepreneurship- learn how to create and endeavor that impace the planet for positive change.

This is a great program for any individual who is concerned with sustainability and green practices in global tourism.

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Duration:3-18 months
Estimated Total Cost:

7.) Southern Cross University

Southern Cross University is a public university located in New South Wales, Australia. There are campuses in Lismore and Coffs Harbour as well as the Gold Coast in Queensland. Southern Cross University currently enrolls 15,967 students. According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings Southern Cross University ranks among the top 100 universities in the Asia-Pacific region, and ranked number one in Australia for student support. The academic offerings are wide-ranging with programming in business , arts and social sciences, law, tourism, and more. Southern Cross University offers degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s level as well as professional certifications. Research degrees also include studies on the indigenous people groups of Australia, geosciences, and plant science among others.

Southern Cross University offers a Graduate Certificate in International Tourism. We selected this program for the affordable tuition rate, quality of academics, and flexible format. Students are required to complete 4 units or 48 credit hours of material. Those who complete this course may select to advance in their career or carry on with their academic studies and complete the Master’s in Tourism and Management. When it comes to flexibility this course allows students to choose three out of four of their courses from a series of electives- allowing each individual the freedom to tailor their studies to match their area of passion. The only course that is required is the core unit in Management Communication which is a course that helps students to create business documents with a focus on written communication and planning. Let’s take a closer look at some of the exciting elective options:

Hospitality Certification Course Content

Tourism Planning Environments- this course defines “tourism environments” and how they influence tourism in terms of policy, planning and more.
Trends and Issues in Hospitality- this course focuses on the value of sustainability in the hospitality industry.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation- learn about myriad entrepreneurial theories that lead to sound business practices and strategies for growth
Tourism and Hospitality Management- learn to think and act like a manager with this course- including thoughtful approaches to management that lead to strong work moral.
International and Tourism Systems- this course unpacks the complex international tourism industry including policy, technology and future issues related to tourism
Contemporary Hotel and Tourism Issues- this class examines a number of factors that influence hotel and tourism in today’s world- including media influence, international transport sectors, crisis, and the emerging visitor market

As you can see, this flexible online course leads to myriad of career paths in the hospitality industry.

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Duration: 1 year
Estimated Total Cost: $12,440

8.) Concordia University

Concordia University is a private university with its main campus located in Austin, Texas and additional campuses located across the United States: Ann Arbor, Chicago, Irvine, Nebraska, Portland, Saint Paul, and Wisconsin. There’s also an online campus. There are approximately 15,000 students enrolled at Concordia and the student to faculty ratio is 13:1 . Each campus is regionally accredited and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Concordia University Texas to award comprehensive degree programs and certifications. U.S. News ranks the Irvine campus as the 41st best school in the region, 22nd best college for veterans, and 36th for best value schools. When it comes to affordable online options, there are 9 degrees and professional certifications offered including a bachelor’s in criminal justice, a master’s in organizational leadership, and hospitality management.

Concordia University offer an online graduate certification in sport and entertainment business. We selected this program for the unique content and as entertainment is certainly apart of the hospitality sector. We also selected this online course for the affordable tuition rate. The certification is intended for any individual who wants to work with athletic companies or in events and entertainment. This 15 credit hour program takes one semester to complete. You will learn about marketing for media and social media and gain familiarity with hospitality and event management. Let’s take a closer look at the course options.

Hospitality Certification Course Content

Global Perspectives of Sport and Entertainment- learn about all issues prevalent in the sport and entertainment business industry.
Contemporary Principles of Hospitality and Event Management- examines the obstacles managers face in local and international events planning.
Integrated Public Relations and Social Media Strategies- how to develop content for public relations and social media that is relevant to the sports management and entertainment industries.
Integrated Marketing and Brand Activation- This course focuses on customer perspectives in relation to brand and methods for leveraging image to strengthen gains
Sponsorship, Sales, and Fundraising Strategies-this experiential course focuses on cause-funding and partnership.
Event Management- learn how to plan events in the sports, entertainment, and hospitality industries

The final course option is an internship.

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Duration: one semester
Estimated Total Cost: $10,485

9.) Plymouth State University

Plymouth State University is a public university located in Plymouth, New Hampshire. There are 5,049 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges accredits Plymouth State to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News Plymouth State University ranks as the 115th best school in the region, and 35th for top public school. When it comes to academics Plymouth State University offers a number of programs in high-need and rising fields like health, business, and education. Additionally there are a number of visual and performing arts programs available including degrees in Art History, Art, Drama, Fine and Studio Arts, Fine Arts, and Music. Currently, there are 6 fully online degree offerings including the online bachelor’s in business management, online master’s in curriculum and instruction, and online certification in hospitality management.

Plymouth State University offers an online undergraduate certificate in hospitality management. We selected this program for the affordable tuition rate, flexibility, and high quality of academic programming. This 18 credit hour program is highly flexible giving students a number electives from which to pick. The elective classes are: cultural anthropology, human geography, foundations of sociology, human dimensions of natural resource management, the rural community: conflict and change, and topics in hospitality and tourism management. Let’s take a closer look at the core courses:

Hospitality Certification Course Content

Introduction to Hospitality Management- This overview course examines a number of sub-sectors in the hospitality industry including lodging, food and beverage, casinos, Timeshare, franchising, meetings and conventions, incentive travel water parks, spas and more.
Lodging Operations Management covers the full gambit of hotel management from the moment a reservation is made to the moment the guest checks out.
Principles of Marketing- learn how to plan and produce cost effective marketing content and the best practices for delivery
Organizational Behavior- everything from group dynamics, leadership, communications, and human resources.

This hospitality management certificat provides a great general overview of hospitality management.

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Duration: one semester
Estimated Total Cost:$9,880

10.) Stephen F. Austin University

Stephen F. Austin State University is a public institution located in Nacagdoches, Texas. There are 12,742 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 20:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits SFASU to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. U.S. News ranks SFASU as the 73rd best university in the West, and 22nd top public school. SFASU supports a diverse student body and is military friendly- welcoming and supporting all branches of the military both veterans and active military. The student support services don’t stop with military personnel and include services for traditional and nontraditional students like placement services for graduates, academic and career counselling. Their academic offerings are varied and include degrees in fields like agriculture, music, and philosophy. With such a range of degrees it’s probably no surprise that SFASU offers a number of online degrees. There are 12 degree programs including a master’s in social work, bachelor’s in human development and family studies, and a graduate certificate in hospitality supervision.

Stephen F. Austin University offers an graduate certificate in Executive Hospitality Supervision. This online program is 15 credit hours in length and takes one year to complete. We selected this online certificate in hospitality management for the quality of academic programming. The course is appropriate for any individual who is looking to advance their career in the hospitality management industry and is unable to complete a full master’s degree. The following courses are part of this certification:

Service Management in Human Sciences
Employee Development Issues in Human Sciences
Consumer Problems
Administration and Supervision in Human Sciences
Human Science Delivery Systems

Stephen F. Austin recommends contacting Dr. Chay Runnels directly for more in depth information and course descriptions. This program did not provide course descriptions.

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Duration: one year
Estimated Total Cost:$21,988

How do I Become a Bar Manager?

Bar Managers (BM)–or those who are responsible for managing the operations of a bar/beverage service or similar hospitality position–are often leaders who can promote and market the establishment, train/manage wait staff, ensure customer satisfaction, manage inventory, maintain quality assurance, and handle licensing/regulations. Currently, BM opportunities are extensive and can be found in nearly every hospitality-based organization of any size or scale, whether public or private. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Food Service Management (which includes Bar Management) jobs are estimated to grow 5% by 2024. As the need for hospitality services has accelerated and entertainment has become a mainstay of any consumer’s budget, organizations as far-ranging as lodging, hospitality, event coordination, and food service have massive needs in the field of Bar Management.

Bar Managers often handle interpersonal issues among staff, deal with suppliers/distributors directly, craftthe drink list/menu, and maintain safety/cleanliness standards. BMs should be able to perform menial labor (e.g. heavy lifting, cleaning, etc.), work flexible hours (e.g. nights, weekends, and even holidays), work with/manage a diverse team, and understand the basics of cost/revenue management. BM positions often require quick thinkers who are very efficient with their time and don’t crumble under pressure.

How much does a Bar Manager make?

The average salary for a Bar Manager can vary pretty widely in accordance with location, experience level, and exact job requirements. The lowest salary reported by PayScale was $26,584, while the highest was $53,381, leading to an average salary of $39,983. This variance is largely due to seniority and skil lset, with those with a job description of Assistant Bar Manager garnering between $20,000 -$50,000. Those with Bar Manager in their titles made well over $30,000 a year on average. Unfortunately, salaries for Bar Management are not stellar, but there is opportunity for profit-sharing, tips, and sometimes a flexible work schedule (less than 40 hours/week, days/nights only, etc.). Additionally, there is opportunity in the industry without needing an expensive degree (although it will help).

The Professional Route

The minimum educational requirement for Bar Management is a high school diploma, which means you can enter the industry without first investing in an expensive education. Of course, this also means that you will start at the bottom rung of the ladder and will need to work your way up over several years to achieve the role of Bar Manager. Typically, Bar Manager positions require 1-5 years of experience, so without a relevant educational degree, you will need to earn the experience through relevant employment. Often, you start as a “bar-back”/”runner” who is essentially the bartender’s assistant and responsible for bar cleanliness, stocking the basics, bussing tables, and other menial tasks. Under their tutelage, you eventually replace or work alongside the bartender. Once a bartender, you learn the ins-and-outs of patron management, inventory needs, staff management, and menu-making. Finally, after years as a bartender, you have usually learned the financial and other advanced aspects of a bar and can now be promoted to Bar Manager. For more detail on how to enter the field without experience, check out our post HOW TO BECOME A BARTENDER WITH NO EXPERIENCE.

The Higher Education Route

If you really want to set yourself apart and improve your hiring chances, bachelor’s-level work in Hospitality, Food/Beverage, or Bar Management is a minimum requirement.Often, holding a relevant degree will count toward the required years of experience you see on a job posting. In general, a degree in hospitality services is enough to satisfy the position’s requirements because a good program will teach the basics of finance. It seems that most of the basic, job-specific skills can be learned on-the-job, but the advanced business and analytical skills should be learned through an accredited program. It’s easy for a bar’s hiring manager to know if you have good communication skills during the interview, but it is less clear that you know how to account for supply chain costs. This is where a degree or certificate from a specialized program will lend you credibility.

In conclusion, a Hospitality Management degree in general will benefit you greatly when applying for the role of Bar Manager. There are also specific Bar Management degrees, such as those listed in our ranking of:

The Entrepreneurial Route

Finally, let’s say you are mid-career, cannot commit to a full-length Hospitality program, want to leverage some of your previous educational background, or do not want to start at the bottom of the totem pole. In one of these situations, it may benefit you to simply round out the knowledge you are missing with minimal educational coursework. This route is for someone who perhaps has the business expertise, but not the industry experience, or vice versa. For example, you might be a bartender who seriously lacks accounting/finance skills or a financial analyst who can’t even make a Mimosa. Many Hospitality programs offer electives or special coursework specific to Bar Management, so you could focus on these courses. Otherwise, there are many online course options that are very affordable and take a minimal amount of time to complete. Obviously, this option is not a great substitute for a legitimate degree program or industry experience, but it can give you the edge to land a low-level position. If you are interested in some of the courses available, check out our post A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO ONLINE HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT COURSES.

How do I Become a Sommelier?

Maybe you already have a job in the hospitality industry and want a change or perhaps becoming a sommelier has been a fascination of yours since binge watching the docu-series “Somm”. Either way, it seems like becoming a sommelier—the person whose job is to manage the wine cellar of a restaurant, and select wine based on guests’ taste preferences, dish, occasion, and budget—is your dream. But where do you start?

Although you do not need a diplomato become a sommelier, getting certified will certainly improve your chances and give you a competitive edge as a beverage professional in a restaurant setting. You may want to start working directly in the hospitality industry and learn the trades by working the floor, but it is not easy to get a job as a sommelier without any prior experience.

Becoming a Sommelier: Educational Options

Earning a Sommelier Diploma Program ensures your potential employer a certain aptitude level in not only wine proficiency, but also in salesmanship. In other words, earning a certification in the field is a better resume builder. Notably, sommelier training
is not limited to the study of wine and may include sake, tequila, and even water!Thankfully, there are many different options available to consider in order to become certified, and continuing education is recommended to keep up with the wine trends. Here are some of popular avenues you may want to explore that offer accredited wine education courses:

Culinary schools ( Le Cordon Bleu, The Culinary Institute of America, The Institute of Culinary Education, among others)
- See our top ranked culinary schools here.
Professional organizations (Institute of Masters of Wine and Court of Masters Sommeliers are some examples)
Colleges, particularly hospitality or restaurant management programs
- You might want to check some of the best programs here

Curriculum:

Generally, a diploma will equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the wine and spirits industry. You’ll learn to recognize, identify, and describe wines like an expert. You will acquire the highest professional standards from seasoned pros by reviewing the world of wines and spirits, proper wine servicing, and deductive tasting. You’ll develop a thorough understanding of the magic of wine pairing, but also skills in beverage business management. Among the perks, some programs may include an internship in a wine-related business and offer career placement as well. More specifically, you will tour the world’s important growing regions and study enology; viticulture; grape varieties; tasting; food pairing; decanting; presentation; and much more depending on program difficulty level, type, and specialization. Jack Mason, a Master Sommelier who works in NYC, mentions that earning professional credentials has “added another dimension of validity” to his career and opened many exciting professional opportunities.

Programs can vary greatly and range from initiation through to expert level. For instance, some professional organisations offer intensive crash courses where you’ll learn the ABCs of wine, while other notorious programs–like the one by Court of Masters Sommeliers–take years to complete and offer the highest standards in the industry that only a mere 8% of individuals can attain. Depending on personal goals, aspiring sommeliers might consider getting an associate’s degree in wine technology, a wine management diploma, or a culinary arts program with a sommelier specialization. In these programs, you will learn food and wine pairing of course, wine tasting, wine analysis, the art of decanting, and presentation while other topics of discussion may include management, marketing, and sales.

Main skills/qualities required to work as a sommelier

Sommelier is no doubt a position that requires highly-skilled and talented professionals but more specifically, those wanting to enter the field must possess a certain skill set:

People skills is an essential trait a candidate must possess,such as being courteous and attentive
Communication is key to maintain good rapport with wine makers, executive chefs, other waitstaff, as well as with clients
A great palate and excellent sense of smell are also necessary to fully appreciate the aromas that the grand crus have to offer in order to better describe them to the customers
Being perceptive is yet another important quality inherent to a good sommelier. Indeed, a sommelier is encouraged to make suggestions about a wine selection but never push them on its patrons
Finally, like all jobs in the world of hospitality, one has to be willing to work nights, weekends, and holidays, and be physically in shape to work long hours

Potential Careers as a sommelier

Wine Salesperson
Wine Distributor Salesperson
General Manager
Marketing/Account Director in a wine related business
Sensory Analyst or Wine Analyst
Wine Director of Education and Programming for large retail, restaurant, or hotel chain
Wine Program Manager in Media or Marketing
International Wine Business Director
Wine Educator

Wine Writer, Wine Consultant, Wine Tourism Specialist, and Wine bar Manager (HOW TO BECOME A BAR MANAGER?) are other less conventional options you may want to pursue instead.

How much does a sommelier earn?

According to a recent poll by PayDay One, sommeliers can make anywhere from $80,000 to $160,000 a year. Of course, not all sommeliers earn that kind of money;
only master and advanced sommeliers bring home sizeable paychecks, while the average sommelier makes about $50,000. Not too shabby to be able to work with wine all day!

What to look for when deciding on a workplace?

Here are some questions you may ask yourself when looking for employment:

Do they offer to pay for basic wine certifications / continuing education?
Do they offer any incentives for selling more wine (e.g. commission)?
How often do they change their selection of wine by the glass?

Sommelier duties and daily activities

The sommelier divides its time between the cellar and the dining room. As a wine expert, he has to possess extensive knowledge on the overall winemaking processes in order to best answer client’s expectations and any special requests they may have. Responsibilities include crafting wine lists that fit a particular establishment, the food they serve, their clientele, and their price point. Common duties also include wine purchases, stock management, cost management, and conducting wine training.

Additionally, lets not forget that aside from the food and wine pairing, another major role of the sommelier is to actually sell wine to patrons. This is why most programs include courses in business marketing and management as well.

Finally, to keep up with the changes in the industry, you can be expected to attend formal wine tastings, trade fairs, and wine shows. Each year brings with it a new vint with new tastes, and a good sommelier will keep up with the trends. Fortunately, this means traveling opportunities to the greatest wine countries in the world.

10 Must-Read Books on Hospitality Management

Whether you’re an experienced hospitality professional, an aspiring hospitality worker, or are earning a degree hospitality management, it always helps to stay up-to-date on the latest trends, strategies, and insights in the industry. Over the past few decades, as the hospitality business has increased its international presence and refined its operations, several stellar books have been published that cover some of these changes: from specialized handbooks on digital marketing strategy and e-commerce tourism, to personal memoirs, how-to guides, and breakdowns of the hospitality industry in general. Below, we’ve selected ten of the best books on hospitality management, with an eye diverse titles and areas of expertise. Check it out to find the right book for you!

Be Our Guest: Perfecting the Art of Customer Service, by Theodore Kinni

Leave it to Disney, the publisher of Be Our Guest, to distill the finer points of customer service and hospitality in clear, practical language for current and aspiring professionals in the field. Written by Theodore Kinni, the book’s key theme is exceeding expectations: know what your customer wants, and then double down. Customer service is the art, or in Disney parlance, the magic, of delivering something that is above and beyond the standard, creating an experience that is both unique and memorable. Mere satisfaction doesn’t develop brand loyalty – for that, you need something much more rare, but definitively superior. Needless to say, the book can be applied to any business practices, and Kinni has written or edited twenty books on various business topics: sales, marketing, and leadership, among them. But hospitality management is the target audience here, and industry professionals would do well to heed the advice.

Rating: 4.6 stars
Price: $11.99

Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business, by Danny Meyer

In the event you’re unfamiliar, Danny Meyer is worth listening to. In Setting the Table, the award-winning restauranteur of such successful New York hotspots as Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern, and Shake Shack gives hospitality professionals and businesspeople in general an inside look at how he managed to build an empire in one of the most competitive industries and cities in the world. Namely, the book explains Meyer’s philosophy of “Enlightened Hospitality,” which emphasizes strong in-house relationships and high-quality customer service. Hospitality is like any other business: the product reflects the producers, and if your employees are unsatisfied, your customers will be too. Through personal anecdotes, lessons, and advice drawn from over thirty years of hospitality experience, this bestseller offers a clear roadmap to success for any business or organization.

Rating: 4.5 stars
Price: $11.89

The New Gold Standard: 5 Leadership Principles for Creating a Legendary Customer Experience Courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, by Joseph Michelli

The Ritz Carlton is synonymous with world-class hospitality, perhaps more than any other brand in the world. In The New Gold Standard, bestselling-author Joseph Michelli outlines the Ritz’s singular approach to the hospitality business and the way to replicate it in your own business: understanding what the customer needs; understanding what employees need; how to exceed customer expectations; and how to develop a state-of-the-art employee training program. With behind-the-scenes access, practical how-to advice, and a clear implementation plan, The New Gold Standard offers hospitality managers and professionals a highly readable guide that’s full of nuanced insights and tips to help your organization reach the level of the Ritz.

Rating: 4.5 stars
Price: $15.31

The Heart of Hospitality: Great Hotel and Restaurant Leaders Share Their Secrets, by by Micah Solomon

Speaking of the Ritz, Company President and COO Herve Humler pens this praise in the forward to The Heart of Hospitality: “If you want to create and sustain a level of service so memorable that it becomes an unbeatable competitive advantage, you’ll find the secrets here.” Authored by Forbes.com contributor Micah Solomon, this book includes advice from some of the hospitality industry’s leading executives and business professionals: Virgin Hotels CEO Raul Leal; Craft Restaurants’ Top Chef Tom Colicchio; Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts Chairman Isadore Sharp; Union Square Hospitality Group CEO Danny Meyer; Le Bernardin Chef Eric Ripert; and Restaurateur Traci Des Jardins, among others. For a book of its length, just under 200 pages, you’re unlikely to find a more compelling, useful handbook to successful hospitality management and customer service — a must-have for hospitality workers at every level.

Rating: 4.8 stars
Price: $22.95

The Cornell School of Hotel Administration on Hospitality: Cutting Edge Thinking and Practice, edited by Michael C. Sturman, Jack B. Corgel, and Rohit Verma

Good luck finding a more comprehensive book on the hospitality industry: Cornell’s authorative tome comes in at 2 pounds and 500 pages. For the serious hospitality professional, especially managers and executives, this is the Bible of hospitality theory and practice; master’s candidates in Hospitality Management would do well to study it, too. In particular, the book covers: how to develop and manage a successful career in the multinational hospitality industry; how to maximize profits from franchise agreements, management contracts, and leases; understanding and predicting customer needs; motivating staff to provide superior customer service; managing hospitality real estate assets; and controlling costs and directing brand strategy. Founded in 1922, Cornell’s School Of Hotel Administration is widely considered to offer the best hospitality program in the world.

Rating: 4.4 stars
Price: $28.63

Hospitality Marketing Management, by Robert D. Reid and David C. Bojanic

Now in its 5th edition, Hospitality Marketing Management is the definitive guide to marketing campaigns in the hospitality business. The premise is simple enough: as with every other industry, innovation and technological advances have revolutionized the traditional business model for hospitality. In order to survive a global economy, hospitality managers and executives need to learn essential new marketing skills designed to target new customers, build brand loyalty among previous customers, and develop new revenue streams. Specifically, the book covers service and customer satisfaction in hospitality; promotion, advertising, and pricing strategies; tourism and destination marketing; internet marketing for hospitality; and consumer behavior, market segmentation, and positioning. As with the previous recommendation, this one is a biggie, tallying 670 pages, but as a general resource, it’s one of the best in its class.

Rating: 4.5 stars
Price: $18.99

Marketing for Hospitality and Tourism, by Philip T. Kotler, John T. Bowen, and James Makens

If you’re looking for an even more thorough guide than the above, Marketing for Hospitality and Tourism is another excellent resource book for hospitality professionals interested in marketing (and if we’re keeping score, this one has reached its 6th edition). Authored by three bestselling authors and experts in hospitality, the primary focus is on hotel marketing, offering real-world case studies, helpful application examples, practice exercises, and more to help students and professionals alike tackle the biggest challenges facing the global hospitality industry. Sixth edition features include social media coverage, current industry trends, and new hands-on assignments.

Rating: 4.1 stars
Price: $21.89

Hospitality Management: People Skills and Manners on and off the Job, by Lyn Pont

President and Founder of Manners for Business, Inc., Lyn Pont holds a PhD in Leadership and works as a motivational public speaker and educator. In Hospitality Management, she covers the essentials that hospitality executives, students, and new hires alike could all stand to remember: customer service, relationships, personal image and brand identity, integrity, communications, etiquette (team, dining, digital, and global) and much more. Contrary to some of the more technical manuals, this book emphasizes a return to hospitality basics, which ultimately comes down to the question of how we treat each other. In that regard, despite its title, the book applies to general readers and business professionals of all backgrounds. With endorsements from executives at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and American Airlines, Hospitality Management reminds us that good business and good manners go hand in hand.

Rating: 4.2 stars
Price: $21.95

Hospitality Strategic Management: Concepts and Cases, by Cathy A. Enz

Hospitality Strategic Management, now in its 2nd edition, is another highly useful, Swiss Army Knife of a hospitality book: equal parts textbook, resource guide, technical manual, and practice tool. Here you’ll find in-depth discussions on innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, ethics, and franchising within the international hospitality industry, as well eight complete case studies that range from cruise and airlines, to lodging, gaming, food and beverage, and tourism e-commerce. Concluding each of the ten chapters, Enz features a helpful key points summary as well as review questions and critical thinking and application questions for further study.

Rating: 4.6 stars
Price: $19.44

Introduction to Revenue Management for the Hospitality Industry: Principles and Practices for the Real World, by Kimberly A. Tranter, Trevor Stuart-Hill, and Juston Parker

One of the more modestly-sized academic treatments of hospitality on our list, Revenue Management for the Hospitality Industry bills itself as a one-of-a-kind book, mapping the basics of hospitality revenue management process as well as strategies to effective planning, including development, implementation, and evaluation. In addition to highlighting revenue manager skills, the book also provides a unique history of the field, followed by chapters on customer knowledge and consumer behavior, market segmentation and selection, internal assessment and competitive analysis, economic principles and demand forecasting, dynamic value-based pricing, and the revenue management team, among others. Readable, informative, and compelling, the book should serve as an important resource for the developing field.

Rating: 4.6 stars
Price: $55.78

How to Craft a Hospitality Management Resume

So you’ve decided to pursue a career in hospitality management. Congrats! Now on to more pressing questions – namely, how do you get a hospitality job? A solid resume is a start, but hospitality resumes are different than most other professional resumes, whether you’ve had experience in hospitality or not. Check out these tips to creating a great hospitality management resume below!

Emphasize Specific Skills, Experience, and Accomplishments

While the end result may seem otherwise, hospitality is a no-frills industry: credentials and degrees are nice, but at the end of the day, all that matters is that you’re able to get the job done – well. To that point, hospitality professionals want to hire people with a well-proven track record.

If you’ve worked in the industry before, that means enumerating (and then elaborating upon) specific skills, experience, and accomplishments. Because hospitality roles vary depending on the job, there’s no easy way to measure individual titles: for instance, “hotel manager” doesn’t necessarily mean the same thing to one employer as it does to another; a group sales coordinator at a boutique hotel has (potentially) much different responsibilities than a group sales coordinator at a corporate hotel chain. Of course, some of this is common sense and applies to most jobs. But it’s especially germane to the hospitality industry, where jobs are highly competitive and a premium is placed on the “right fit.” It’s not enough to check all the boxes; job candidates need resumes that pop. A few points worth noting while you’re putting everything together:

The best resumes combine efficient job descriptions with tangible metrics. Are there specific numbers you can use to highlight your accomplishments? For jobs in sales and marketing this is straightforward, but other roles are just as quantifiable. If you’re a bartender or on the kitchen staff, how many customers do you typically serve a night? What’s the monthly revenue at your restaurant or bar? Questions like these give potential employers a sense of scale and traffic. In some cases your job title or place of work might speak for itself: your brand does your work for you. But most of the time, especially early in your career, your resume will have to do the heavy-lifting. To ensure it clearly relays your best work, include numbers when possible.
Don’t stress if you have zero experience in hospitality. Plenty of hospitality workers come from backgrounds other than hospitality; that’s no reason to send your resume to the trash bin. Again: emphasize relevant skills and experience that are applicable to hospitality. If you’re applying for a “client-facing” position – for instance, as a tour guide or event planner – highlight specific prior experience that required face-to-face interaction; even if you don’t meed the exact specs or technical needs, show that you’re qualified in other relevant areas (maybe you even bring a unique perspective to the job). In most cases, employers expect some requisite on-the-job training. Don’t let a relative inexperience keep you from chasing your ideal hospitality job. You’re not the only one.

Emphasize Intangibles and Soft Skills

Needless to say, hospitality workers should be hospitable! Easier said than done under some circumstances – demanding guests, impatient diners, et al – but hospitality workers have to be able to weather the storm. What’s true for theme park work is true for most of the hospitality industry: the show never stops. A few “soft” skills worth highlighting on your hospitality resume:

Hospitality management prizes flexibility. Whether you work in restaurants, hotels, event planning, or elsewhere, no work day is ever the same. Sure, there are day-to-day responsibilities, but those can change on a dime: a crisis pops up, and you’ve got to able to manage it in a timely, productive manner. And flexibility applies to all aspects of the job: the ideal resume demonstrates that you have multiple transferrable skill sets, are able to multitask when necessary, and can fill in (and step up) when problems inevitably surface. Better yet, your resume emphasizes a flexible schedule: hospitality hours are different than typical 9-5 jobs, and employers will want to know that you’re willing and able to work after-hours, weekends, and some holidays.
Communication is key. Of all those unteachable skills hospitality workers need, communication is perhaps the most important. Written communication is important for any job, but verbal skills are absolutely critical in hospitality: can you act as the go-between for hotel guests and staff? Can you direct business-to-consumer and business-to-business marketing?Regardless of role or job description, every hospitality position requires excellent communication skills, and your resume needs to show competency at bare minimum – but get creative! Which leads to the next point.
Intangibles and soft skills should be seamlessly integrates into the body of your hospitality resume. It’s one thing simply to list skills; anyone can copy and paste keywords from a job post. What’s far more effective is to integrate those skills throughout the resume. Whenever possible, double up on soft and skills in each resume point. If you’re highlighting sales numbers, highlight your skills as a leader, communicator, and team player as well. The challenge for every resume is space. Don’t waste it on a few rote lines about soft skills when you can incorporate that into the body of your resume – and be able to offer support evidence.

Hospitality Resume Templates and Examples

The internet is chock full of resources for hospitality resumes.

LiveCareer offers professionally-written, free resume examples for several hospitality roles, including resumes for front desk clerks, guest service reps, housekeepers, room attendants, and night auditors, as well resume writing tips for hospitality professionals.
The Balance offers over a dozen hospitality resume samples for full- and part-time roles in multiple fields: hotels and resorts, restaurants, front-of-house services, and more.
For restaurant workers, Monster hosts an extensive resume library, with samples for both front-of-house and kitchen staff jobs.
Finally, the folks at Damn Good live up to their brand, with damn good hospitality resumes for over a dozen roles, including casino dealers, hotel management trainees, special event coordinators, and more.