The hospitality and leisure industry is broad and covers a variety of different businesses because it primarily deals in customer satisfaction and leisure. The hospitality industry covers lodging, event planning, theme parks, transportation, cruise lines and so much more.
In the broad industry of hospitality and leisure, there are four primary areas, which include:
Food and Beverages
According to the BLS, the food and beverage industry is growing at a 14 percent rate, which is faster than the average industry. The median salary in the food and beverage industry is about $20,410. Currently there are more than 5 million Americans employed in this area of hospitality.
The food and beverage industry is primarily the area that prepares meals, snacks and beverages made for immediate consumption.
Travel and Tourism
This is a part of the hospitality industry thatis an important part of the profession. This industry area is about getting travelers from point A to point B as needed. This means buses, cabs, Uber, Lyft, planes, sea travel and train.
Lodging
This is the major area of the hospitality industry. Hotels, motels and resorts are the all-inclusive part of hospitality. From rooms, amenities such as food and beverage, event planning and more. Hotels, motels and resorts go well beyond just providing travelers a place to sleep.
Recreation
It might surprise some to realize that a big part of the hospitality industry revolves around the entertainment aspect. This area includes any business that provides rest, relaxation and enjoyment. Think about an amusement park. The resorts that also offer spas, which is all about improving the customer’s body, mind and spirit. The general entertainment attractions such as theaters, movie theaters and other sources of entertainment.
In 2018, it is estimated that more than 14 million Americans worked in the hospitality and leisure industry, and those numbers are expected to continue to grow in 2019.