CGC Ebook 5.0

Hotels

Sector Outlook A career in hotels could see you working in some of the world’s most prestigious establishments, visit exotic locations and offers rewarding challenges to entrants. From boutique proper ties to country spa hotels the industry has a plethora of choice and locations to suit tastes. However the sector has had been significantly impacted by the pandemic with some estimates of 33% reduction in labour from an original work force of over 500,000 people . With inbound tourism and business travel at an all time low the industry has felt the brunt of the pandemic . London ha d the highest occupancy rates in the UK at 82% but one PwC estimate puts it at 55% for 2021 with the regions being slightly higher at 59%. Reports for the UK expect higher occupancy in Scotland, South West, North West and Wales giving the regions and a better summer and opportunities returning to what was a buoyant industry. With staff returning from furlough and the UK desperate to go on holiday, we can expect a return to good days for the sector but growth will take time, with forecasts expecting things to be back to normal by 2023. The sector offers a range of careers from entry level jobs to graduate oppor tunities. You could get experience through a work taster, internship, picking up a par t time role, enter an apprenticeship or star t on a graduate programme. The industry needs driven individuals, outgoing personalities, communicators and those who can adapt to the day to day challenges of the work. Getting qualified in hospitality management, accounting, marketing, catering, business management, customer service or in administration will ensure you have the relevant technical knowledge needed for the variety of depar tments. Job oppor tunities exist on specialist career sites such as www. jobsinhotels.co.uk, with recruitment agencies and directly with hotel chains such as Marriott, Travelodge, Hilton, MacDonald, Ramada, Premier Inn and others.