Strengths that thrive in Hospitality & Tourism
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Industry Guide
-13.4% YoYHospitality & Tourism Careers for Young People
Hospitality and tourism is about welcoming people and creating good experiences in hotels, restaurants, cafes, attractions, travel, events and venues. Roles can be customer-facing, practical, operational, creative or management-focused.
Hospitality and tourism is about welcoming people and creating good experiences in hotels, restaurants, cafes, attractions, travel, events and venues. Roles can be customer-facing, practical, operational, creative or management-focused.
Bonus strengths
Extra strengths that give you an edge in Hospitality & Tourism.
Light-BringerOptimistForgiver
Who works in this industry
Women52%
Women52%
Men49%
1.5pp from a 50/50 balanceNear parity
Growth and hiring
-13.4% vacancies year on year77k recent vacancies
Vacancies appear to be lower year on year (around -13.4%). That is roughly 12k fewer vacancies than the comparison period. The latest vacancy estimate is still about 77k. A dip does not mean there are no jobs — it usually means being more targeted about applications, training and local opportunities.
Opportunities & challenges
Opportunities
- Opportunities include hotels
- restaurants
- cafes
- attractions
- travel
- events
- guest services
- operations and management pathways. It can be a strong place to build confidence with people.
Challenges to navigate
- Things to be aware of: hours can include evenings
- weekends and busy seasons
- and customers can be demanding. The experience can build confidence
- resilience and people skills quickly.
Traits employers value
Customer FocusCommunicationOrganisationAdaptabilityHelpful skills include helping customersflexibilitycultural awarenesscommunication and adaptability. You do not need to be perfect at all of them straight away — these are strengths you can build through projectsvolunteeringpart-time workcoursesapprenticeships or simply practising.
What the work feels like
🤝 Helping people or providing a service🌍 Working outdoors or with animals🚀 Being in a fast-paced energetic environment
How to get started
Interview tips
- Show energy
- friendliness and calm customer service. Prepare an example of helping someone
- handling a busy moment or solving a small problem. Mention flexibility around shifts if you can offer it. Employers will value warmth
- teamwork
- reliability and an interest in creating a good guest experience.
Role types in Hospitality & Tourism
Hospitality & tourism: creating experiences, welcoming the world
Hospitality and tourism are about making people feel welcome—whether in hotels, restaurants, travel, or events. This industry is perfect for young people who love working with others, enjoy fast-paced environments, and want to create memorable experiences.
What Kind of People Thrive Here?
Hospitality and tourism are ideal for friendly, energetic, and service-minded individuals who love creating memorable experiences. People who thrive here are natural hosts, great communicators, and quick thinkers—whether welcoming guests, organising events, or sharing local knowledge. If you enjoy working with people from all backgrounds, adapting to new situations, or making someone’s day, you’ll fit right in. The sector values teamwork, attention to detail, and a passion for making every guest feel special.
- Friendly Hosts: Enjoy meeting new people and helping guests feel at home.
- Team Players: Hospitality relies on everyone—from chefs to front desk staff—working together.
- Energetic Workers: Like being active, busy, and on your feet.
- Organised Planners: Many roles involve managing bookings, events, or schedules.
Hospitality & Tourism: Key Insights
- Growth Potential: The sector is always hiring, with new roles in events, travel, and luxury services. There’s strong demand for chefs, servers, hotel staff, event planners, and tour guides.
- Opportunities in Essex, Hertfordshire, and Suffolk (E/H/S): Hotels, restaurants, attractions, and travel companies in these regions regularly hire young people for a range of roles.
- Earning Potential: Entry-level hospitality and tourism roles start at £18,000–£22,000, with experienced managers, event planners, and travel consultants earning £25,000–£40,000+.
How to Start Your Hospitality & Tourism Career
Not sure where to begin? Try our career discovery to find hospitality and tourism roles that fit you, or browse our job board for entry-level jobs in Essex, Hertfordshire, and Suffolk. Many roles offer on-the-job training and flexible hours.
Explore More About Hospitality & Tourism
- Emerging Trends: Learn about sustainable tourism, digital bookings, and experiential travel.
- Skills Needed: Find out which customer service and organisational skills are valued.
- Roles & Career Paths: Explore jobs from chef to travel consultant.
- Interview Prep: Get advice tailored to hospitality and tourism job interviews.
- Expert Insights: Hear from chefs, hotel managers, and tourism leaders.
- Tools & Resources: Access guides and links to help you get started.
FAQs
What jobs are available for young people in hospitality and tourism?
Server, hotel receptionist, event planner, chef, tour guide, travel consultant, and more.
Do I need a degree to work in hospitality and tourism?
Not always—many roles are open to school leavers and offer training.
What skills help you succeed in hospitality and tourism careers?
Customer service, teamwork, organisation, and resilience.
Are there entry-level hospitality and tourism jobs in Essex, Hertfordshire, or Suffolk?
Yes—local hotels, restaurants, and attractions regularly hire young people.
If you want a career that’s dynamic, people-focused, and creates unforgettable experiences, hospitality and tourism could be your perfect fit. Whether you love welcoming guests, organising events, or exploring new places, there’s a place for you to thrive. Ready to make every moment special? Explore your potential in hospitality and tourism today!
Source: https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/datasets/employmentbyindustryemp13 (Jul–Sep 2025)