Hospitality &
Tourism
Hospitality and tourism encompass the management, marketing, and operations of restaurants and other food services, lodging, attractions, recreation events and travel related services. Jobs in this career cluster include travel agents who help people plan their ideal vacation, and chefs and bakers who prepare their own culinary masterpieces. Competition in this field is fierce. Employment of meeting, convention, and event planners is expected to grow rapidly as companies become increasingly widespread and are looking for opportunities to bring their employees together. Job seekers with a college degree in hospitality management or administration will have the best prospects. Virginia tourism generated approximately $21.5 billion in revenue and supported
213,000 jobs in 2013.
Chef
Event Planning
Community Management
Career
Spotlight
Do you have a passion for people?
Would you like a career involving travel, food or event planning?
What It Takes:
A positive attitude and a desire to help others
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment
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Multi-tasking and organization skills with attention to detail
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planner
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Event planning is more than good food, pretty decor and entertainment, and a full guest list. An event planner creates, organizes, and supervises each element of an event, convention, or meeting. The responsibility to confirm and coordinate every last detail falls on the event planner. While movies might depict the event planner at an event in full control and troubleshooting problems, the reality is that the majority of the work is done months beforehand. This career offers a creative, organized, and
multitasking individual an exciting and always unique opportunity. This field is expected to grow 33% in the next five years.
General tasks could include:
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Plan, design, and produce events while managing all project delivery elements within time limits
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Conduct market research, gather information, and negotiate contracts prior to closing any deals
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Organize facilities and manage all event details
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Provide coordination for catering, entertainment, transportation, location, special guests & promotional materials
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Ensure compliance with insurance, legal, health and safety obligations
Career Pathways
Middle School
High School
Technical
Center
Community
College
Traditional
College
Graduate
School
Bakers
Concierges
Restaurant Cooks
Bartenders
Travel Agents
Food Service Manager
Chefs & Head Cooks
Meeting & Event Planners
Lodging Managers
Average Salary
$29,165
Average Salary
$39,025
Average Salary
$42,745
Average Salary
$66,590
