Features: Hospitality industry: An expert view

Sourced by Rachel Shepherd, Editor, Graduate Prospects, February 2013

Arie van der Spek, senior vice president of Laureate Hospitality Education Worldwide, explains more about the opportunities available within the UK's fifth-largest industry

The second largest employer after government, the hospitality industry continues to grow at a rapid rate despite the tough economic climate. In terms of expected growth, the UK is in fact leading the way for Western Europe. In 2012, 8,000 new hotel rooms opened in London alone and a further 5,000 are forecast to open in 2013.

As one of the most important financial and business centres in the world, London is a hospitality hub, offering some of the very best examples in terms of service and luxury accommodation. There are 54 Michelin-starred restaurants in the capital and 1,600 hotels in central London alone.

According to the World Trade and Tourism Council, over the next ten years the industry’s total contribution to global UK GDP is expected to rise by 4% per year, which translates to approximately 69 million new jobs over the same period. This continued growth in the market has naturally increased demand from recruiters for the relevant skill set.

From areas such as general management and event management to specific roles such as industry analysts, the hospitality industry has something to suit all skills.

Growth areas

In the hospitality industry, more specialised knowledge is needed on topics such as technology, financial management, social media, health and safety requirements and sustainability.

Technology is an important area within the industry. Online booking and the growth of social media have changed the relationship between the customer and the provider. Today, people are better informed and have real customer awareness. Customers are technology experts - they want easy access to information about hotels, destinations, and airlines through a range of digital platforms.

Hospitality companies have to invest in technology in order to stay competitive and to control their business and their brand, and students need to know the market and the importance of staying ahead of the trends.

Skills

The hospitality industry attracts ambitious, career-minded people with a passion for the hospitality and service industry.

Our students love to travel and thrive living and working in a multicultural and international environment. They enjoy working with others, being part of a fast-paced team environment, have already developed a mature and professional attitude towards work and want to succeed. They are hard workers, flexible and business-minded.

Glion Institute of Higher Education

Rated one of the top institutes in the world for an international career in hospitality, Glion opens its first branch campus in London in August 2013. With 78% of students going on to be managers, general managers or directors in their career, Glion London aims to satisfy growing demand from the industry, while eliminating existing skills shortages.