With daily routines often feeling monotonous and lacking inspiration, the thought of making a meaningful change becomes more prominent. There are more than 700,000 hotels worldwide, so why limit yourself to working in your home country? Welcome to the world of destination hotels, a thriving and enticing sector that offers a wide range of career opportunities for people who want to take their hospitality career somewhere new.
Whether nestled in the mountains, perched on the shores of tropical beaches or in bustling urban centers, these hotels promise a change of scenery and a chance to escape the mundane and start a new life. Join us as we explore destination hotel career options.
What is it like to work at a destination hotel?
As well as all the general positive reasons to work in hospitality, there are many additional benefits to being employed in destination hotels. Work-life in these venues can be varied and lead you to different parts of the world. This means that you can pick the type of environment that suits you best for your work.
One of the most distinctive aspects of working at a destination hotel is the diversity of the guests, who each bring their unique stories and cultures to the venue. This means that cultural exchange is part of the job, improving personal and professional growth.
The demands of ensuring guests have a memorable and seamless experience mean every day presents new challenges and opportunities. Tasks can include organizing bespoke excursions, managing luxurious spa treatments or coordinating high-profile events.
Alongside this, the sense of camaraderie among the close-knit communities staff form at hotels is often heightened because employees live on-site or nearby, contributing to a supportive and familial atmosphere. There are also plenty of amenities that employees can make use of on their time off, including:
- Dining
- Wellness facilities
- Outdoor adventure activities
Career options at destination hotels
Whether you’re just starting, looking to advance your career, or seeking a managerial position, there’s a role that suits your skills and aspirations.
Entry-level roles
Starting your career at a destination hotel provides an excellent foundation for a career in hospitality, allowing you to interact with guests and support the hotel’s day-to-day operations. These entry-level roles are perfect for individuals eager to develop their skills and include:
- Guest services associate: handles check-ins, assists with inquiries and ensures guests feel welcomed. This role is perfect for those with strong interpersonal skills and a passion for customer service
- Housekeeping staff: ensuring rooms and common areas are spotless and playing a critical role in maintaining the hotel’s standards of cleanliness and comfort. Attention to detail and a strong work ethic are key in this position
- Food and beverage server: working in the hotel’s restaurants or bars, servers help provide exceptional dining experiences. This role is ideal for those with excellent people skills
Mid-level roles
An opportunity to take on more specialized and responsible roles and improve guest experiences through tailored services and event coordination, these positions include:
- Concierge: providing guests with personalized recommendations and arranging special services such as tours, restaurant reservations and local experiences. This position requires extensive local knowledge and a talent for problem solving
- Event coordinator: planning and executing various functions from weddings to corporate conferences. This role demands strong organizational skills, creativity and the ability to manage multiple tasks at the same time
- Spa therapist: involves providing treatments and therapies to help guests relax and rejuvenate. The role requires technical skill and a calming presence
- Hospitality services coordinator: overseeing everything from check-in to room service and additional amenities customers may require
Managerial roles
Positions in management demand strong leadership, strategic planning and extensive industry experience, offering the chance to shape a hotel’s success and reputation. Some of the more senior roles for a hospitality professional are:
- Hotel manager: managing staff, overseeing budgeting and maintaining high service standards. It requires extensive experience in hospitality management and strong leadership skills
- Food and beverage manager: duties include menu planning, inventory management and ensuring excellent customer service. A background in culinary arts and management experience is helpful
- Sales and marketing manager: developing promotional campaigns, managing social media and building relationships with travel agents and tour operators. Strong analytical and creative skills are required
- Revenue manager: optimizing the hotel’s financial performance by analyzing market trends, setting room rates and developing pricing strategies. A strong background in finance, analytics and strategic planning is important.
- Spa manager: duties include managing staff, coordinating treatments and maintaining the spa’s operations and facilities. Strong leadership and organizational skills as well as experience in a spa environment are helpful
Opportunities beyond the hotel: careers in related fields
Working at a destination hotel can open doors to a variety of similar careers, offering a broad range of opportunities for professional growth and development. The skills and experiences gained in the hospitality industry are highly transferable, making it easier to transition from hotels into other sectors such as:
- Travel and tourism industry: positions such as travel consultants, tour guides and destination planners allow you to use your knowledge of guest services and local attractions to create memorable travel experiences
- Event planning and coordination: the organizational and logistical skills honed in hotel event coordination are highly valued in the broader industry. This could be corporate event planning, wedding coordination and festival management, where your ability to plan, execute and manage events can shine
- Luxury retail and service management: the high standards of service and attention to detail required in destination hotels are directly applicable to luxury retail and service management
- Real estate and property management: knowledge of hotel operations can translate well into managing luxury residential properties, vacation rentals and resort communities. These roles involve overseeing property maintenance, tenant relations and marketing, using hospitality skills to boost property value and resident satisfaction
- Wellness and spa industry: roles such as spa director, wellness coach and fitness program manager allow you to promote health and wellbeing, drawing on your expertise in guest services and therapeutic treatments
- Food and beverage industry: opportunities as restaurant managers, executive chefs and culinary instructors enable you to apply your passion for food and your experience of service in various settings
- Hospitality consultancy: transitioning to a consulting role allows you to advise other hospitality businesses on best practices, operational efficiency and strategic growth. This career path involves working with a wide range of clients to improve their operations and guest experiences using your industry expertise
How to start a career at a destination hotel
If you’ve decided you want to work in hospitality venues abroad, there are a number of things you need to do to set you on the right path, including:
- Research and identify opportunities: find destination hotels that interest you. Look for properties in locations you are passionate about, whether it’s a tropical island, a mountain resort or a safari area. Explore career pages and job listings to understand the types of roles on offer and the qualifications required
Gain relevant education and training: while not always mandatory, having an educational background in hospitality, tourism or a related field can significantly increase your prospects. Destination hotels receive many applications, so they will usually select the most qualified talent. Consider pursuing a degree or certification in hotel management, hospitality or event planning. Many hospitality schools and online programs offer courses tailored to the industry.
A head start in your hotel career
If you’re dreaming of careers at high-end destination hotels, our degree program gives you the skills and qualifications needed to get ahead
- Build practical experience: start with entry-level positions at local hotels, restaurants, or event venues to build your skillset. Internships and part-time jobs can provide hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of hotel operations
- Develop key skills: customer service, communication, problem solving, teamwork and language skills can be a significant asset, especially if you’re interested in working at international destinations
- Network within the industry: attend events, join professional associations and connect with sector leaders on platforms such as LinkedIn. Building relationships with those already in the field can lead to job referrals and valuable insights
- Tailor your resumé and apply: highlight your relevant education, experience and skills. Tailor your resumé to each job application, highlighting how your background aligns with the specific role and the hotel’s values. Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for hospitality and your eagerness
- Prepare for interviews: research the hotel thoroughly. Understand its history, values and unique selling point. Be prepared to discuss how your experience and skills make you a perfect fit for their team. Practice common interview questions and prepare examples that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and customer service excellence
- Show enthusiasm and flexibility: demonstrate your willingness to take on different roles, work flexible hours and relocate if necessary. Your passion for the industry and readiness to embrace new challenges will set you apart
- Continue learning and growing: stay up to date by attending workshops, pursuing advanced certifications and learning about new hospitality trends. This will boost your career prospects and keep you competitive
Conclusion
Choosing a career at a destination hotel offers more than just a job; it provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in vibrant cultures, work in some of the world’s most stunning locations and be part of an industry dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re starting at an entry-level position, advancing to mid-level roles, or aiming for managerial posts, the diverse career paths available cater to a wide range of skills and aspirations.
As you consider your career options, remember the hospitality industry is not just about where you work but how your work can transform everyday moments into extraordinary memories. Embrace the challenge, seize the opportunity and let your career at a destination hotel be the gateway to a life less ordinary. If you are ready to get started, see how a hospitality degree can help you land roles in exciting destinations.
Photo credits:
Main image: Getty © Marco Bottigelli
