Academics » Areas of Study » Business » Hospitality & Tourism

Hospitality & Tourism Employment Outlook

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The $10 billion hospitality and tourism industry is a growing, vibrant, and fast-paced industry with endless opportunities for advancement. Just some of the exciting career opportunities include:

  • Event and wedding planner
  • Meetings and conference coordinator
  • Catering sales of coordinator
  • Restaurant manager
  • Hotel manager
  • Sales and marketing
  • Publicity and promotion
  • Community relations
  • Tour guide
  • Property management

Career & salary outlook

The hospitality and tourism field includes many job titles and pay scales. In Whatcom County, meeting, convention, and event planners average $21.81 per hour, whereas lodging managers average $39.07 per hour. (Source: Washington Employment Security Department, October 2022)

Employers

Recent graduates have been hired by local businesses and organizations, including:

  • Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
  • Chrysalis Inn & Spa
  • Four Points by Sheraton
  • Haggen Market Street Catering
  • Hotel Bellwether
  • Semiahmoo Resort
  • Silver Reef Hotel, Casino, and Spa
  • SpringHill Suites by Marriott