Archive Website of the UK government

Is working in hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism for you?

This huge sector offers a variety of exciting jobs including:

• bar worker
• chef
• events and conference organiser
• front of house receptionist
• hotel general manager
• tour guide
  

Here are some positive comments from real people currently working within the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism industry:

Ibrahim Naseem, Restaurant Waiter

"Meeting new people all the time means no two days are the same. I'm pretty sociable and outgoing so working in a restaurant really suits me."

Gary Brown, Theme Park Manager

"There's great scope for progress in this industry. You might start as a waiter and end up as an events manager."

Hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism: the facts

People often have fixed ideas about different jobs. But it's always important to get the facts. Here are some common misconceptions answered by the real facts:

• "These are Saturday jobs, not proper careers" - that's definitely not true, nearly every job in this huge sector gives you a chance to move to the next step up the ladder; it's up to you, if you want to improve your skills and progress you will
• "You have to work long hours" - think again, there are loads of opportunities to work flexible hours to suit your lifestyle; you can often work part-time if you prefer

Advantages of working in hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism industries

There are many advantages of working in hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism including:

• it is an exciting, fast moving career - when you work with the public no day is the same, there will always be new challenges to face, and you could get the chance to work in exciting places
• convenience and flexibility - most jobs in this sector offer a variety of hours and shift patterns; you may be able to arrange daytime, evening, weekend or part-time work

Real-life examples

Gina Tomas, Children's Holiday Rep

"I have a fantastic job. I greet all the young guests at our holiday park and do my best to keep them happy and entertained until they go home. I'm part of a big team and we have to work well together. Right now I wouldn't swap my job for anything! I earn £12,000."

Martin Lyons, Pub Chef

"My job is hands-on and I'm passionate about my food. I prepare, cook and present a range of dishes, supported by two trainee chefs. I get to develop new dishes and menus, so there's a bit of creativity to chuck in the pot too. My salary is £19,000."

Careers advice and job profiles

Find more information about specific job roles within the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism sector by using the careers advice and job profiles link below.

• Careers advice and job profiles Opens new window

Find a job in this sector

Find out more about training and careers in the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism industry by visiting the websites below:

• UKSP website Opens new window

• People 1st website Opens new window

More help and support

To search for jobs available in this sector, use the 'Start a jobs and skills search' link below. Or talk to a Jobcentre Plus adviser by calling 0845 606 0234.

They can also tell you what help and support is available to you to help you into work.

• Start a jobs and skills search Opens new window

• Find your local Jobcentre Plus office Opens new window

• Help and advice when applying for a job