The word “Hospitality” has been derived from the French word “hospice”, which means to take care of the travelers. The hospitality industry has evolved over the centuries and dates back to the late 1700’s. The industry has faced numerous challenges since it first evolved and has changed from merely serving travelers to world class hospitality and tourism.

One of the fastest growing sectors of the economy of our time is the hospitality industry. The hospitality industry alone is a multi-billion dollar sector and a rapidly growing enterprise. It is exciting, never boring and offers unlimited opportunities. The hospitality industry is diverse enough for people to work in different areas of interest and still be employed within the hospitality industry. Think about this: It makes sense to prepare for a job in which you have numerous opportunities for advancement, because it is an economic advantage for you in the long run.

Current figures estimate 200 million employees worldwide - 600'000 of these are employed at senior management level.*

Job Expansion will continue: Each year the number of positions within the Hospitality Industry grows by 35%, resulting in millions of new positions available throughout the world!

As a result, there is a shortage and therefore, a demand for talented, qualified and competent professionals within the Hotel Industry.

The World Travel and Tourism Council estimates that between now and the year 2017, the hotel and tourism industry will generate 262 million jobs which represents one out of every ten jobs in the world. This encouraging forecast indicates that a world of opportunity is opening in the hospitality industry.

• 2007: World Travel & Tourism Economy employment is estimated at 231.2 million jobs - 8.3% of total employment, or 1 in every 12.0 jobs.
• By 2017, this should total 262.6 million jobs, 8.3% of total employment or 1 in every 12.0 jobs.

• Worldwide in 2007 Travel & Tourism is expected to post US$7,060.3 billion of economic activity By 2017 it is expected to grow to US$13,231.6 billion, hence an 87.4% increase in 10 years.

The hospitality industry is growing by the day and captures various sectors within its reach. Studying hospitality widens the horizon of choices a student could select from. Hospitality looks at a large number of businesses of which a few have been mentioned in the diagram below.

The professionalism and perfection of the hospitality industry requires every individual to possess or be willing to endure training to obtain skills such as :