Living in the Caribbean means many things.
A rich cultural heritage, unique cuisines, picturesque sceneries, beaches and natural wonders that make our home a paradise to tourists.
All these Caribbean qualities form an integral part of the tourism and hospitality industry. For many Caribbean nations, this industry not only drives the local economy and provides substantial employment, but it also places us on the world’s stage where our home, treasures and people can be celebrated internationally.
What is the Hospitality & Tourism industry?
Within our ‘sun, sea and sand culture’, the Hospitality & Tourism industry refers to the services and experiences that make us unique. These can be categorised as:
- Accommodation
Facilities where guests are welcomed to stay. These include hotels, resorts, guesthouses and Air bnb rentals.
- Food & Beverages
Restaurants, bars, food stalls, pubs, nightclubs and wineries offer a variety of local and international cuisines and beverages.
- Destination Management
Companies under this category contribute to the Hospitality & Tourism industry by providing travel arrangements through travel agencies, country tour services, transportation and adventure guides.
- Sport & Entertainment
Sport tourism companies include sporting stadia, and clubs that facilitate regional and international events such as cricket World cup matches. Other recreational tourism facilities include zip lining, scuba diving as well as Carnival, Crop Over and music festivals.
- Retail/Investment
Retail and investment opportunities attract business tourism to Caribbean territories. Investors buy on the local stock exchange, purchase merchandise for resale or invest in other thriving sectors such as technology or real estate.
Ready to take the next step? Check these Hospitality & Tourism jobs and apply!
Top-paying jobs in Hospitality & Tourism
Job opportunities within this industry can also afford a comfortable standard of living. These include:
Accommodation
- Guest Services Directors,
- Facility Management
- Front Desk Managers,
- General Manager
- Event Coordinators/Cruise ship staff
Food & Beverage
- Restaurateur/ Restaurant Managers
- Executive Chefs
- Food & Beverage Directors
- Bar Manager
- Caterers
Travel
- Pilots
- Flight Attendants
- Reservation agents
- Travel consultants/travel writers
Business Tourism
- Business Executives
- Investment Officers
- Translators
- Marketing Consultants
- Publicists/Sales Executives
Sport/Entertainment
- Media Specialists
- Tour Guides
- Coaches
- Carnival Band Leaders/ Designers
Drivers of the Hospitality & Tourism industry
- Foreign exchange
Hospitality & Tourism is the backbone of many Caribbean territories. Therefore, the need for earning foreign exchange motivates Caribbean governments to continually invest in their resources and upgrade their facilities to offer world class tourist experiences.
- Showcasing culture to the world
Through tourism, each Caribbean territory promotes its culture, natural resources and human talent to the rest of the world. Doing so, generates publicity and multiple possibilities for the Caribbean to advance in terms of its economy global partnerships, social opportunities and capital investment.
- Employment
Providing employment for a substantial percentage of the population gives an incentive to invest in training and education.
Benefits of a career in Hospitality & Tourism
There are multiple benefits of pursuing a career in hospitality and tourism:
- Job Satisfaction
If you have a passion for providing excellent customer service, a career in this field will be satisfying both personally and professionally. In addition, there are exciting perks that come along with this job. For example, working in airlines offer you discounts and benefits on travel. Hotel staff can receive room accommodations in other countries at reduced prices.
- Exciting & fast-paced
One of the great things about this industry is that there may never be a dull moment. To provide a world-class tourist experience means meeting new people of various backgrounds and cultures, always being on your feet, exceeding the expectations of clients or guests and seeking new, inventive ways to provide customer satisfaction.
- Valuable skill set
Many of these skills you develop can be used to progress in your career on a regional or international level. For example, many Caribbean hotel managers, chefs, pilots, restaurateurs, Carnival Band leaders and designers have either worked or showcased their creative talent on an international platform.
- Minimum barriers to entry
Gaining an entry level job in hospitality and tourism is not as competitive as other sectors. The industry thrives on service. Many territories frequently have entry-level vacancies that graduates can easily apply for and work their way up.
Growth of Hospitality & Tourism Industry
The Caribbean Hospitality & Tourism industry is particularly volatile as it can be adversely affected by global trends, outside the region. Natural disasters, economic booms or recessions, increased or decreased airfare costs, terrorism and health pandemics can all drive the industry forwards or backwards.
After a series of hurricanes and tropical storms, the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), in collaboration with the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), launched an initiative called ‘The Rhythm Never Stops’ to highlight the diversity and cultural appeal of the region and attract visitors to Caribbean shores.
Despite projected growth and increased number of tourists and airfare to certain Caribbean islands, there have been many cancellations across the region due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Governments and regional tourism organisations are seeing the need for exceptional measures to be taken given the unprecedented situation.
These exceptional measures involve enhanced methods of customer engagement. For new job seekers still seeking career opportunities in hospitality and tourism, the approach to customer service has to be upgraded.
Skills for CV
The skills included on your resume to enter this industry must reflect a willingness to embrace that change and consistently strive through struggle.
Strong leaders thrive in times of crisis. To be a part of the hospitality and tourism sector, persons need to be willing and able to manage team members, communicate strategies, embrace feedback and work with governments to rebuild the industry.
- Flexibility & Adaptability
Team members previously were expected to adapt to customer demands and expectations. Currently, adapting is useful with regards to the present safety regulations, economy and social environment.
- Customer Engagements
Once visitors do come to Caribbean shores, it will take a high degree of customer engagement to alleviate health concerns and fears, maintain a calm atmosphere and still provide an exceptional service.
- Strategy Management
A sound marketing capability, particularly digital marketing will enhance your CV as employers can use your expertise to re-establish their customer base and get the industry going again.
What should I read next?
- Read out article about Career path in Hospitality and Tourism
- Read out article about Top Career in Barbados
- Read out article about Career in Jamaica
