One of the biggest selling points of a career in the hospitality industry is that it gives graduates the opportunity to work in a variety of fun and sociable environments. According to onrec.com, the hospitality and tourism sectors have experienced "enormous growth" in recent years, with new jobs being generated in areas such as health resorts, food service and travel. These jobs are often in social environments, it said, that can also give graduates the chance to earn money for working in an area they already have a personal interest in, such as health and fitness. The site also said that the sector can offer long-term career prospects, as those with management and business skills are "highly sought after". According to the US Department of Commerce, the hospitality industry is also defying current economic trends. Its figures show that in April 2008, 4.1 million international visitors came to the United States, up 2% year-on-year. However, their spending increased 21% to a record $11.6 billion during the month. Commerce, manufacturing and services assistant secretary William G Sutton said: "Travel and tourism is one of America's important industries and employers, supporting millions of US jobs."  |