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Hotels : Profile of the Industry Hotels have existed in one form or another since almost the beginning of time, but it is only in relatively recent times that the hotel sector has gone through tremendously rapid growth. Today, there are in the region of 33,000 hotels in the United Kingdom which, employ some 260,000 people, or 14% of the total workforce, within what is termed the hospitality industry. In the United Kingdom, in excess of 60% of hotels are still privately owned, but recent consolidation within the industry has led to larger companies becoming still larger and smaller companies being swallowed up. Today, the names of Intercontinental, Holiday Inn, MacDonald, Hilton, Marriott, Sheraton and Thistle are a few of the many well recognised national and international hotel brands. Many companies are also driving for ever greater international penetration and recent developments in IT, not least in relation to the Internet, have greatly enhanced the opportunities for hotel operators to "distribute" their room stock and other services around the globe. The worldwide hotel industry is projected to go through dramatic growth over the foreseeable future. In many parts of the world, such as Eastern Europe, South America, Africa and Australasia there is still immense scope for further development. Whilst forecasts vary, it is likely that there will be a 50%+ increase in hotel room stock over the next ten years. In London alone, there are over 80 new hotel projects under consideration or construction, and the number of budget accommodation hotels is likely to double in the next ten years. Clearly, any industry undergoing such rapid growth holds enormous potential for the ambitious, career-minded individual. Hotel Categories
Company Profiles Macdonald Hotels, Whiteside House, Bathgate, West Lothian EH48 2RX Macdonalds Hotels UK and Ireland currently operate over 80 individual and characteristic hotels throughout the UK. The company has grown steadily to become one of the most respected and successful hotel groups in the country. The stylish and traditional hotels range from baronial castles to historic country houses and from manor houses to city hotels. Starwood Hotels and Resorts, (which comprises Sheraton, Westin, St Regis, Four Points and W Hotels) c/o Park Lane Hotel, Piccadilly, London, WIY 8BX. Starwood is a worldwide hospitality network based out of White Plains, New York, which owns, leases and franchises over 700 hotels in more than 70 countries, a hotel almost anywhere guests could wish to go! The company's growth strategy focuses on the acquisition and development of strategic hotel assets, the renovation and repositioning of existing hotels, and the expansion of its management operations. It has approx. 125,000 employees worldwide, serving 45 million guests each year. Overview of careers Fast track to general management Due to the dynamic nature of the hotel business there is no set career path to achieve a fast track route to General Management. The great thing is you can step into the industry with varying levels of skills and experience and still get to General Management level and beyond. Food and Beverage, Rooms, Human Resources, Sales and Marketing or even Finance backgrounds can lead to GM. Many hotel companies now offer a structured fast track scheme to enable both graduates and particularly able employees to progress swiftly up the career ladder. Other career opportunities Transferring into the hotel sector from other industries is not uncommon. More and more employers are realising that certain skills are transferable and that direct hotel exposure is less important. Broadly speaking the opportunities are in:
As in any industry, rewards vary from company to company, but one thing's for sure the opportunities are seemingly endless and for the right person with the right attitude a well rewarded career beckons. Are Hotels for you? Hotels offer a marvellous multiplicity of opportunities, ranging from working in top class kitchens to financial management, from housekeeping to guest relations, sales and marketing, human resources, engineering, food & beverage ... the list is almost endless. Training is offered at all levels, so it is possible to join the industry waiting staff tables and progress to be a Food & Beverage Director; a Housekeeping Assistant could achieve Rooms Division Manager, and a Kitchen Porter become a General Manager. Nothing's impossible in this sector if you have tenacity, commitment and a genuine desire to excel. Key factors for success are:
And the down side: The hours can be irregular, but the huge challenges presented by working in a stimulating, customer-service industry usually compensate. Hotels are open 365 days of the year and sometimes it can be hard when you have to work when friends and family aren't. Then again, you can be at a great New Year's Eve party - and it doesn't cost you a thing! In short, it can be demanding, but you'll never get bored and you will have loads of fun! Current & Future Trends The outlook for the hotel sector is very positive as we move forward in the new Millennium, with a stable economy and the continued rapid growth of tourism. Hotels have seen significant changes in the last few years that look set to continue in the next century:
Major UK hotel operators: Figures in brackets denote number of hotels in the UK
Other Sources of Information
Berkeley Scott Group Plc Berkeley House, II -13 Ockford Road, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1QU, Tel: 01483 414141 Fax: 01483 414457 Email: Welcome Team Springboard Springboard UK Limited, 3 Denmark Street, London. WC2H 8LR Tel: 0207 497 8654 Fax: 0207 497 2466 Email: info.london@springboarduk.org.uk |
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