Hotel Reception

The Hospitality Industry

The hotel and catering industry is often referred to as the Hospitality Industry, which illustrates very well the main aim of the industry, and the type of person you need to be if you are to be successful within it.

Hospitality is a people business - where very little is automated or mass produced - and where the calibre of its staff and the service they provide is all important. In almost every job in a hotel, you will be working closely with people, the receptionist more than most! Therefore, the receptionist - male or female - must enjoy being hospitable, must be a team player and find satisfaction in giving good service. In so many cases in the hospitality industry, it's the atmosphere of a place - the smile and the friendly welcome - that draws customers back.

The hotel receptionist is the member of staff whom every guest meets first. As such, this job carries a great deal of importance and some prestige, and most hotels select and train their receptionists very carefully.

Still interested? Find out more about qualifications on the next page.