Hospitality, Tourism & Recreation

California continues to be a popular tourist destination, making Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation a career choice with short and long term variety and stability. Working in this career field, serving a specific clientele as social director or a travel guide, organizing events as a meeting planner, or managing a hotel or bed-and-breakfast establishment, are just a few of the numerous options in this area. The state's economic recovery ensures long-term stability, and the enjoyment of working with the public is an additional benefit to this rewarding career choice.


Students pursuing the Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation career path program study:

• hospitality industry awareness, including its role in the state's economic development
• travel destinations
• cultures and customs
• special event planning
• guest services and satisfaction
• computer applications and other technology
  

Students also learn employment and management skills for careers in lodging; travel-related services; event planning; outdoor recreation services; and theme parks/attractions/exhibitions. Occupation-specific curriculum includes, but is not limited to, client information; special events; education, recreation, leisure and play activities; outdoor recreation and management; ecotourism; environmental education; financial transactions; guest services; sales; attractions and specialty tours; and guest services.

Forecast: Hot! Opportunities abound in the Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation industry. An industry that employs nearly one in 12 workers in the United States, it is expected to experience nearly a 50% growth by 2005! The number of people employed in hotel and lodging occupations is expected to grow as well, reflecting the projected growth in California's tourism industry.