Why Choose a Career in Hospitality and Tourism?

Tourism is among Palm Beach County’s major industries. It generates an annual economic impact of approximately $10 billion in the local economy, produces $78 million in bed-tax revenue, lodging sales of approximately $1.3 billion, and supports more than 85,000 jobs.

The hospitality and tourism industry is a significant source of employment in Palm Beach County, contributing to the growth of the local economy. This industry offers a wide range of jobs, including positions in resorts, hotels, restaurants, private clubs, meeting and event planning corporations, destination marketing organizations, convention centers, conference centers, cruise lines, casinos, theme parks, auto rental agencies, sports facilities and arenas, spas, entertainment videos, timeshare, and vacation ownership or shared accommodations.

Additionally, the hospitality and tourism sector supports related industries such as agriculture, transportation, entertainment, and retail. This interdependence creates a multiplier effect, further boosting economic activity.

The Palm Beaches are home to various universities and colleges with specific programs that prepare students for management positions in multiple segments of the world’s largest service industry.

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Local Education Opportunities

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) – Hospitality and Tourism Management Program

El Hospitality and Tourism Management Program at FAU‘s College of Business prepares students for management roles in the global service industry. Graduates can pursue careers in various sectors, including resorts, hotels, restaurants, event planning, cruise lines, casinos, and more. Career areas encompass operations management, sales and marketing, public relations, and several others. The program provides a broad management-based education following the core business curriculum, focusing on successful and profitable management of hospitality or tourism organizations. It also offers certificates in Meetings and Events Management, Club Management, and Hospitality Management.

Lynn University – Hospitality Management

El hospitality management program at Lynn University offers a comprehensive foundation for careers in the hotel, cruise line, restaurant, and amusement park industries. The program provides networking opportunities and hands-on training from expert faculty. Students engage in real-world projects, solving problems for local businesses, and gain practical experience through internships. The curriculum covers food service operations, business strategy, and marketing, equipping graduates with the skills to exceed guest expectations and effectively manage and motivate staff.

Palm Beach State College

El Hospitality and Tourism Management Program at Palm Beach State College awards an Associate in Science (AS) degree and is tailored for students aiming for management careers in the hospitality industry and related fields. The curriculum includes comprehensive courses on food service, menu planning, cooking, hospitality management, and hotel administration, equipping students with the necessary skills for success in these sectors.

Graduates of this program can expect a wide range of employment opportunities within the hospitality industry. Additionally, courses from this program may transfer into Palm Beach State’s Bachelor of Applied Science program in Supervision and Management, as well as to other colleges and universities that accept transfer students into their four-year programs.

Job Openings

Check out some of the many current job openings in The Palm Beaches, you can also plan to join us for our Feria del empleo this fall. As one of the greatest places to live and work in South Florida learn about reubicación.

In The Palm Beach County, you can also explore the Palm Beach Countywide housing dashboard for more resources.