Organise and manage the daily operations of hotels or motels to provide accommodation, meals and guest services.

You oversee reservations, reception, housekeeping, food and beverage areas and property maintenance. You supervise staff, manage budgets, ensure compliance with hospitality regulations and maintain high standards of customer service. Your role combines leadership, organisation and problem solving to ensure guests have a positive and seamless experience.

For further information:
United Workers Union South Australia
Phone: 1800 622 900 (FREECALL)
Email: membership@unitedworkers.org.au
Website: www.unitedworkers.org.au

TAFE SA offers courses relevant to this occupation including the Diploma of Hospitality. Pathways include Certificate II, II and IV in Hospitality.

TAFE SA also offers a Bachelor of Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management that focus on the management and business skills necessary to become a successful manager.

Still Unsure! Then try one of the many short courses also offered through TAFE SA. Check the website for the full list of short courses.

Good quality staff will always be required in this industry, however, employment forecasts indicate only average employment prospects. Competition for available jobs is intense. There is a relatively small number of hotels throughout the State and there is little movement among the people currently employed in these positions. Despite this, some do get the opportunity for interstate and overseas postings.

Potential growth is expected from proposed major developments in the accommodation, cafés and restaurants industry.

Business wise, a successful manager needs to be a bit of a marketing whiz. If people don't stay at the hotel, then it may quickly go out of business. Managers must constantly sell the virtues of their establishment and be on the look out for new approaches, new markets and new services to offer. This may involve marketing the special features of an establishment, such as the function and conference rooms and allied facilities. Conferences often run for several days and with several hundred people attending the conference, guest occupancy rates go up. Hotel managers must be able to 'upsell' their facilities and know their client's needs. Many guests have come to expect access to business amenities such as a fax machine, e-mail and the Internet, as well as around the clock room service.

Many hotel managers gain valuable experience in other areas of hospitality. For example, one Hotel Manager spent 20 years in the hospitality business, working as a restaurant supervisor, food and beverage manager and assistant hotel manager before taking on a managerial role.