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Learn hospitality with online courses and programs

Hospitality is the art – and business – of making people feel welcome. Learn hospitality skills with online courses delivered through edX.
Hospitality | Introduction Image

What is hospitality?

Hospitality is a part of the service sector that includes every aspect of the guest experience. It usually includes four segments: food and beverage, travel and tourism, lodging, and recreation. The entire customer experience must be mapped and carefully considered to make sure guests keep coming back. Hospitality encompasses hotel management, food service, event planning, and a variety of other moving parts, such as security or entertainment. Hospitality technology is also an area of growth, with the sector taking advantage of some of the latest developments in personalization, online booking platforms, guest management systems, smart room controls, and automated processes.

The hospitality industry is vast and includes hotels and resorts; restaurants, cafes, and bars; events and conferences; entertainment venues; cruise lines; spas and wellness centers; and recreational clubs such as golf, tennis, or country clubs, among others. 

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Hospitality course curriculum

Hospitality is a broad sector, where you can acquire and apply a range of skills. Introductory topics may include an overview of the various sectors and basic hospitality operations, while more specialized topics can explore aspects of the field in more detail. These may include how to manage human resources or marketing in a hospitality context, or how to harness information and technology in the sector. Further topics and skills may include international hospitality management and tourism and travel management. 

If you are interested in studying the field of hospitality, explore the range of learning opportunities made available through edX. From accelerated boot camps to comprehensive programs that allow you to earn a bachelor’s degree or (for more advanced learners) a master’s program, there are many different learning formats available to fit your needs. You can also take advantage of executive education courses tailored to fit into your busy lifestyle. Find the right course for you.

Explore hospitality jobs

There are so many ways to make a career in hospitality. With your knowledge and expertise, you can craft magical memories for families on holiday and facilitate seamless events. Whether you choose to work directly with people or want to work in a managerial or coordination role, the number of opportunities in the hospitality industry is vast. 

Some hospitality careers you may consider include hotel manager, reservations agent, restaurant manager, travel agent, tour guide, event planner, or sales or publicity manager. You could also become an entrepreneur and launch your own hospitality business.