Employment of lodging managers is expected to grow 8 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite expected growth in tourism and travel, fewer managers will be needed as the lodging industry shifts to building more limited-service hotels and fewer full-service properties that have separate departments to manage.
In addition, some lodging places are streamlining operations to cut expenses by either eliminating some managers or scaling back the total number. Chain hotels, for instance, are increasingly assigning a single manager to oversee multiple properties within a region. Still, some larger full-service hotels, including casinos, resorts, and convention hotels that provide a wider range of services to a larger customer base, will continue to generate job openings for experienced managers.
Those seeking jobs at hotels with the highest level of guest services are expected to face strong competition as these jobs are highly sought after by people trained in hospitality management or administration. Job opportunities at smaller hotels should be better. Those with a college degree in hotel or hospitality management are expected to have the best job opportunities, particularly at upscale and luxury hotels.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition