Hospitality, Travel & Tourism

What You Could Do

Job roles in the industry are varied, and there are also many opportunities to grow a career through entry-level positions.

Five broad areas within the sector make up the majority of roles and pathways you could pursue. These are:

Tourism Management: Tourism is the short-term movement of people to destinations outside the places they usually live and work. Tourism management focuses on providing positive and successful experiences for such travellers and the businesses that cater to them.

• Job roles you could pursue: Tourism Operator, Tour Guide, Customer Service Advisor, Marketing Assistant, Promotions Assistant, Visitor Information Assistant.

Hotel Management: Hotel Management involves various skills like management, marketing, human resource development, financial management, and interpersonal skills. Hotels are a major employer in the industry. Hotel Management ensures that all operations, including accommodation, food, drink, and other hotel services, run smoothly.

• Job roles you could pursue: Receptionist, Concierge, Hotel Manager, Bookings Assistant, Cleaner, Cleaning Manager, Housekeeping, Guest Services Coordinator, Facilities Manager, Facilities Assistant.

Event Management: Event managers or planners execute all details related to various meeting formats, including seminars, conferences, trade shows, executive retreats, incentive programs, golf events, and other programs.

• Job roles you could pursue: Event Assistant, Event Manager, Promotions Assistant, Marketing Assistant, Booking Manager, Facilities Assistant, Talent Manager, Location Scout.

Restaurant Management: This covers the smooth running of any establishment that serves food and beverages. From small cafes to fine dining, there’s a lot to take into consideration. From stock checks and ordering, food preparation, customer service and waitressing, and cleaning and facilities management. Restaurant management is fast-paced and also needs to follow strict health and hygiene guidelines set by local governments. Some places will also need to secure appropriate licenses for the serving of alcohol.

• Job roles you could pursue: Restaurant Manager, Waiter/Waitress, Maitre’D, Chef, Sous Chef, Kitchen Assistant, Cleaner, Barista, Pastry Chef, Bookings Manager.

Resort Management: Resort management includes hospitality administration, hotel/motel management, restaurant, and food services management, facilities planning, leisure studies, recreation administration, marketing, and grounds operations and maintenance.

These job roles are only just scratching the surface!

Each industry segment will also include administrative and other support functions, including marketing, communications, human resources, and accounting.

Graduate Employment and Gender Split

A degree isn’t essential for every career pathway in the industry. However, for some senior roles, such as hotel management or resort management, a degree can equip you with the in-depth knowledge to set you up for success in your role. Coupled with the right experience, a degree is a strong pathway into your chosen sector.

Knowing what graduate employment looks like can help set your expectations and make further decisions.

The Graduates Outcome Survey tracks graduate employment across different industry sectors. Here’s a look at some degrees that could be a great starting point for this industry:

• Tourism, Hospitality, & Personal Services Graduates in full-time employment: 52.4%
• Tourism, Hospitality, & Personal ServicesGraduates in employment overall: 82.4%

Keep in mind that this doesn’t account for graduates working part-time and/or who may have continued to higher studies; these are promising percentages!

*Figures from 2020 survey results.

Gender Split

The gender split across the industry depends on the segment of the sector you work within, but it’s relatively evenly split across most roles in the industry:

• Males: 59%
• Females: 41%

In some more specialist areas, such as Chef work, there is a higher percentage of males:

• Males: 80%
• Females: 20%

In management, there is also a slightly higher percentage of men:

• Males: 60%
• Females: 40%

Average Salary

Current surveys in the sector indicate the median salaries for full-time roles in this industry as:

• Entry-level Hospitality Roles: $40-$59,100
• Experienced Hospitality Roles: $58-$78,000
• Hotel Manager: $78-$82,000
• Restaurant Manager: $60-$72,000
• Entry-level Tourism Roles: $53-$64,300
• Resort Manager: $67-$92,000

Salaries can be pretty varied, with lower expectations for entry-level roles. Salaries are also determined by several factors, including:

• The segment of the industry you work within.
• Your job title and seniority.
• The amount of experience you have.
• Location, some rural areas may pay less than roles in main cities.

Industry Growth

Industry Snapshot

Tourism, travel, and hospitality form a significant part of New Zealand’s economy, supporting businesses of all sizes across the country.

A large proportion of organisations within the sector are:

• Small businesses
• Owner-operated ventures
• Regional and community-based enterprises

This reflects the diversity and entrepreneurial nature of New Zealand’s visitor economy.

Employment Impact

Hospitality and tourism collectively represent a major source of employment in New Zealand, providing opportunities across:

• Entry-level roles
• Skilled trades
• Management positions
• Specialist careers

From hotels and restaurants to adventure tourism, airlines, and events, the sector supports a wide workforce.

Post-Pandemic Recovery & Growth

Like many countries, New Zealand’s tourism and hospitality sectors experienced disruption during COVID-19.

However, long-term expectations remain positive, driven by:

• The return of international travel
• Strong domestic tourism
• Demand for unique visitor experiences
• Growth in events and experiences

Industry recovery continues to strengthen as travel activity increases.

Workforce Demand

Over the coming years, the sector is expected to require thousands of additional workers across a wide range of roles, including:

• Kitchen hands
• Chefs
• Baristas & front-of-house staff
• Hotel & accommodation managers
• Tourism operators
• Travel consultants
• Event & conference coordinators

This demand creates strong opportunities for:

✅ School leavers
✅ Graduates
✅ Apprentices
✅ Career changers

A Sector of Opportunity

Tourism and hospitality offer:

• Flexible career pathways
• Transferable global skills
• Fast career progression
• Diverse work environments

As visitor demand grows, so too does the need for talented, customer-focused professionals.

Qualifications and Entry Pathways

Entry Pathways

Entry into New Zealand’s hospitality and tourism sector is flexible and depends on the type of role you’d like to pursue.

Vocational Education & Training

Vocational and tertiary qualifications can provide strong foundations for careers in hospitality, tourism, and customer service.

Examples of relevant New Zealand qualifications include:

• New Zealand Certificate in Hospitality (Level 2–4)
• New Zealand Diploma in Hospitality Management (Level 5)
• New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 3–4)
• New Zealand Diploma in Cookery (Advanced) (Level 5)
• New Zealand Certificate in Business (Customer Engagement / Administration)

These programmes combine practical skills with industry-relevant knowledge.

Apprenticeships & Workplace Training

Many hospitality careers begin through:

Apprenticeships
Particularly common in professional cookery and chef pathways.

Traineeships / Employer-led Training
Allow you to gain experience while working toward qualifications.

Benefits include:

• Earning while learning
• Real-world experience
• Industry-recognised credentials

Work Experience & Entry-Level Roles

After leaving school, you can explore:

• Entry-level hospitality roles
• School leaver programmes
• Casual or part-time positions
• On-the-job training opportunities

Many employers support staff development and further study.

Strong skills in:

✅ Communication
✅ Numeracy
✅ Teamwork
✅ Customer service

are highly valued.

Do Your Research

Entry requirements vary depending on:

• The specific role
• Employer expectations
• Qualification level

Always review job descriptions and training prerequisites.

A Pathway for Everyone

No matter your academic results, experience, or career stage, there are multiple routes into hospitality and tourism.

Whether you prefer:

• Hands-on training
• Formal study
• Workplace learning

There’s a qualification and career pathway suited to you.

Best Places to Study

Where to Study

Where you choose to study will depend on factors such as your career goals, preferred qualification, location, and learning style. Some institutions are particularly well regarded for hospitality, tourism, and business-related programmes.

Here are several leading New Zealand providers offering hospitality and tourism pathways:

Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
Known for industry-aligned hospitality and tourism degrees with strong practical components.

University of Otago
Offers programmes connected to tourism, business, and management.

Victoria University of Wellington
Provides pathways in tourism management, events, and commercial disciplines.

Massey University
Well recognised for business, management, and service-industry-related study.

Institutes of Technology & Polytechnics (Te Pūkenga network)

New Zealand’s vocational education providers offer highly practical, job-focused training:

• New Zealand Certificates in Hospitality
• Cookery & Culinary Arts programmes
• Tourism & Travel qualifications
• Hotel & Accommodation Management

Examples include:

New Zealand School of Tourism (NZST)
Specialises in tourism, travel, and aviation careers.

Pacific International Hotel Management School (PIHMS)
Focuses on hotel management and hospitality leadership.

Whitireia & WelTec
Offer hospitality, cookery, and service-industry qualifications.

Choosing the Right Institution

The best study option will align with:

✅ Your intended career
✅ Academic vs practical preference
✅ Qualification level
✅ Lifestyle & location

Both university and vocational pathways can lead to rewarding careers in hospitality and tourism.

Where to Learn More

Learn More About Hospitality & Tourism Careers

You can explore career pathways, industry insights, and professional development opportunities through organisations that support and advocate for New Zealand’s hospitality and tourism sectors.

Some great places to start include:

Hospitality New Zealand
Industry representation, resources, and career insights across accommodation, food service, and tourism.

Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA)
Advocates for New Zealand’s tourism sector and provides valuable industry updates and connections.

Restaurant Association of New Zealand
Support, training, and guidance for food service and hospitality businesses and professionals.

Accommodation New Zealand
Industry body supporting hotels, motels, and accommodation providers.

New Zealand Chefs Association
Professional development, competitions, and networking for culinary careers.

Site Safe New Zealand
Health and safety training relevant to many hospitality, events, and tourism workplaces.

Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs)
Provide local career information, networking opportunities, and sector insights.

Why Connect with Professional Bodies?

These organisations can help you:

✅ Understand career options
✅ Learn about industry trends
✅ Access training and development
✅ Build professional networks
✅ Discover emerging opportunities

New Zealand’s hospitality and tourism industries offer diverse, exciting, and globally transferable careers.