Reasons to Consider Career Opportunities in Tourism & Hospitality

Tourism includes everything from food service and lodging to arts, recreation and guest services. That kind of variety gives you options — especially as your career evolves. You might begin in a front-of-house restaurant role, a hotel’s housekeeping department or assisting with events. These roles often lead to larger responsibilities, like team leadership or operations coordination. Many jobs in the hospitality and tourism career cluster are accessible without a degree, and offer clear promotional pathways into management.

Advancement in tourism tends to come through hands-on experience, not just formal education. Show up consistently and build strong customer interactions, and you’ll likely move forward. Across suburban Cook County, employers posted more than 31,000 tourism-related jobs in 2024. Management occupations are consistently among the most in-demand, especially in food service, accommodations, arts and recreation. That kind of growth reflects a need for experienced workers who can lead teams, not just fill shifts.

Tourism roles sharpen some of the most sought-after workplace skills — problem-solving, communication, time management and adaptability. These traits keep businesses running and customers returning. Whether you’re helping guests at a museum, managing a dinner rush or supporting hotel operations, you’re building a toolkit that applies across industries. Many who start in tourism and hospitality eventually move into roles in operations, logistics, marketing and more.

Every role in tourism and hospitality plays a part in someone’s experience — whether it’s their first time in town or a weekly visit to a local restaurant. The impact is immediate. You solve problems, connect with people and help shape how they experience a place. For workers who want to see the results of their efforts each day, hospitality offers that kind of satisfaction. It’s also a field where people-focused work is valued and rewarded.

Tourism is a fast-paced industry with steady demand. In suburban Cook County, more than 136,000 people were employed in tourism and hospitality jobs in 2024, with steady growth projected for upcoming years. Food service, accommodations and recreation all continue to expand. That means consistent hiring across entry-level and mid-career positions. It also means jobs that fit a variety of needs — full-time, part-time, seasonal or long-term. Whether you’re building a full career or looking for a reliable starting point, career opportunities in tourism are worth exploring.