Careers in hospitality and tourism

61 careers · typical salary €2,800 gross per month (Netherlands)

Careers in hospitality and tourism involve working in places like hotels, restaurants, campsites, and casinos. These jobs focus on providing services to guests, making sure they have a good experience during their stay or visit. This sector offers a wide variety of roles, from cooking and serving food to managing entire hotels or events.

On this page, you can explore 61 different careers in hospitality and tourism. Many of these jobs require vocational training, but there are also opportunities for those with applied bachelor's or university degrees. Some roles do not require formal education at all, making this field accessible to many people with different backgrounds and interests.

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All 61 careers

What is the work like?

Working in hospitality and tourism means you might be involved in preparing food, serving customers, managing facilities, or organizing events. For example, you could work as a chef cook, bartender, or hotel receptionist. Other roles include campsite manager, catering manager, or hotel director, which involve more responsibility and leadership.

The work often requires good communication skills, the ability to work with different kinds of people, and sometimes physical stamina. You might work shifts, including evenings and weekends, depending on the job. Many roles focus on teamwork and providing excellent customer service to ensure guests have a positive experience.

Who fits these careers?

If you enjoy helping others and working in a social environment, hospitality and tourism might suit you well. Many careers in this field have a social aspect, where you interact with guests and colleagues regularly. You might also need to be enterprising, taking initiative and managing tasks efficiently.

Some jobs require a realistic approach, handling practical tasks like cooking or managing facilities. Creativity can also be important, especially in roles like catering manager or chef cook, where you design menus or events. Overall, being friendly, patient, and adaptable helps you succeed in this sector.

Education and route

Most careers in hospitality and tourism require vocational training, which prepares you for practical tasks like cooking, serving, or managing hotel operations. Examples include assistant cook or hotel receptionist. Vocational training programs usually take one to three years to complete.

For higher-level positions such as catering manager, hotel director, or kitchen manager, an applied bachelor's degree or university education is often needed. These programs teach management skills, business knowledge, and advanced hospitality concepts. Some entry-level roles do not require formal education but offer on-the-job training.

Salary

Typical salaries in hospitality and tourism in the Netherlands range around €2,800 gross per month, based on the middle value of many careers in this field. Starting salaries often begin near €2,300, especially for entry-level positions like assistant cook or bartender.

Better-paid roles, such as hotel director, catering manager, or food and beverage manager, can earn up to about €5,200 gross per month. Salaries depend on your education, experience, and the specific job you hold. Keep in mind that these amounts are gross monthly figures and may vary by employer.

Tips for choosing

  • Gain practical experience through internships or part-time jobs to learn about hospitality work.
  • Develop strong communication and customer service skills, as they are essential in this sector.
  • Consider vocational training if you want to start working quickly in entry-level roles.
  • If you aim for management positions, pursue higher education like an applied bachelor's or university degree.
  • Be prepared for flexible working hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

See also

Frequently asked questions

What types of jobs can I find in hospitality and tourism?

You can find a wide range of jobs such as chef cook, bartender, hotel receptionist, campsite manager, catering manager, and hotel director. Roles vary from practical tasks to management positions.

Do I need a degree to work in hospitality?

Not all jobs require a degree. Many entry-level roles need vocational training or no formal education, while management positions often require an applied bachelor's or university degree.

What skills are important for hospitality careers?

Good communication, customer service, teamwork, and flexibility are important. Some jobs also need creativity and management skills, depending on the role.

What is the typical salary in hospitality and tourism?

Typical gross monthly salaries in the Netherlands are around €2,800. Entry-level jobs start near €2,300, while higher-level roles can reach about €5,200.

Can I work part-time in hospitality and tourism?

Yes, many hospitality jobs offer part-time or flexible hours, which can be suitable for students or those combining work with other activities.