Imagine this: you’re sipping a perfectly crafted cocktail at a rooftop bar in Dubai, overseeing a team that pulled out a flawless international conference for 500 executives. Or perhaps you’re curating eco-luxury retreats in Costa Rica, where guests unplug in treehouses powered by solar panels. The hospitality industry isn’t just about beds and breakfasts anymore- it was a $4.9 trillion global powerhouse in 2024, projected to grow at 5.8% annually through 2032, outpacing the world economy. With 330 million jobs worldwide and a new one opening every 2.5 seconds, 2026 is the perfect launchpad for your career. But where do you start? In this blog, we’ll dive into the top hospitality management courses set to shine in 2026, guide you in selecting the one that aligns with your ambitions, and spotlight emerging specializations that could define the next decade. Whether you’re a fresh grad dreaming of hotel GM glory or a mid-career switcher eyeing sustainable tourism, let’s turn your passion into a paycheck.

The Elite Lineup: Top Hospitality Management Courses for 2026

The hospitality sector is changing quickly than a sommelier’s wine list, and it is melding traditional service with advanced tech and eco-friendliness. As per the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 report, Switzerland is the European continent’s edge in providing practical, world-ready training. On the other hand, the U.S. schools are great in the aspect of innovation and size, a point made by Niche’s 2026 rankings for hospitality and tourism management degrees. These programs are not only diplomas but also access to connections, internships, and jobs at hotels such as Marriott or Hilton. Our selection of the top seven is coming up next, combining global prestige with diamonds in the rough, all ready to meet the 2026 requirements.

Starting with the best: EHL Hospitality Business School’s Bachelor’s in International Hospitality Management from Lausanne, Switzerland. With a score of almost 98.8, EHL has been ranked #1 for seven consecutive years and is the Harvard of hospitality. This four-year program covers operations, finance, and digital innovation with a compulsory paid internship at luxury places such as the Ritz-Carlton. Expect to have such as conducting high-stakes event simulations and a 95% employment rate within six months- all the jobs from F&B director to revenue strategist are filled with grads who get $70,000 as an average starting salary. If you envision Europe or Asia as your working place, EHL’s alumni network of 18,000 can practically be your golden ticket.

Following closely with the rank of #2, Les Roches Global Hospitality Management Education’s Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Global Hospitality Management, which is also in Switzerland (Crans-Montana). It has a score of 91 and gives the learners a taste of the future by emphasizing experiential learning from three continents, including work placements in Spain and Dubai. The curriculum includes grooming for luxury brands management and entrepreneurship, thus nurturing the future boutique hotel owners. Besides, soft skills such as cross-cultural communication will be very useful to the projected 1.1 billion international tourists in 2025. Though the tuition is around GHF 30,000/year, there are plenty of scholarships for qualifying applicants that support different nationalities.

Switching over to the United States, the Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration from the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University, located in Ithaca, New York, takes the #3 position globally and #2 in the US. As per Niches criteria, it ranked #1 worldwide for hospitality programs with an A+ grade and 3.8 stars review appreciating its rigorous mix of business knowledge and real-life simulations. More than 80 courses cover topics from analytics through real estate to event planning, and on-campus access to the Statler Hotel for practical management training is also added. Cornell’s advantage? The combination of Ivy League reputation and industry connections-just imagine a guest speaker from Hilton’s top management. The yearly tuition of $60,000 is steep, but 90% of the graduates get employed at the $65,000+ salary level already before graduation.

If you are looking for a value-packed powerhouse, then the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management offered by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is the one. It is the second-best according to QS World University Rankings, and it is ranked #4 with a score of 89.4% globally, so it is Vegas-born and battle-tested. The study program has made a concession in the direction of gaming, conventions, and club management; therefore, it is very well aligned with the $70 billion industry of Sin City. It is a hands-on program where on-campus students will work in the Shadow Rock Restaurant and have an internship at MGM Resort, guaranteeing a 100% placement rate. Niche gives it high marks for affordability (net price $12,000) and diversity, making it a smart pick for career-switchers.

Don’t sleep on New York University (NYU) Sp’s BS in Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism Management Niches #2 U.S. pick with an A+ grade, it’s urban immersion at its finest-think classes in Greenwich Village with field trips to MoMA events. Six concentrations, like events management and hotel real estate finance, cater to NYC’s $100 billion tourism economy. Affordable at $30,000 net price and flexible (online options), it’s lauded for 3.8-star reviews on career prep.

Rounding out with internationals: César Ritz College, Switzerland’s Bachelor’s in International Hotel and Tourism Management (#5 QS, Glion campus) fuses French elegance with Swiss precision, emphasizing wellness and luxury. And for a U.S. wildcard, Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management BS (Niche #4, A+ grade) offers flair with tracks in cruise ops and spirits management- perfect for Latin America’s rising tourism wave.

These programs will shine in 2026 as they prioritize what employers crave: 70% practical training, global exposure, and tech fluency.

How to Choose the Right Hospitality Course: Aligning With your Career North Star:

Picking a course feels like choosing a signature dish — overwhelm is real, but the right one leaves you satisfied for years. With options from four-year bachelor’s to one-year master’s, the key is mapping your goals to program fit. Drawing from an expert guide, here’s a step-by-step playbook to navigate the menu.

Step 1: Crystalize Your Career Vision. Start with the endgame. Aspire to helm a 5-star resort? Opt for operations-heavy programs like UNLV’s, with club management tracks. Eyeing event planning for Coachella-level gigs? NYU’s event concentration nails it. Per Torrens University, align passions- sustainability for eco-resorts or F&B for Mechelin Chases- with specializations. BU SHA advises auditing trajectories: restaurateurs thrive in finance-focused MSHRE, while researchers pick thesis-driven MSHM.

Step 2: Vet Duration, Flexibility, and Entry Paths. Time-strapped? Accelerated crets like BU’s three-month warriors: EHL’s four-year immersion. Torrens highlights flexible modes-online/blended for working pros- and accessible entries via work experience, no ATAR needed. International? STEM-designed like BU’s MSHRE offers 24-month OTP visas.

Step 3: Prioritize Industry Hooks and Global Fair. The gold standard? Placement FIU mandates 300 internship hours with Hyatt partners; EHL guarantees paid gigs. BU stresses partnerships for career fairs and speakers- think Accor execs dishing on bleisure trends. Crave global? Les Roches’ tri-continent model or Cornell’s Paris exchange builds cultural chops for 73% online-booked travel by 2029.

Step 4: Check Rep, Accreditation, and ROI. Ranking matters — QS or Niche single quality. Ensure NECHE accreditation for credibility. Chat admissions counselors on Outcomes: Cornell’s 90% placement vs. average $50K salaries. Visit campuses- NYU’s village vibe vs. EHL’s avenue escape-to vibe-check.

Step 5: Factors in Soft Perks Like Mentoring. HRC international flags menorship and global exposure as game-changer for standing out. Pro Tip: Network early via entry roles or crets like sommeliers training to complement degrees.

In essence, the “right” course mirrors your goals: ops for hands-on hustlers, analytics for data nerds. Research deeply- your future self will toast you.

Emerging Hospitality Specializations: The 2026 Game-Changers

By 2026, hospitality will not just serve guests — it will anticipate, sustain, and wow them, with luxury tourism hitting $1.2 trillion and Gen Z flooding sports events (up 12%). Specializations are shifting from basics to bold. Exploding Topics and Revfine Spotlight six trends morphing into must-have skills-dive into future-proof your resume.

1. Sustainable and Eco-Tourism Management. 82% of travelers crave green getaways, up post-pandemic. Specialize here via tracks at FIU or EHL, learning carbon tracking and biodegradable ops. Wynn’s solar-powered events and Xigera’s diesel-free lodges show ROI-diverting 30% waste boosts loyalty. Skills: ESG auditing, zero-waste design. Projected: 7.3% CAGR in adventure eco-travel.
2. AI-Driven Predictive Hospitality. PMS tech like CLoudbeds (searches +169%) automates forecasting, birthing “ modern revenue managers” who like RevPAG via AI upsells. 40% book via AI recs; specialize in Volara’s voice tech for contactless check-ins (80% preference). Skills: Data ethics, personalization algos. 2026 watch: Branded residences with subscription wellness.
3. Wellness and Lifestyle Curation. Boomers and Millennials fuel $463 billion functional drinks by 2033; spas and retreats boom. César Ritz’s wellness track trains for “ health retreats,” blending yoga with nutrition. Mandarian Oriental’s MOBase ergonomics exemplifies exemplify-monthly $ 4,500 for long-haul wellness.
4. Bleisure and Remote Work Optimization. 48 million U.S. remote workers blend biz-leisure; MGM’s “ Viva Las Office” leads. Specialize in Accor’s Wojo coworking skills: Hybrid space design, $1.64 trillion biz travel spend.
5. Outdoor and Experiential Programming. Glamping searches explode (+385% Hipcamp); 64% families camp more. NYU’s tourism tracks cover the “GetYourGuide” platform for 31 million monthly adventures.
6. Home-Sharing and Fractional Models. Airbnb’s 91 million visits spawn a hybrid like Sober ($2.2B valuation) — skills: Blockchain via DTravel for free hosting.

These aren’t fads- they are the 499 million jobs by 2034. Weave them into your course for the edge.

Dual-Degree Options:

Why settle for one degree when you can earn two? Dual-degree programs in hospitality management. Top Schools like Florida International University (FIU) offer a BS/MS in Hospitality and Global Strategic Management, while UNLV pairs a Master of Science (MS) with Hotel Administration with Management. Internationally, Les Roches and Gion in Switzerland combine bachelor’s degrees with business and marketing. These 3–4 year programs, found via Educations.com.

Dual degree fast-track career, merging hospitality’s service expertise with strategic skills for C-suite roles like revenue VP. Grads enjoy 20–30% higher salaries, broader networks, and double the opportunities in internships and job placements. Programs like the University of North Texas’ BS/MS cut up to 9 credits, saving thousands. EuroAmerican Education Group, partnering with some of the best universities and business schools, provides dual degree programs in hospitality by facilitating students to receive two degrees, which gives them better opportunities, double accreditation, and a wider professional network. The group also simplifies the process with scholarship access and visa guidance, partnering with top universities and business schools around the globe.

Your Next Move:

The hospitality world in 2026 begins with opportunities — an estimated $11.1 trillion in GDP impact awaits innovators. Whether chasing EHL’s prestige, tailoring via career audits, or specializing in AI-hybrids, start today: Research one program, network on different professional platforms like LinkedIn, or snag a cert. Your adventure isn’t just a job — it’s crafting memories for your guests that leave an impact. What’s your first step?

EuroAmerican Education stands as a worldwide education centre dedicated to creating innovative and internationally accessible higher education opportunities for students. The organisation’s headquarters are located in Switzerland, and it collaborates with a network of esteemed institutions from several countries to offer academic programs that foster academic excellence, professional development, and global employment opportunities. EuroAmerican Education Group focuses on the importance of flexible learning paths for professionals and students through its institutions. The programs are designed to suit the workforce demands of domains such as business management, technology, AI, Data Science, and Cybersecurity. With the assistance of such international academic cooperation, Education is giving an international advantage to its students.

The group is run through its founding institutions: The EuroAmerican Institute (EAI), Birchwood University, European Institute of Management and Technology (EIMT), London School of Management and Technology (LSMT), and Stride University. The group cooperate to offer a wide spectrum of academic programs, including bachelor’s, master, doctoral degrees, and certification programs. The emphasis is placed on providing a nurturing multisource environment that develops analytical thinking, creativity, and cross-cultural teamwork.

EuroAmerican Education is unique in its commitment to providing flexible learning options, including online, onsite, and pathway programs, so that anyone, regardless of where they reside or their professional commitments, can gain an education. This facility focuses on Swiss education with a single campus in Switzerland and options to study online and a pathway. Other services in the program include explaining the programs of study involved, academic cooperative countries, institutions, and detailed procedures for prospective students to check eligibility and follow through in applying for courses.

Founding Institutions of Euro-American Education:

EuroAmerican education group consists of five pioneer universities and institutions that help to develop its mission of imparting quality and internationally accepted education:

• EuroAmerican Institute (EAI): One of the essential components of the group, EAI is oriented toward the development of academic goals via the expressive programs in management and technology. It acts as a centre of coordination of world aid in the group educational program.
• Birchwood University: Birchwood University prides itself on its flexible and student-centred learning methods and has a wide selection of online programmes to cater to the needs of working professionals and international students.
• European Institute of Management and Technology (EIMT): EIMT focuses on mastering the programs in technology and management with an application-oriented education that focuses on industrial experiences and research-oriented learning.
• London School of Management and Technology (LSMT): LSMT offers courses that are an amalgamation of business management and state-of-the-art technology and accommodate students who want to lead within global industries.
• Stride University: Stride University is dedicated to affordable learning, with undergraduate, graduate, and certification programs emphasising career readiness and skill-based learning.

These institutions engage in partnership to establish a complex ecosystem in education, which guarantees that students may access an array of resources, experienced faculty, and curriculum aligned to the needs of industries.

Countries and Academic Collaborations:

The EuroAmerican Education has forged academic alliances with educational establishments in ten countries, increasing its international presence and giving students access to dual-degree opportunities, global exposure, and internationalised learning experiences. The nations and the partnerships are the following:

• Italy: Collaboration with major Italian universities, the Swiss School of Management, allows students to learn the programs along with the traditional culture of Italy.
• United States: Collaborations with leading U.S. universities and one of our founding institute Birchwood University provide access to innovative programs in technology and management, enhancing students’ global employability through exposure to American academic standards.
• France: Partnerships with French universities such as IDRAC Business School, EPSI France, the School of Management applied (EMA), ICN Business School, Schiller International University, and its founding institute European Institute of Management and Technology (EIMT) offer access to business, technology, and innovation programs, with the status of academic excellence.
• India: The universities are partnering with Starex University in India to train their students in tech-related courses, especially those pertaining to the field of AI, data science, and cybersecurity, as India is a developing technology hub.
• United Arab Emirates (UAE): Partnerships in the UAE include Synergy University Dubai, UKCBC Dubai, which focuses on business management and leadership degree programs to meet the needs of the dynamic business market in the region.
• Germany: Collaborations with German universities, including eiIET Berlin, ICN Business School and Schiller International University, emphasise engineering, technology, and management programs, reflecting Germany’s leadership in these fields and providing students with access to cutting-edge academic resources.
• Russia: In partnership with Synergy University Russia, institutions facilitate research-based programs in technology and business, offering students opportunities to engage in advanced academic study within a global context.

Types of Courses Offered:

EuroAmerican Education suggests the following three different kinds of programs to meet various student demands: Online, Onsite, and Pathway.

The formats are developed to be flexible, accessible, and offer a quality experience in learning.

1. Online Programs

Online programs are perfect for students who require flexibility due to professional or life demands. Such programs are provided via the world-class virtual learning platform so that students can view the course materials, lectures, and assignments wherever they are in the world. Online programmes broadly address several fields, such as:

• Bachelor’s Degrees: Bachelor’s programs in business management, information technology, and data science.
• Master’s Degrees: Graduate degrees in subjects like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity programme, and leadership skills in the global business.
• Doctoral Programmes: Doctoral Professional Programmes, consisting of research-oriented degrees of higher expertise than professionals.

Online programmes are designed to be interactive, with virtual discussions, peer collaboration, and mentorship from faculty members. Students can study at their own pace while benefiting from the same academic rigour as onsite programmes.

2. Onsite Programmes

Our partner institutions and universities, which provide onsite programmes globally, are world-renowned in terms of their educational level and the beautiful setting. The students can take these programmes if they prefer face-to-face learning. On-site programmes:

• Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees: Full course degrees in management, technology and interdisciplinary subjects.
• Doctoral studies: Sophisticated research accepts academic and professional connections all over the world.

The wide variety of students and associated multicultural atmosphere offers students the chance to communicate with fellow worldwide students, to become involved in practical projects, and be able to utilise state-of-the-art facilities through the global campuses.

3. Pathway Programmes

Pathway is a special feature where students start studying in one academic institution and later move to another one, which could be in a different country, to finish their degree. Such programmes become particularly useful when it comes to students who are interested in global exposure and who are interested in regular two-degree programmes. Main characteristics are:

• Flexible transition: The students have the option of commencing their learning in a partner institution and later transferring to their campuses of choice with the partner university.
• The Global Degree: Students can acquire a globally accepted degree through our pathway programmes, improving their credentials through their affiliations with globally accredited institutions.
• Global Employability: Mixing with various academic systems and cultures helps the students to set their careers at an international level.

Pathway programmes are ideal for students who want to experience the cultural and learning exposure across multiple countries.

Checking Eligibility for Courses:

In a bid to ensure that prospective students have the required skills back at home to qualify them for their chosen programmes, EuroAmerican Education has eased the mechanism of eligibility checking of prospective students. Every course page at the site (https://www.euroamerican.eu/) has an option for eligibility checking. This is the step-by-step process to obtain this feature:

• Go to the Site: Click on the official EuroAmerican Education site by going to the following URL, https://www.euroamerican.eu/.
• Browse Programmes: Head to the home page and click on the “Programmes” or “Courses” bar to find a list of all the courses available, including bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certification programmes.
• Course Selection: Click on the title of the course you want to select. It will bring you to the course-specific page where you will find the comprehensive information concerning the course, the course duration, and the course learning style (online, onsite or pathway).
• Find the Eligibility Option: On every course page, search for a button or a link called Check Eligibility or Eligibility Requirements. After clicking the Check My Eligibility, you will be taken directly to a page where you can see all the prerequisites for admission in your choice of course.
• Accessing the Eligibility criteria by pressing a button marked “Check my Eligibility” will redirect you to basic prerequisites you will need to match, e.g. the following:
• Academic credentials (e.g. high school diploma to bachelor-level programmes, bachelor’s degree to master’s programmes or specific work experience).
• English proficiency (in cases where many programmes may demand that proficiency in the language should be proved).
• Professional experience (in some master’s or doctoral programmes).
• Residency (to help identify particular admission requirements).

Admission qualifications depend on the programmes. To take an example, the undergraduate programmes usually require a high school diploma or equivalent, master’s and doctoral programmes may need an undergraduate or master’s degree in the field, respectively, accompanied by some work experience in some cases. The eligibility tool provides transparency and allows students to determine whether they are the right match for a programme before handing in an application.

Applying for Courses:

As soon as the eligibility is ascertained, the prospective students may apply to the course of their choice directly via the EuroAmerican Education site. It has a friendly application process that is available on all course pages. How to apply:

• Back to the Course Page: Once the eligibility has been checked, visit the corresponding course page at https://www.euroamerican.eu/.
• Locate the Application Option: Navigate to a section labelled as “Apply Now”, which is often directly beside the “Check Eligibility” choice or at the bottom of the course outline.
• Fill out the Application Form: Making a click to the button of Apply Now button will take you to a form to be filled out online. You will have to submit:
• Personal information (full name, phone number, nationality).
• Academic certificates and transcripts.
• Supporting evidence of English competence (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL or similar, where mandatory).
• Statement of purpose of motivation letter (graduate and doctoral programmes).
• Letters of recommendation (in case of such specification).
• Any resume or CV (professional or advanced programmes).
• Supporting Documents: The application portal offers the possibility to upload the digital copies of documents that are required. Make sure that all your files are in the required format (e.g. PDF) and do not exceed a size limit.
• Application Fee: You can enrol in the application fee payment system that is secure and protected on the website payment portal.
• Submit Application: Review application and make corrections, then submit. Within a short period of time, you will come across a confirmation email that will have a reference number that you can use to check the status of your application.
• Follow Up: Your application will be assessed by the admissions office and, possibly, you may be called so that more information can be made available, or you may experience an interview (especially during the doctoral or competitive programmes).

Benefits of Studying with EuroAmerican Education

Some of the benefits that can be gained by studying with EuroAmerican Education include:

• International Recognition: The degrees and certifications are accredited with the partnership of top-ranked institutions, assuring global recognition.
• Flexibility: Pathway programs and online programs enable students to organise an education-work or education-life balance.
• Industry Relevant Skills: Curriculum is revised frequently to incorporate advice of industry professionals to match current job market needs
• Multicultural Exposure: Collaborations with institutions in ten countries offer a global outlook and networking opportunities.
• Positive Climate: Faculty and advisers offer a tailored direction and mentoring to the students.

Conclusion

EuroAmerican Education is an active progressive organisation that provides an extensive portfolio of educational programmes based on its founder establishments: Euro American Institute, Birchwood University EIMT, LSMT and Stride University. Having the main campus in Switzerland and academic partners in Italy, France, India, UAE, Germany, Russia, Malaysia, Spain, the United States, and Malta, the group gives students incomparable opportunities for global learning. Its online, onsite, and pathway programs are varied, education is flexible and available in response to various needs. The prospective student can also take the initial steps of realising their academic and career aspirations easily by visiting the easy steps involved in verifying their eligibility and applying to the courses of their choice. Whether as a working professional who would like to get a certification or as an aspiring scholar who would like to earn a doctoral degree, EuroAmerican Education provides a seamless route to success in an open and innovative atmosphere.

The hospitality and tourism sector has gone through substantial changes over the past few years, especially after COVID-19, and is continuing to do so. There is an evident shift in technology, work-life balance approach, and travelling preferences among the younger generation. The hospitality industry is trying to keep pace with the emerging technology and trends to provide memorable experiences to its guests.

The hospitality industry is evolving to align with the preferences and expectations of the younger generation. Here are some of the emerging trends that are shaping the core approach and functioning of hotels throughout the world:

• Use of Robotics: Hotel robots are emerging as a pivotal and lucrative option for both employers and guests. Service robots like housekeeping robots, food service robots, and luggage handling robots are becoming famous. They help hotels to automate tasks, improve visitor experiences, and increase operational efficiency. They can undertake repetitive jobs which are often monotonous, provide speedier service, and operate 24/7, freeing up human staff to focus on more personalised encounters. In the long term, robots help to reduce labour costs and enhance safety and hygiene.

• Use of AI: Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising the hotel industry by providing streamlined operations, data analysis, and anomaly detection. AI can be used in many aspects, such as revenue optimisation, allocating tasks, and managing inventory. Nowadays, it is used to provide flexible pricing and accommodation options to guests depending on their budgets and needs, respectively. AI chatbots can further assist in resolving customers’ queries in a short period. It can also provide an automotive check-in and check-out for the speedy arrival and departure of guests. It allows guests to experience serenity with minimal human interference or disturbance.

• Sustainable hospitality: With the increasing concern over the environment and growing consumer awareness, sustainability has become a necessity for the hospitality industry. People are becoming eco-conscious about their travel and hotel choices. Sustainability will be a great choice to cut carbon footprints, reduce waste, maintain cleanliness by going plastic-free, and many more. It will help to retain customers by providing them with a cleaner and greener environment. Use of renewable energy resources such as solar cells will further decrease the energy consumption cost for hotels. Plus, hotels can gain a positive image by using cruelty-free materials for artefacts, decorations, upholstery, furnishing, and toiletries. Vegan and organic food is also in high demand and can enhance the flavours and quality of food at hotel restaurants.

• Including local experiences: The popularity of solo travelling is increasing, with a shift towards holistic travel. Nowadays, people are interested in exploring beyond the walls of hotels. The local experience of cuisine, culture, and activities acts as a detox from the fast-paced city life. Hotels are now providing interactive workshops like cooking and pottery, cultural displays, and guided tours for an immersive experience of the location. Mostly done by collaborating with local artists and event organisers. This collaboration benefits both hotels and local people.

• Pre-booking Virtual-Reality Tours: Through VR technologies, hotels are now offering a virtual experience of the stay at the property. This includes a virtual tour of the rooms, balcony views, and amenities present at the stay. VR helps to make informed decisions. It further represents hotels in a sophisticated way. It becomes an efficient way to reach the customers and enhance the brand value.

• Providing personalised experiences: Personalisation entails providing individualised service and interaction based on the guest’s preferences and previous stays. Personalisation can include accommodation preferences, eating options, activities, and greetings for special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries. It provides a pleasurable and memorable experience for clients, hence increasing their loyalty.

• Culinary experiences: Culinary trends are reshaping the way guests dine at hotels and resorts, embracing new approaches to cater to modern tastes. Recently, trends like farm-to-table have become a hit, offering fresh and locally sourced ingredients. It highlights seasonal flavours while supporting local farmers. With an increase in health consciousness and a taste for local cuisines, more guests are seeking meals that are healthier and environmentally friendly. According to a report, the demand for plant-based options has skyrocketed, increasing its retail market from $3.9 billion (2017) to $8.1 billion in 2023. Another trend is the fusion of global cuisines, blending flavours from around the world to create unique, memorable dishes.

• Bleisure travel: It refers to travelling with the intent to work and vacation. With the rise in work-life balance and remote working options, travellers now extend their travel and stays. The hospitality industry is trying to cater to the needs of remote work by providing high-speed internet, dedicated co-working spaces, and private meeting rooms equipped with the latest technology. Some even provide business concierge services. These attractions draw business travellers and offer them extended stays to enrich their experiences.

• Workforce Transformation: One major issue that the hospitality sector has been dealing with for ages is staffing shortages. As per a survey by the American Hotel & Lodging Association, 76% of hotels in North America reported staffing shortages, with 13% experiencing severe understaffing impacting operations. The human interaction component of hospitality remains influential. To attract and retain talented and experienced staff, hotels are now offering flexible shifts, increased wages, and extended benefits to their employees. Retention is frequently seen as a critical component of hotel business success. Another transformative step is to train the individuals on new technologies and services. The future appears to involve a combination of hosting by both humans and AI.

Conclusion

Innovations in technology, shifts in work-life balance, the importance of sustainability, and shifting expectations on the part of guests are all factors that will shape the future of hotels and tourism. Businesses that are able to incorporate new trends into their operations while also retaining their customers and employees are in the best position to thrive in the shifting environment. Guest needs have shifted strongly toward customised service with streamlined digital processes and wellness-focused offerings. The evolving market demands that hotels and tourism operators embrace innovation while putting customer engagement and sustainability at the forefront to stay competitive.