We often see hospitality management and tourism management degrees being treated as if they’re interchangeable. Both fields are intertwined, without a doubt.
Look at it this way- hospitality carries all businesses that foster relations between customers. Tourism focuses on travel related activities specifically, and relies on the hospitality industry to build proper relations with customers. The development of one sector expands the opportunities for the other, and vice versa.
Both fields are vigorous, fast-changing and competitive, and require professionals to have excellent communication skills, exceptional interpersonal skills, creativity, diplomacy, conflict and problem resolving abilities with a good understanding of business.
While they do go hand-in-hand, they are not necessarily the same. Careers in both fields require distinct skills and academic qualifications. If you are considering a career in either field, it is important to understand the differences and see where your skills and interests fit in, to be able to choose the right career path for yourself.