Although hotel management and hospitality management are related, there are some slight differences between the two. Understanding the differences will especially help if you are looking into hospitality degrees and trying to figure out which courses to take specifically or what type of career path you want to plan for if you want to work your way up to a. management position in either of these routes. 

What is Hotel Management? 

Hotel management is focused on managing all aspects related to the functions of a hotel. You must learn management techniques for hotel administration, marketing, housekeeping, maintenance, catering, and more. Hotel management is solely focused on hotels and the hotel industry. A hotel manager oversees the front desk, housekeeping, room service, food service, and guest service aspects. 

What is Hospitality Management?

Hospitality management is focused on the people. It is also not specific to hotels only, but all sectors of hospitality, including travel and restaurants, spas and wellness facilities, event management, and, of course, hotels and resorts. 

What are the differences between Hospitality and Hotel Management?

There are five main differences between the two:

Area of work: The area you are working in will determine what management you want to work in. Hotel management deals with all aspects of managing a hotel or any lodging establishment, such as a B&B, resort, etc. 

Hospitality management could be in a casino, a restaurant, spas, etc. 

• Employment sectors: Hotel management is working in the hotel industry, such as a general manager, food and beverage director in a hotel, housekeeping supervisor, and maintenance supervisor. 

With hospitality management, employment opportunities can be more varied. You can work in any positions including, operations, marketing, human resources, finance, and in more varied environments like restaurants, spas, catering, etc. 

• Driving factors: Hotel management is more operations-focused, to make sure the property runs smoothly and efficiently. If you are an operations-focused person, this may be better suited for you. 

If you are a more people-focused person, hospitality management aims to make sure guests are satisfied with their experiences at the event/venue/hotel. 

• Responsibilities: Hotel management’s primary responsibilities are mainly to ensure guests enjoy their stay at the hotel. This can range from taking care of them from the moment they check in all the way to the moment they check out. Hotel managers are in charge of the front desk, housekeeping, concierge, and room service staff.

Hospitality management also includes taking care of guests, but in a different setting, with more things like wellness activities, ensuring they enjoy an event, or ensuring food safety and quality.

• Industry dependence: Both hotel management and hospitality management are dependent on the overall health of the tourism industry, but hotel management is more affected by it than hospitality management. Hospitality management positions are also able to work in other industries that hire for events, guest relations, or meetings positions.  

When deciding what career path you want to plan for or take, remember to keep all of these factors in mind to determine whether hotel management or hospitality management career is better suited for you.