The hotel industry is vast and growing. There are so many opportunities, great locations, job varieties along with ready upward mobility that it’s no wonder over 15 million people are currently engaged in the hospitality and leisure industry (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics). Here are the top 20 reasons why a hotel career is full of people with a passion for the job.

1.     A World of Opportunity: No matter where you work, the skills you learn are readily transferable to any country or culture… a great way to explore the world.

2.     Lots of Variety: Hotel work is typically not a 9-5 job. You have flexibility and variety in your day not only in the work you do but also in the hours you work.

3.     You Make People Happy: Every day you’re making someone’s day better – it’s all about the guests and making their stay special.

4.     It’s Creative: Whether you’re in the kitchen, the bar or you’re the concierge at the hotel, there’s always a new way of making the experience more enjoyable and interesting.

5.     Great Perks: In hospitality, you can share in the fun that the guests are having when you rub elbows with famous people, eat fabulous food and enjoy some of the resort’s amenities.

6.     You Can Try out New Jobs: There are so many options in the hospitality industry that you need never get “stuck” in one job.

7.     Hospitality has History: For thousands of years, people have traveled around and stayed at inns to meet their basic needs. Hotel work has a long and storied connection with the past and continues to evolve.

8.     It Offers Diversity: You work with people from all over the world with colleagues coming from different cultures and backgrounds.

9.     Work with Friendly People: People who work in hospitality are typically outgoing and friendly. You meet fun and lively co-workers and the atmosphere is upbeat.

10.  There’s Room to Grow: You’ll develop yourself personally and professionally by thinking on your feet, meeting a wide variety of colleagues, and working as a team.

11.  Don’t Need Experience to Start: While it makes sense to get some specific training or attend a hospitality program, you can get your foot in the door with very little experience and work your way up.

12.  It’s Recession Proof: Even in slower economic times, people still need food and somewhere to sleep and it’s not an industry that can be sent “off-shore.”

13.  Fast-Growing Industry: Travel and tourism is the fastest growing industry in the 21st century. Will we see hotels in space? Maybe on the International Space Station?

14.  It’s an All-Around Business Education: Hotels have it all: Marketing, Accounting, IT, Sales, Customer Service, Human Resources, etc.: all “hands-on” experience you can get without leaving the industry.

15.  Discounts and Connections: Being in the industry allows you to make connections all around the world and take advantage of “favor rates” and trades to make travel easier and more affordable.

16.  Upward Mobility: If you work hard and invest in your qualifications, you can move up the ladder quickly to managing people and bigger projects.

17.  You Get to Know Half the Town: Before you know it, you’re recognizing the “regulars” that come in to eat or to have a drink, you know the vendors and you’re part of a community.

18.  You’re an Ambassador: Think about it. You’re the person representing your community (or country) to guests from other areas and countries. The hotel business is at the core of tourism.

19.  It’s Dynamic: Everything is changing all the time: guest preferences, your competition, new events or festivals in the area, technology, exchange rates, etc.

20.  It’s Fun: You’ll never get bored. There’s something new every day and you’re working in a lively, exciting environment.