why work for hospitality and why now?

So you have done years of hard work in your studies at school and now you have finished from school and still looking for a job, right? The question is what's next on the job front.  In this blog we wish to bring the hospitality sector closer to home and closer to our hearts with a closer look at some of the basic industry background for our job-seekers and parents information. 

Note to parents: you are hoping that when your daughter or son finished from college or their first semester in a Tertiary level study at the age of 18-29, that they'll want a casual job to kick start their career journey with, right?  And you want to see them take their first new steps into independence, employed and being productive, right? 

​You want to see them learn new skills and gain good experiences  just like what you have taught to them at home, right? I am sure that's not the case for many of you.   Here are a few of what staff from the sector say what they like and don't like!

I enjoy working with food as it gives me the pleasure and opportunity to be creative and expressive in my job."  AL, Trainee Chef

When working with people, no two days are the same.  Different problems and tasks always arise, and the need of each individual frequently change. I have to be flexible in order to accommodate customer requirement."  FM, Customer Service

There's a lot of pressure in my job to get certain things right, but I like working in a challenging and heated environment."  ST, Sous Chef

I don't like my housekeeping job, i.e. making the beds and general house cleaning, folding the washing and ironing the bed linens. I don't clean, do laundry and make beds like this at home."  AH, Trainee Housekeeping

Ensuring customers feel welcome and comfortable is the most important part of my job. This starts with simple things such as a smile on arrival." MM, Hotel Front Desk Reception

It is what we think we know already that often prevents us from learning." 

We have interviewed and employed a lot of people in the Hospitality & Tourism industry.  Hospitality begins in the home, so we need to also raise the awareness of it to dear parents. When we interview candidates for hospitality jobs we are asking questions to see if you have  trained them properly at home with the basic life skills that will set them apart from the rest.  So this is to simply help you, help them so they can get a start in the workforce in Tonga.
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industry update 

​The hospitality industry is the art of catering for some people in some form.  This could involve working with food, entertainment, accommodation, travel and more.  This sector in general heavily revolves around customer service and the experience of the consumers.

​You don't necessary need a Bachelor Degree to join this sector either as a wide range of entry-level roles are on offer in hotels, kitchen, restaurants and the like. Most colleges offer vocational courses or apprenticeship on variety of subjects including chef apprenticeships, hospitality services, as well as courses in catering skills.  Most tertiary and universities offer courses and relevant diplomas and degrees that can lead you down a certain career route; culinary art, food technology or travel and tourism.  Other degrees can be transferrable to this sector such as business and management.​

The industry trend, latest technology and online platforms also have its affect on the hospitality sector. Their advances always signify changes to a wealth of sectors and the hospitality sector is no exception.  For example the Airbnb and other major global and domestic online marketing sites which connect those with a spare room with those who are looking for a place to stay on top of direct booking with hotels and resorts. Sites like these have changed the way traditional method and transactions are completed, allowing trade to excel for independent and small hospitality business owners.  In fact, widespread internet use has prompt the hospitality sector to adapt to industry trends and work differently as a whole if they want to compete in a market that is so small like it is here in Tonga. 

Most customers and tourists will visit these sites such as Trip Advisor for customers' reviews prior to visiting a hotel, resort and restaurant. This means to us in the sector for both owners and staff that the customer experience has become even more vital to not only your business and staffing requirements, but also to the sector development in Tonga as a whole.  

Service with a smile is priceless. Treat others like you want to be treated.

what roles can you find in hospitality?

Even Superstar JLo was a Maid/Housekeeper (in the movie)

Head Chef
Sous Chef
Restaurant Manager
Catering Organiser
Bar Tender
Event Organiser
Hotel Manager
Receptionist
Food & Beverage Supervisor
Waiter/Waitress
Housekeeping
Kitchen Assistant
Cleaner
​Maintenance

With the South Pacific Games (SPG) being confirmed for Tonga to take place in 2019,  and in leading up to that big international event we are expecting a rise in job vacancies in the sector,  in addition to other local and regional seasonal events that are currently on-going.  Despite of the challenges facing the sector, there are 3 out of 10 people employed in Tonga's Hospitality & Tourism.  About 12% of Tonga's workforce are employed in this sector, and this industry contributed about 24% of the total Tonga jobs growth last year. This means there is so much more to hospitality for you to embrace as a career path in a limited job market like Tonga.  If you can secure a job in this sector in Tonga, you can do well in any job anywhere outside of Tonga, and this is our challenge to you!