15 Hospitality Training Courses to Improve Employee Skills

The hospitality industry is a highly competitive market, making running a hotel, restaurant, or any service-oriented establishment a constant challenge. Managing staff turnover and technological advancements to meet soaring customer expectations, hotels have a lot on their plate. The buffet of challenges is seemingly endless. 

However, The key to overcoming these challenges lies in hospitality training. From dishwashers to managers and CEOs, every single member of your team should be trained and equipped to deliver an exceptional customer experience. It is safe to say that a well-structured training program has become a necessity for the survival of hospitality businesses. 

This guide will explore the importance of hospitality training and the top courses relating to the industry. 

Understanding the Importance of Hospitality Training

Training and development is the most essential yet critical aspect of the hospitality industry. Unlike tangible products, hospitality is a unique niche that sells experience and thrives on customer satisfaction. It is something that can not be stored or resold, and a missed opportunity to delight a customer is challenging to rectify. 

Modern customers understand this very well, and that is why 81% of people always read reviews from fellow travelers before booking a hotel. This increasing awareness highlights the importance of hospitality training in creating an emotional connection with customers and providing them with a personalized experience. 

Source: wisernotify 

Continuous training and development not only empower employees to deliver exceptional service but also boost their confidence and skills. It creates a strong company culture and ensures compliance with the strict regulations of the hospitality industry. In short, prioritizing training and upskilling helps you create a workforce that positions your business for long-term success.     

Hospitality Training Examples for Employees

A recent hospitality experience survey revealed that the majority of the guests who stayed in hotels this year were just satisfied with their stay. The lack of a "wow" factor indicates the need for some major interventions in areas like customer service, food safety, guest services, and technology advancements. 

Source: gensler 

Here are some prominent examples of hospitality training for employees you should implement right away:

1. Customer Service and Communication

Hospitality is much more than providing food, drinks, and accommodation. It is about creating memorable and cherishable experiences for your customers. A survey shows that 66% of guests choose their preferred hotel solely based on customer experience. 

Source: kapture 

Provide exceptional customer training to your employees, focusing on the entire guest journey. From check-in to check out, employees must be trained to anticipate needs, personalize interactions, and address issues promptly. This requires excellent communication and problem-solving skills, as well as a thorough understanding of service protocols, to ensure guests feel valued and cared for.   

2. Housekeeping Duties and Inspections

A clean and well-maintained property is extremely important for creating a positive guest experience. Inattentive housekeeping can significantly detract from the overall impression, even so if other services are excellent. Guests prioritize excellent quality guest rooms while booking, so the staff should maintain the standards accordingly. 

Pay special attention to housekeeping and create employee training materials that cover the following:

• Cleaning and sanitation: Proper cleaning techniques, effective use of cleaning products, and strict adherence to health and safety regulations.
• Privacy and security: Respecting guest's privacy and protocols for handling personal items 
• Laundry and inventory management: Handling and processing hotel laundry and maintaining inventory of cleaning supplies and equipment. 

Source: static2.gensle 

3. Hospitality Management

Hospitality management involves overseeing the day-to-day operations of hotels. This includes managing food and beverage services, accommodations, travel arrangements, and events. Hospitality training in management equips professionals to deal with the complexities of operational procedures, guest relations, and sustainable practices. Key areas of focus include:

• Staying updated on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies
• Understanding revenue management, cost control, budgeting, and financial reporting
• Recruiting, training, and managing staff to deliver exceptional experiences. 

4. Compliance Training 

Compliance training in hospitality adheres to all relevant rules, regulations, and industry standards. The training ensures that businesses can mitigate legal risks, protect their reputation, and create a safer environment for staff and guests. 

Businesses should create compliance training for employees that covers the understanding of employment laws, health and safety regulations, data security, and environmental regulations. 

Source: xperiencify 

Top 15 Hospitality Training Courses In 2024 

Hospitality management is a multifaceted field with various aspects, including hotel management, human resources, housekeeping, and quality assurance. It is crucial to invest in hospitality training that covers all of these areas. 

Keeping this in mind, we have compiled a list of the top 15 hospitality training courses that will help your staff meet and exceed the expectations of your guests. 

1. Introduction to the Hospitality and Tourism Industry

There are hundreds of people who venture into the hospitality business, but only a few are able to sustain themselves.  In 2023 alone, 387 hotels in the United States closed their doors, highlighting this business's competitive nature. 

If you are planning to explore a career in hospitality, this hospitality training course offered by the University of Maryland Eastern Shore is a valuable resource. Through engaging discussions and sessions with industry experts, you'll gain an understanding of the various career opportunities within the hospitality and tourism industry.

Price: Free of cost 

Duration: 6 Weeks 

Access the Course 

2. Hotel Management Courses: Brentwood Open Learning College

Brentwood Open Learning College offers free hospitality management courses designed to provide a solid foundation in the field. 

This comprehensive program covers fundamental aspects of hotel management, including front desk operations and housekeeping. Whether you're new to the industry or seeking to advance your career, these courses offer valuable insights and practical knowledge. Upon completion, you can request a certificate to showcase your dedication to professional growth. 

Price: Free of cost 

Duration: 20 hours approx 

Access the course 

3. Housekeeping Tasks and Procedures 

Housekeeping staff play an extremely important role in creating a clean, comfortable, and welcoming environment for guests, that’s why the Housekeeping Tasks and Procedures course is important. This course offers in-depth training on housekeeping tasks, hotel layouts, and standard operating procedures.

Through three online modules, employees can learn about cleaning techniques, equipment usage, and efficient organization of hotel areas. Sign up for this course and enjoy the benefits of e-learning for employees by improving employees’ skills and productivity. 

Price: Free of cost 

Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours  

Access the course

4. Interacting With Guests 

Interacting with guests is one of the best hospitality training on communication skills. It focuses on improving communication skills and building strong relationships with guests, including building rapport, the significance of non-verbal cues, and how to maintain a positive attitude. 

Key topics covered in this course include:

• Establishing rapport: Building trust and creating a positive atmosphere.
• Assessing guest needs: Understanding individual preferences and expectations.
• Active listening: Paying full attention, understanding, and responding appropriately to guests' concerns and requests.

Price: From $9.99 per month for premium Typsy subscribers. 

Duration: 49 min 9 sec  

Access the course 

5. Food and Beverage Services in Restaurants 

Food and beverage service is a part of hospitality that satisfies different taste buds and customer demands. This hospitality training course focuses on the basic etiquette of restaurant servers. Upon completion, you will learn how to: 

• Provide excellent customer service and dining experience. 
• Present food and beverages in an appealing and professional manner.
• Employ upselling and suggestive selling techniques to enhance the guest experience and increase revenue.

Price: Free of cost 

Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours 

Access the course 

6. Personal Concierge Certificate Course: IAP Career College

Dating back to the 18th century, concierge services have been an integral part of the hospitality sector. Today, no modern or luxury hotel can imagine operating without a well-trained concierge staff. 

The Personal Concierge Certificate Course offered by IAP Career College is a corporate e-learning program to equip your staff with the required skills for this role. It prepares them to provide information and assistance to hotel guests in all manners, including hotel services, entertainment, recreation facilities, restaurants, transport, sightseeing, etc. 

Price: $149

Duration: 6 weeks (part-time) 

Access the course

7. Room Service Essentials

Typsy's Room Service Essentials course is designed for front office staff, food and beverage teams, and hotel managers. 

This course will help you learn the best room service practices and successfully process different types of room service requests. From understanding common room service challenges to best in-room dining practices, this course is a must-have for hospitality teams.

Price: From $9.99 per month for premium Typsy subscribers. 

Duration: 29 min 24 sec 

Access the course 

8. Hospitality Luxury Brand Management 

Luxury hospitality brands strive to provide exceptional comfort and elegance to their guests. Managing and innovating within this exclusive niche requires specialized expertise.

The Luxury Hospitality Brand Management course by Vanessa Robles offers a comprehensive journey into the world of luxury brands. From foundational principles to cutting-edge trends, this course explores gourmet dining, wellness, exclusive travel, and curated experiences.

Price: $49 - $79 per month for Coursera subscribers. (Financial aid available) 

Duration: 6 hours

Access the course

9. Hospitality Management: Cornell Certificate Program

While it comes with a price tag, the Cornell Certificate Program in Hospitality Management is a valuable investment. Developed by the esteemed School of Hotel Administration, this hospitality training program covers a wide range of topics, from hotel operations and guest loyalty to pricing strategies and marketing management. 

If you're looking for a single platform to gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills in hospitality management, this program is an excellent choice. 

Price: $3,750 per month 

Duration: 3 months 

Access the course 

10. Floor Cleaning Training

Floor cleaning training is a free hospitality training course that emphasizes the importance of floor cleaning and provides practical knowledge of effective techniques. 

You'll learn about various methods of floor cleaning, including mopping, equipment usage, and handling different floor materials like tile, stone, and vinyl. Upon completion, the learner will be equipped with the skills to ensure sparkling clean floors and contribute to a positive guest experience.

Price: Free of cost 

Duration: No specific timeline  

Access the course 

11. Kitchen Manager Training

Kitchen managers are highly sought-after professionals in the hospitality industry. This training program by Reed Courses equips aspiring kitchen managers with the required skills and knowledge.

It covers all essential responsibilities such as menu planning, kitchen safety, hygiene practices, staff supervision, and inventory management. After the successful completion, participants will get a hospitality management certificate at QLS level 3.  

 Price: £12, including VAT, plus £10 for a certificate of completion 

Duration: 150 hours (self-paced)   

Access the course 

12. Teamwork in the Hospitality

Teamwork makes the dream work. However, the fast-paced nature of the hospitality business often makes it difficult for employees to connect with each other and work like a team, but Teamwork in the Hospitality course solves this problem. 

This micro-learning hospitality training course empowers teams to develop necessary teamwork skills. Through four concise lessons, it educates learners about the importance of teamwork, how to become a valuable team player, and powerful communication strategies for both noisy and quiet environments. 

Price: Free of cost 

Duration: 4 lessons (self-paced) 

Access the course

13. Respond To Customer Complaints

Customer complaints are a natural part of the hospitality business, and they help improve customer service. However, managing angry customers can be a challenging task at times, which can be learned with online management courses. 

This free hospitality training provides valuable insights into handling customer complaints. It teaches employees how to distinguish valid complaints from irrelevant ones and provides customer-centric solutions that align with company policies.

Price: Free 

Duration: 45 minutes 

Access the course 

14. Event and Hospitality Management

Event and hospitality management courses provide a structured path of hospitality training for aspiring planners. From planning and proposals to presentations and etiquette, the courses cover all essential aspects of event management.

Key modules in event management courses include:

• Working with clients
• Detailed event planning steps
• Invitations and greeting etiquette
• Table arrangements
• Exploring different event types (conferences, weddings, concerts)

Price: £15, including VAT

Duration: 50 hours  

Access the course 

15. Cleaning and Sanitizing in Hospitality 

The cleaning standards in hospitality have become more stringent post-Covid 19. Hospitality training on cleaning and sanitization equips staff with the knowledge and skills to implement standardized cleaning practices. It covers proper cleaning and sanitization practices of restrooms, dining areas, and public areas, which are crucial to maintaining a hygienic environment and ensuring guest safety. 

Price: Free of cost 

Duration: 6 lessons 

Access the course 

Conclusion

The hospitality industry thrives on constant evolution. To stay ahead of the curve, invest in your employees with hospitality training and development initiatives. This equips them with the latest trends and prepares them for future challenges. 

From housekeeping to management and culinary arts, there's a course for every role, with free and paid options available online. Whether you're an individual starting your hospitality career or an organization seeking to upskill your workforce, consider using a platform like Coursebox.  As an AI-powered solution, Coursebox simplifies the creation, delivery, and assessment of training materials for diverse learning needs. 

FAQs

1. Which course is best in hospitality?

The best hospitality training depends on your specific interests and career goals. Some popular options include hotel management, culinary arts, event management, and tourism management. Consider factors like your strengths, passions, and desired specialization before choosing a course.  

2. How can I learn hospitality skills?

You can learn hospitality skills through different ways, including:

• Formal education: Get a degree or diploma in hospitality management or a related field. 
• On-the-job training: Gain experience in hospitality roles and learn from mentors. 
• Online courses and certifications: Taking specialized courses to acquire specific skills.
• Internships: Try to get hands-on experience in hospitality through internships and apprenticeships. 

3. Which hospitality job pays the most?

Higher-paying hospitality jobs often require specialized skills, experience, and leadership roles. Executive positions like general managers, executive chefs, and resort directors typically offer the highest salaries. However, earning potential depends upon different factors such as location, employer, and individual performance.   

4. How can I start a career in hospitality?

To start a career in hospitality, consider the following steps: 

• Gain experience: Start with entry-level positions in hotels, restaurants, or event planning companies.
• Network: Build relationships with industry professionals to learn about opportunities and gain mentorship. 
• Develop skills: Focus on essential skills like customer service, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability.
• Pursue education: Consider obtaining a relevant degree or certification to enhance your qualifications.