The hospitality industry is where we provide service to our guests/ visitors with our available resources. The hospitality sector consists of various professions in the service industry, including accommodation, food and beverage service, event organizing, travel, and tourism.

The hospitality industry is directly dependent upon tourism here in Nepal. According to data (Analytical Report Tourism, Government of Nepal National Planning Commission), tourism is the largest industry after wholesale and retail trade and education with 11.5% of personnel engaged. Though it provides large job opportunities and helps in the growth of national economics there are various misconceptions and myths and it varies from country to country. People should be made aware of this so that the industry can develop smoothly.

Following are some myths about the hospitality industry that lies within Nepalese society:

1) Personnel only wash dishes or serve food:

This is one of the foremost misconceptions of Nepalese people. “यो त भाडा मज्ने काम गर्ने भएछ” (They will clean dishes) “अरुको खाको उठाउछ” (They will clean up the leftovers) students and hospitality industry personnel have heard this sentence at least once when they have mentioned studying or working in hospitality line.

This is one misconception that should be cleared. They believe that person working in the hospitality industry either cooks, cleans dishes, or only serves throughout his/her career. It is true, that housekeeping, service, and cleaning are part of the training program for undergraduates. Cooking, cleaning, and serving are only a small part of the hospitality sector. It’s a serious career because of the high standards of perfection, flawless quality, and consistently excellent service! The hotel sector provides several options depending on an individual’s abilities.

A person with experience and higher education qualifications can rise through the ranks.

2) Hospitality Careers Are Only Available in The Hotel Industry:

The hospitality industry is a large sector that encompasses several other management industries. Apart from the hotel, it involves event planning, sales and marketing, accounting departments, cruise line, and so on. Event management, airlines, tourism, catering, education and training, food processing and restaurant consulting, and entrepreneurship are among the industries that attract hospitality graduates.

Here at Mid-Valley, students are more than groomed to excel in the hotel industry, they are groomed to be an entrepreneur.

3) It is an Option for Students That Do Not Excel Academically:

This misconception demotivates students who are interested in the hospitality sector. Nepalese people believe that hospitality courses are for those who score low in their academics. The requirement to study in a hospitality course in higher secondary is a minimum 2.0 GPA which is the same through all streams. Although the requirements are the same, one needs practical skills; good communication, and social skills. They need to analyze any situation fast and come up with quick and correct responses.

Business communication, accounting, human resource management, marketing, and sales are among the topic explored at hospitality industry institutes in Nepal.

Also Read: Things to know before joining Hospitality Sector

4) Job Is Not Suitable for Women:

This is the modern age where women are being empowered, have their rights, and are given equal opportunities same as men. But our society still believes that the hospitality industry is not suitable for women.

The hospitality sector flourishes on the elegance, and grace that women possess. A woman’s pleasant personality, calm composure, and general observational and managerial abilities are valued in this business.

This misconception comes from an actual problem where women are harassed at work. This does not lie only within the hospitality sector but all sectors. People should be made aware that harassing woman, in any case, is immoral and will be punished by the law.

There are awareness programs, and activists group dedicated to women’s rights.

5) Jobs In the Hospitality Industry Pay Less:

This is true in some cases, but not all. Average incomes in the hotel business are lower, this is due to a large pay gap between non-managerial positions (entry-level) and upper management positions. For entry-level occupations, the hotel business also recruits a lot of part-time employees, workers from developing nations, and interns which push the average salary downward. However, earnings in middle management and upper management level are quite competitive and provide you with a very high salary with extra service (accommodation, transportation, insurance) and comfortable living. A degree in hotel management will help us get a leg up on the competition and launch a successful career in the business.

6) Long hours are required in the hospitality sector:

The hotel sector operates around the clock, 365 days a year. There are no days off, technically speaking- yes, most customer-facing positions will require early starts – late finishes, weekend schedules, and missed holidays.
But there are other occupations in hospitality, such as administrative support activities, such as marketing, buying, or finance, that offer a better work-life balance. If that’s not an option, then we can work part-time, which provides greater flexibility and a better work-life balance.

These are 6 Major Myths or Misconceptions about Hospitality Industry in Nepal, other follows such as hospitality personnel getting a chance to travel all the time, technology will take over the industry, etc. The hospitality sector is one of the major economy-generating sources in Nepal. The government should give attention to clear these myths so new undergraduates who are interested can join with full confidence.

Author: Mukul Subedi Batch 10 ‘A’