Hospitality Management

This academic year, PTHS introduced a new and highly successful course – Hospitality Management. Under the guidance of Mrs. Lipari, students delve into the latest developments in the hospitality and tourism industry. The curriculum not only explores career opportunities but also emphasizes sustainability, ethics, and essential business themes like marketing, finance, logistics, and management skills.

The U.S. hospitality industry, employing 15 million people, stands as the fifth-largest industry in the country. The USA hospitality market, valued at $4 billion in 2022, is projected to reach $10 billion by 2028.

One notable project this year involved students focusing on four main areas: Food and Beverage (encompassing restaurants, catering, weddings, conferences, and event planning); Accommodation (including campgrounds, hotel operations, spa management, and resorts); Entertainment and Recreation (covering cinemas, theaters, museums, sporting events, festivals, and casinos); and Travel and Tourism (involving travel agents, global tour destinations, wellness/eco-tourism, destination marketing, airlines, and technology).

The course examines major players in the industry, such as Disney, Starbucks, Sodexo, Marriott International, and Airbnb. Students actively engaged in hands-on projects, including the development of websites to promote Pequannock as a tourist destination. They presented these projects to the Mayor and gained practical insights during a visit to a local restaurant, where they toured the kitchen and learned about running a successful hospitality business.

Mrs. Lipari underscores the importance of real-world experience by planning additional field trips, believing that connecting classroom learning with practical exposure is crucial for student success. The course continues to provide a comprehensive and immersive education in Hospitality Management, preparing students for dynamic careers in this thriving industry.