Beyond the complex responsibilities of operating a physical hotel — of managing rooms, restaurants, event spaces and amenities designed for leisure and entertainment — a hotel manager’s job is to coordinate many moving people and parts to curate unforgettable experiences for their guests.
Hotel managers often describe their work as challenging and multi-faceted, requiring strong leadership, problem-solving, financial and people skills, and a deep commitment to customer service. But they will also describe the job as exciting and fulfilling: the hotel industry is fast-paced and always evolving, and can present significant international travel opportunities.
To become a hotel manager in Canada, you typically need a degree in hospitality management or a related field, which will emphasize business and financial management. Colleges across Canada offer degree and diploma programs in hospitality management, and there are also certification programs available for those who want to specialize in particular areas of hotel management.
Salaries in hotel management can vary based on the role and location. A hotel operations manager will bring home an average salary of $77,000 per year, while a restaurant manager’s salary is $55,000. Event planners typically earn between $58,000-$115,000. Meanwhile, casino directors, one of the top-earning roles in the hotel management field, fetch more than $150,000 annually.