OFO No: 515101

Other names for Accommmodation Service Manager:

What is a Accommodation Service Manager?

An Accommodation Service Manager or Rooms Division Manager is the person who ensures that the hotel or guest house is running efficiently.

They plan, organise, direct, control and evaluate the operations of an accommodation establishment.

They are employed by hotels, motels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, guest houses etc.

What does a Accommodation Service Manager do?

• studies the operational procedures for each department
• prepares budgets and checks incomes and expenses
• designs pricing and promotional strategies
• liaises with clients – the facilities for conventions, banquets, receptions and other functions
• meeting guests
• hires, fires and manages staff
• designs training courses for staff
• finds solutions for customer complaints
• responds to enquiries
• maintains facility, equipment and supplies

Are you …?

• organised?
• interested in the service industry?
• people orientated?
• good at planning?
• good at managing people?
• quality driven?
• good at communication?
• a problem solver?
• good under stress?
• computer literate?

How do I become an Accommodation Service Manager?

One can study a diploma or national diploma in Hospitality Management, or you can study a business degree.

Together with your qualification, work experience in the hospitality and a great skill set, you may be promoted into this position. It’s up to you to further your training and improve your skills.

PATH 1

• Higher Certificate in Hospitality Management 
• Advanced Certificate in Hospitality Management 
• Managerial work experience

PATH 2

• Diploma in Accommodation Operations and Services 
• Managerial work experience

PATH 3

• Diploma in Hospitality Management
• Managerial work experience

PATH 4

• Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management 
• Managerial work experience

PATH 5

• Bachelor degree in Hospitality Management
• Managerial work experience

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Concierge … or … Food & Beverage Manager

Is becoming an Accommodation Service Manager the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a B&B?

A B&B (bed and breakfast) is like a miniature hotel which serves breakfasts to their guests. They usually have 2-10 bed rooms.
Some Owner / Managers convert their own home into a B&B.

What is a B&B Owner / Manager?

A B&B Owner / Manager is someone who is in charge of the establishment.  This includes all jobs from managing staff at reception through to housekeeping and even event organisation.

The Manager is also responsible for making sure that guests are looked after and satisfied with the service provided.

B&B Owner / Managers are also responsible for the financial management (preparing budgets as well as advertising strategies, etc)

What does a B&B Owner / Manager do?

• meets and greets customers
• plans and organises their accommodation
• makes routine checks that staff have done their job properly
• maintains quality control
• caters for breakfast and other meals if necessary
• promotes and markets the business
• manages budgets and financial records
• recruits, trains and manages staff
• plans staff work schedules
• deals with customer complaints and comments
• supervises maintenance
• deals with contractors and suppliers
• makes sure security is in place and it’s effective
• adheres to licensing laws and other regulations

Are you … ?

• interested in the tourist industry?
• a peoples person?
• detail orientated?
• able to deal with stress?
• organised?
• a good manager?
• a person with a head for business?

How do I become a B&B Owner / Manager?

• have the Town Planning Department of your local government approve your plans for a B&B
• register your B&B business
• obtain trading license from the Licensing Department
• register with your regional Services Board and with Inland Revenue
• you may need a license to play music for you guests

Training as a Hotel Manager would be extremely advantageous. See under Hotel Manager on our website for more details.

Courses for B&B or Small Guest House Management are also available.

• GUEST HOUSE ACADEMY

• SEDA: SMALL ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

• THE BED AND BREAKFAST INSTITUTE

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Hotel Manager … or … Food and Beverage Manager

Is becoming a B&B Owner or Manager the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a Day Spa General Manager?

A Day Spa General Manager generally works in a hotel, resort or safari lodge. 

They are in charge of the daily running of the spa as well as monitoring and managing staff, ordering stock and making sure that the guests/clients are satisfied with their spa treatments.

What does a Day Spa General Manager do?

• prepares for guests or clients’ arrival
• answers the phone
• takes reservations
• organises therapy timetables
• makes sure the workstations and treatment rooms are in order
• makes sure gift packages and stocks are neat
• accompanies guests and clients to their respective rooms
• completes client cards
• prepares teas and snacks
• tidies up rooms after treatments
• orders supplies and keeps track of stock
• deals with guest complaints
• makes sure the spa is run hygienically and according to safety standards

Are you … ?

• a person with strong inter-personal skills?
• a person with strong communication skills?
• knowledgeable about the spa industry?
• confident?
• professional and reliable?
• cheerful and positive?
• a team player?
• able to manage staff?

How do I become a Day Spa General Manager?

Some Day Spa General Managers have worked their way up from therapist to this position, or from being a receptionist to this position.

You would need to learn on-the-job, all aspects of the running of the spa and have experience in this field before you can move up the corporate ladder.

Some training in beauty therapy will help, while training in hospitality management would be extremely advantageous.  You can do some of these courses through colleges near you.

For more information – look under Beauty Therapist on our website.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Make-up Artist … or … Hairdresser

Is becoming a Day Spa General Manager the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 515202

What is a Butler?

Butlers are back in fashion and are not only found in the homes of the rich and famous but are also found in hotels, resorts, on cruise ships etc. Trained Butlers can find work locally as well as internationally.

A Butler is actually a ‘luxury’ servant!  They can work for 1 person or work for an establishment and be in charge of all the serving staff.

What does a Butler do? 

A Butler is responsible for almost everything!
Here are some examples of what a Butler may be tasked to do:

• acts as a PA+ (personal assistant and more)
• acts as a chauffeur/driver
• organises travel arrangements (holiday/work)
• manages household/establishment’s staff
• packs employer’s bags for travel
• travels with employer
• tidies up after employer
• makes restaurant reservations
• organises social events or parties
• co-ordinates the activities and trains staff
• serves drinks and food
• irons, shops, walks the dog, buys gifts, orders flowers etc

Are you … ?

• committed to serve?
• efficient and organised?
• trustworthy and responsible?
• loyal?
• a person who pays attention to detail?
• extremely professional?
• flexible?
• well spoken and mannered?
• willing to  work long and unusual hours?
• discrete?
• able to keep confidential matters, confidential?
• computer literate?
• positive and cheerful?
• able to read and write well?

How do I become a Butler?

As Butlers are usually hired by affluent (very rich) and influential people – they therefore expect a Butler to be well trained, trustworthy and extremely good at their job. Because a Butler is like a personal assistant, it is important that they do not let their employer down.  They will be counted on to perform. 

There are some specialised Butler training institutions. Make sure the one you choose is accredited as there are a few scam companies out there.

PATH 1

• Do relevant ‘Butler’ training courses at private institutions

PATH 2

• National Certificate: Vocational: Hospitality (NQF Level 2) 
• National Certificate: Vocational: Hospitality (NQF Level 3) 
• National Certificate: Vocational: Hospitality (NQF Level 4) 

Here is a private institution:

SABA: The Butler Academy

SALARY:

Depending on your qualifications / work experience, Butlers can earn anything from R15 000/m to R35 000/m or higher

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Chauffeur … or … Private Secretary

Is becoming a Butler the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a Concierge?

A Concierge is a person, employed by a hotel, apartment or office building who generally meets and greets people at the front door.

A hotel Concierge should be like a walking encyclopedia of local information as they provide many services to the guests: eg. local tourist information, booking car rentals, chartering airplanes and making special travel arrangements, booking spa treatments, buying tickets to shows and sports events, recommending local restaurants and night life spots etc. 

The hotel Concierge may also help guests with business orientated services like computer rentals, photocopying etc.

In very upmarket hotels, the Concierge is expected to organise and achieve ‘the impossible’ for the guests/celebrities, no matter how strange the request is.

The Concierge of an apartment or office building may also serve as a security guard and be expected to ‘do the rounds’ of the building, making sure everything is in order.  This position may also require shift work.

What does a Concierge do?

• makes every guest feel like he or she is the most important person in the world
• is available and attentive to guests’ needs and requests
• sources and organises the guest’s request
• manages the request and makes sure it is delivered correctly and on time
• constantly updates themselves on local attractions, new restaurants, sports events, theatre information etc

Are you … ?

• a people-orientated person?
• service driven?
• positive and confident?
• organised?
• a problem solver?
• intuitive?
• good with stress?
• charming?
• a person with good social and communication skills?

How do I become a Concierge?

Most Concierges don’t have any training but learn their skills from on-the-job training.  Starting off at the customer service desk and familiarising yourself with hotel policies, the local area and what it offers (tourist information etc) is one way to start. This will help you get the necessary skills to becoming a Concierge.

If you get some training – this will also help you step ahead of the rest.  This may ensure you get a job in the hospitality industry.

Here are a few examples:

• SAM HOSPITALITY ACADEMY & CONSULTING:  (Gauteng)

Offers a 10 day course:  Hotel Front Desk

• DRUMBEAT ACADEMY:  (Pretoria)

Offers courses in Hospitality Training and in Hospitality Reception Training.

• INTERNATIONAL HOTEL SCHOOL:  (Countrywide)

3-year Hospitality Management Diploma

• IHT HOTEL SCHOOL:  (Durbanville) 

Diploma in Hospitality Management 1

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Hotel Receptionist … or … Accommodations Services Manager … or … Guest Liaison

Is becoming a Concierge the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 141101

Other names for Hotel Manager:

What is a Hotel Manager?

A Hotel Manager is the person who is responsible for the entire running operations of a hotel.

Each department head, for example, Housekeeping, Kitchen, Reception etc will report to the Hotel Manager.

The Hotel Manager will not sit in an office all day but also move around the hotel to make sure everyone is doing their job and that the whole establishment is running smoothly.

What does a Hotel Manager do?

• liaises with staff and hotel guests
• tries to increase the hotel’s profit margins
• makes sure everything is functioning well
• observes and manages staff
• makes sure the hotel (inside and out) is in good condition
• organises repairs and upkeep where necessary
• employs staff, fires staff
• handles guest complaints
• organises security for VIP’s
• makes sure hygienic standards are followed
• does admin: accounting, stocktaking, ordering supplies,
• keeps up to date with local legislation
• advertises and markets the hotel

Are you … ?

• interested in the hospitality industry?
• a peoples’ person?
• able to manage and delegate people?
• computer literate?
• a good communicator?
• organised?
• willing to work long and unusual hours?
• diplomatic?
• a problem-solver?

How do I become a Hotel Manager?

Many institutions (universities and colleges) offer diplomas or degrees (BCom) in Hotel Management.

Some of these institutions are public and some are private.

PATH 1

• Hospitality related qualification / workplace experience

PATH 2

• Management / Business qualification / workplace experience

PATH 3

Diploma in Hospitality Management

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Central University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Tshwane University of Technology
• University of Johannesburg
• Vaal University of Technology
• Walter Sisulu University

PATH 4

Diploma in Hospitality Management

Bachelor of Technology in Hospitality Management (BTech)

Workplace experience

PATH 5

Diploma in Hospitality Management

Bachelor of Technology in Hospitality Management (BTech)

Master of Technology in Hospitality Management (MTech)

Workplace experience

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

Obviously, a Hotel Manager holds a very senior position at the hotel. This usually comes with loads of work experience in the hospitality industry as well as having a varied skill set. A lot of Hotel Managers will have some form of hospitality qualification. They might even have more than one.

Example:

A person might start out as a qualified Chef and after working in a hotel for a few years, move on up to Food & Beverage Manager and then onto becoming a Hotel Manager. During this time, the person may be doing online business management or other relevant courses to improve their skills. It will depend on how ambitious you are on how hard you push yourself.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  B&B Owner/Manager … or … Office Manager

Is becoming a Hotel Manager the right career choice for me?

What is a Hotel Porter?

A Hotel Porter is similar to a Hotel Bellman except that a Porter usually works outside the hotel and the Bellman generally works inside the hotel. 

A Hotel Porter needs to be neat and tidy and extremely professional because they are the very first person a guest encounters when arriving at a hotel. They assist guests with their luggage.

A Porter should always be polite when addressing guests to make them feel welcome. 

Porters usually work for tips so it is essential that they do their job to the best of their abilities, being cheerful and helpful at all times.

For some, being a Porter may be the first step to entering the world of hospitality. If you show keenness and do your job well, the hotel might send you for further training and you can then work yourself up the corporate ladder.

What does a Hotel Porter do?

• welcomes guests to the hotel
• collects luggage from guests when they arrive at the main entrance
• makes sure the right luggage goes to the right room
• arranges luggage into taxis, buses or other vehicles when guests leave
• runs small errands for guests if required
• keeps guests content at all times
• evacuates and assists guests in an emergency
• assists with movement of furniture in the hotel, if necessary
• holds the door open for guests

Are you … ?

• wanting to work in the hotel industry?
• always helpful and polite?
• observant and attentive?
• neat, tidy and professional?
• strong, healthy and fit?
• a team player?
• a person with good people skills?
• a person with a positive attitude?
• willing to work unusual hours or shift work?

How do I become a Hotel Porter?

No formal training is required. A high school certificate would be advantageous, but not necessary. 

Good people skills, physical strength and a keen work ethic are very important.  You must want to serve and be helpful at all times.

Being Hotel Porter is your stepping stone to bigger and brighter future in the Hotel and Tourism Industry. It’s up to you.

Once the company sees that you are serious about your future and that you’re a hard worker – either you can ask for training or they may offer you training.

2 x Pieces of Advice:

• Avoid asking for training unless you’ve been with the company at least a year. Two weeks or one month doesn’t really show you’re committed.

• While working as a Hotel Porter try and get some training on the side through night school or online. Once you have some extra skills – you can then show your boss how determined you are about your future. Prove to the company you’re serious.

Effort = Reward!

If you are persistent and patient and you show the company you really want it, you could eventually see yourself in a better position with better pay.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Hotel Bellman or Slot Machine Technician 

Is becoming a Hotel Porter the right career choice for me?

12-02-2015 – Posted on Facebook

A Bellman is employed by a hotel.  After the receptionist, they are the next employee the guest encounters.

They help guests with their luggage and show guests to their room.  Bellmen are usually found inside a hotel while Porters usually work outside the hotel.

A Bellman should always be polite and use the customer’s name when addressing them to make them feel welcome. 

Bellmen usually work for tips so it is essential that they do their job to the best of their abilities, being cheerful and helpful at all times.

For some, being a Bellman is the first step to entering the world of hospitality.  If you show keenness and do your job well, the hotel might send you for further training and you can then work yourself up the corporate ladder.

What does a Bellman do?

• remaining in lobby to assist guests with luggage
• greeting guests
• showing guests to their room, opening doors along the way
• stacking and pulling luggage on rack to the guests room
• depending on time of day – turning the lights on in the guest’s room or opening the curtains
• being helpful and courteous at all times
• assisting other hotel departments if they are short staffed
• storing luggage for guests when necessary
• being impeccably groomed at all times

Are you … ?

• wanting to work in the hotel industry?
• always helpful and polite?
• observant and attentive?
• neat, tidy and professional?
• strong, healthy and fit?
• a team player?
• a person with good people skills?
• attitude?
• willing to work unusual hours or shift work?

How do I become a Bellman?

No formal training is required. 

A high school certificate would be advantageous.  Good people skills, physical strength and a keen work ethic are very important.  You must want to serve and be helpful at all times.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Hotel Porter or Tour Bus Driver

Is becoming a Bellman the right career choice for me?

See below for more info.