Segments Of The Hospitality Industry

The hospitality industry is a billion-dollar industry that is comprised of different segments/sectors. Oftentimes we are not aware of how interconnected certain businesses are to each other.

So for the purpose of this article, we will dive into the different segments of the hospitality industry and all that they entail.

History of the Hospitality Industry

According to research, the industry as we know it today began in 15,000 BCE with teh Lascaux caves in France which were developed to accommodate members of other tribes.  In the early 700s, the first two hotels in history were registered in Japan with the oldest hotel in the world still standing in Yamanashi, Japan. By the 1600s more than 600 inns were registered in England and in the early 1800s, the first modern hotel was built in England.

What is the Hospitality Industry?

At its core, the Hospitality Industry concerns itself with providing products and services to people which entails supporting the overall well-being of people.

The industry is divided into 4 well-known segments namely: Food & Beverages, Travel & Tourism, Lodging, and Recreation.

Food & Beverages

The food and beverage sector which is professionally known by its initials as F&B is the largest segment of the hospitality industry. It comprises everything that involves preparing meals, snacks, and drinks for immediate consumption. Establishments in this sector include restaurants, food trucks, cafes, bars, etc.

Travel & Tourism

Travel and tourism work hand in hand to encourage people to explore the world around them. It involves the movement of people from place to place for business or leisure. Establishments in this sector include cars, buses, planes, ships, trains, etc.

Lodging

This sector deals with the offering of accommodation to people for a period of time. People can rent a room or space to sleep or rest for a duration of time. Establishments under this sector include hotels, motels, hostels, villas, shared apartments, etc.

Recreation

This sector deals with any activity that people do for rest, entertainment, and enjoyment. Any business that provides activities for rest, entertainment, and enjoyment, for the refreshment of a person’s body and mind, falls under the recreation sector. Establishments under this sector include movie theaters, resorts, amusement parks, sporting centers, spas, etc.