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Useful experience for hotel/motel managers includes:

• work in the hospitality or tourism industries
• work in sales and marketing
• any work requiring good communication skills.

Hotel/motel managers often gain supervisory or management experience in the hotel industry by working in roles such as food and beverage manager or executive housekeeper.

Hotel/motel managers may do or oversee some or all of the following tasks:

• hire, train and manage staff and teams of people (especially in larger hotels)
• greet customers and check them in for their stay
• take client bookings for rooms and on local tours and attractions
• manage the hotel/motel website 
• plan budgets and keep accounts
• ensure that health and safety requirements are met
• organise and co-ordinate events
• market the establishment.

Hotel/motel managers of smaller establishments may also do or oversee the following tasks:

• serve customers food and beverages
• cook or provide meals
• stock-take, order and price liquor and food
• uphold liquor laws, such as making sure there are no under-age drinkers on the premises
• clean rooms and grounds and do laundry.

Good demand for hotel/motel managers

Job opportunities for hotel/motel managers are good because low unemployment and an increase in job vacancies means there is a shortage of people available to do this role.

According to the Census, 5,709 hotel/motel managers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Types of employers varied

Hotel/motel managers may work for:

• hotels
• hostels
• motels and lodges
• bars, pubs and nightclubs.

Service IQ

(04) 385 9563 - www.serviceiq.org.nz

With experience, hotel/motel managers can progress into other management roles in the hospitality industry or run their own business.

• ServiceIQ website - career map of jobs in hospitality (PDF - 546KB)

Hotel/motel managers may also specialise in the following areas:

Bar Manager

Bar managers are responsible for the running of a pub or tavern and ensure that customers receive good service.

Hostel Manager

Hostel managers supervise the running of hostels, backpackers, boarding houses or guest houses.

Hotel Manager

Hotel managers plan, organise and control the operation of a hotel. Hotel operational managers oversee the day-to-day running of a hotel, while hotel general managers also make long-term plans for the hotel.

Motel Manager

Motel managers own and operate motels.

Hotel/motel managers need to:

• have excellent people and customer service skills
• be able to relate to people from a range of cultures
• be able to accept criticism
• have good leadership skills
• have decision-making and problem-solving skills
• be able to remain calm in emergencies.