As remote work and the gig economy continue to grow, there are plenty of work-from-home opportunities that exist within the hospitality industry, too. You just have to know how to search them out.
Many hotels, for example, are hiring for telecommuting positions, such as reservation sales and customer service positions. Search here for open positions that are either remote or telecommute.
If you’re seeking a stable but flexible work option and a chance to serve the hospitality field in our digital world, read on for descriptions of some of your top job prospects.
1. Hotel Reservation Sales
These individuals are typically the first point of contact guests have with a hotel property or brand. You will spend your time talking with customers by phone to assess and deliver their travel needs and provide personalized options. Pay ranges may include performance-based incentives or sales goals. And top performers in this position know how to optimize their sales pitch by offering hotel upgrades and packages and can often average $11 – $14/hour plus incentives. Hours vary and may include nights, weekends, and/or holidays for this work. Some companies may also provide technology like a computer or other necessities, so inquire within. Some employers may even offer a retirement benefits package, discounts on travel plans, and health insurance to their remote employees.
2. Spanish-Speaking Hotel Reservation Sales
Hablas español? If so, there are even more opportunities as a reservation agent. Many of the same qualifications, income potential, and duties apply to English-speaking counterparts.
3. Hotel Customer Service
Customer Care representatives field calls from direct mail inquiries and guests, book accommodations and tours at property locations, adjust and/or change guest packages/accommodations, and answer questions concerning their upcoming travel plans. Folks in this position may also work to resolve disgruntled guests. In this role, it’s advantageous to know how to upsell, be a good multi-tasker and problem-solver, and be self-motivated, goal-oriented, and customer-focused. Base pay may start at around $10/hour, and employee discounts often serve as a perk, as well as health insurance and vacation, and paid time off.
4. Worldwide Business Travel Sales Manager
Having worked your way up to this level of experience (typically at least two years as a Sales Manager handling business sales for a hotel), along with management experience, this job option may be a fit for those proficient in word-processing and spreadsheet software, negotiating and closing skills, and an ability to travel at least 25% of the time. Such individuals service a hotel’s business account roster, maintain relationships with hotels and brand representatives and manage relationships with accounts while aiming to maximize revenue and increase market share. Completing Requests for Proposals is also part of the job, as is data analysis, generating expense reports, and corresponding with clients. The median average base salary is $55K.
5. Cruise Account Executive
To fill the rooms on cruise ships traveling the high seas, leading cruising companies to need Cruise Account Executives to field incoming inquiries, secure reservations, and provide travel agent partners with quality customer service. Main responsibilities include building rapport and maintaining relationships with cruise customers, travel agents, and other partners, confirming and servicing a reservation from the beginning until the cruise begins, and documenting special requests and add-on features/purchases by customers or travel agents. A college degree and a minimum of one year of sales experience are desirable. The average hourly rate for such workers is $12/hour.
6. Revenue Manager
If you’ve got a head for numbers and an interest in money management, Revenue Management is yet another opportunity ideal for those who wish to work from home. These people work on managing guest room inventory, partaking in the generation and execution of revenue management activities, and acting as a liaison. Some experience is beneficial, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top median pay for such work in 2016 was approximately $50,000 annually.
7. Hospitality Facilities Outside Sales Account Manager
If you can sell, virtual work as a facilities sales executive could be right up your alley. You’ll likely work for a distributor of products ranging from toiletries to dining supplies, that cater to the hospitality industry. Growing sales volume, sharing market and competitor information with distribution channels, and participating in regional trade shows may all be a part of your role. A bachelor’s degree is preferred, as is a few years of experience in the field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top median pay in 2016 for related Wholesale supply representatives was $60,500.