How to Become a Hospitality Consultant: Steps and Benefits

Key Takeaways

• Hospitality consultants tackle exciting projects, from enhancing guest experiences to improving business operations, with opportunities to work across various projects and industries.
• Success in this field requires strong communication, analytical thinking, and adaptability, complemented by certifications and advanced degrees like the Master of Science in International Hospitality Management at Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS).
• Many consultants enjoy the freedom to work part-time, freelance, and globally, tailoring their careers to fit their interests and lifestyles.
• The expanding hospitality industry offers significant career growth, allowing consultants to shape the future of businesses and create lasting value.

Have you ever envisioned a job that combines your love of solving problems, traveling, and bringing joy to others? Becoming a hospitality consultant could be your perfect match! These behind-the-scenes experts help hotels, resorts, and restaurants dazzle their guests while boosting profits.

Hospitality consultants bring innovation to the industry by revising menus, optimizing operations, and creating memorable guest experiences. With the right skills and a passion for hospitality, this career opens doors to countless opportunities to make a difference.

What Is a Hospitality Consultant?

A hospitality consultant is someone who helps businesses in the hospitality industry—like hotels, resorts, restaurants, and event planning companies—improve how they operate. They work to make sure businesses run smoothly, offer great customer service, and, as a result, increase their profits.

In this capacity, a hospitality consultant wears many hats. They provide advice on how to improve the overall strategy, whether it's marketing a business or managing staff. They also look at how a business is currently performing, often by conducting audits, and then suggest changes for improvement. For example, they might help a hotel improve its guest experience or help a restaurant refine its kitchen processes.

One key part of their job is training staff. As such, they teach employees how to provide excellent service and manage their daily tasks more efficiently. Consultants also monitor new market trends, making sure businesses stay up to date and competitive.

Becoming a hospitality consultant allows you to work with a variety of businesses, solve interesting problems, and make a real difference in how people experience hospitality.

Skills Required to Become a Hospitality Consultant

A hospitality consultant’s role is like being a problem solver, strategist, and industry guide all rolled into one. To thrive in this dynamic career, you need a mix of essential skills that help hotels, restaurants, and resorts operate better, impress guests, and increase profitability.

If we were to break down the must-have skills, they would be:

• Communication skills: Whether presenting ideas to clients, training staff, or resolving conflicts, clear and confident communication is a daily necessity.
• Problem-solving abilities: From fixing operational bottlenecks to addressing guest complaints, consultants often find themselves untangling challenges. Effective problem-solving skills help them tackle these challenges head-on.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills: Numbers matter. Hospitality consultants analyze guest feedback, revenue trends, and occupancy rates to make data-driven decisions.
• Industry knowledge: Knowing hospitality trends, like the rise of eco-friendly travel, guest expectations, and operational nuances, helps consultants offer relevant and modern solutions.
• Adaptability: A consultant might work with a small boutique hotel one day and a global resort chain the next, requiring quick adjustments to different business needs.
• Project management: Overseeing a team during a major redesign or rebranding effort is a common responsibility.

With these skills, you’ll not only meet your clients’ needs but also pave the way for leading roles in hospitality.

Educational Requirements for Hospitality Consultants

Education plays a vital role in establishing a successful career as a hospitality consultant. Having a strong educational foundation is highly recommended and often regarded as essential for credibility and expertise in the field.

A relevant education not only equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel but also sets you apart in a competitive industry. This is particularly important for consultants, who frequently work as independent contractors without the backing of a company to bolster their credibility.

By prioritizing education, you enhance your reputation and position yourself as a trusted authority in hospitality consulting.

Recommended degrees

Most professionals in this field begin with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business administration, or a related field, where they learn the complexities of the hospitality world. For example, the Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management at SHMS provides a blend of business acumen and industry-specific knowledge, such as guest services, business culture, and team management, which are crucial in consultancy.

For those aiming to advance their careers and specialize in high-level advisory roles, pursuing a master’s degree in hospitality management is the way to go. Programs like the Master of Science in International Hospitality Management offered by SHMS are highly recommended. About 29% of graduates from this program end up working in consulting.

Why study at SHMS? Because SHMS is ranked among the top in the world for Employer Reputation by the QS World University Rankings. This means that your future employer knows the good reputation of our school and hires our graduates. This ranking is what deeply influenced Carla Vallet’s decision to join SHMS, saying:

This exceptional ranking was a pivotal factor in my decision, reflecting the academic excellence and professional expertise I sought.

The Master of Science program in International Hospitality Management at SHMS combines theoretical knowledge with innovative practices, preparing graduates to tackle global challenges in the industry. SHMS’s curriculum emphasizes strategic management, innovation, and leadership, all of which are key to excelling in consultancy roles.

SHMS alumnus, Eric Masalwala, who has benefited from the program, says:

“My degree turned me into a true hospitality professional and prepared me for what has been a thrilling journey with one of the leading hospitality brands in the world.”

The Master of Arts in International Hospitality Business Management at SHMS is also a gateway to leadership in the global hospitality sector. This one-year program emphasizes essential skills such as leadership, strategic planning, financial management, and customer experience, all while fostering innovation and adaptability.

Consultants with advanced degrees are often sought after for advising luxury hotels on sustainability initiatives or helping international resorts optimize guest experiences. By pursuing a master’s degree, you not only gain deeper insights into the industry but also position yourself as a trusted expert in the competitive field of hospitality consulting.

Certifications and training programs

Certifications and training are valuable tools for hospitality consultants to enhance their expertise and gain the trust of clients. That's why, included in their diploma programs, are opportunities for certifications and masterclasses focused on important areas of hospitality, giving future graduates a competitive edge.

SHMS students can choose among many options, including:

• Public Speaking
• Wedding Planning
• Luxury Champagne

Bachelor of Arts student at SHMS, Daniel Zhang, described his experience in these masterclasses as “eye-opening,” while Megan Ganssler has this to say:

“... Masterclasses give those who want to learn a little bit extra about a specific subject the opportunity to know more.”

On the other hand, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) certification is also particularly beneficial and suited for consultants focusing on luxury hospitality, fine dining, or event planning, offering specialized knowledge in wine and spirits.

Beyond these, certifications like the ones provided by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) are widely respected in the industry. They emphasize skills in operational management, customer service, and marketing strategies—critical areas for hospitality consultants.

Specialized training and certifications keep consultants ahead of emerging trends, transforming them into trusted advisors who bring fresh perspectives to their clients. Whether it's perfecting the art of crafting unforgettable guest experiences or focusing on the nuanced world of wine expertise through certifications like WSET, these qualifications are the secret ingredients that build credibility and open doors to success.

Benefits of Becoming a Hospitality Consultant

One of the biggest perks of working as a hospitality consultant is the variety of work. You’ll get to work with boutique hotels, luxury resorts, or even global chains, tackling challenges like improving guest satisfaction or redesigning operations. Each client brings fresh opportunities to flex your creativity and problem-solving skills.

Flexibility is another win. As a consultant, you often set your schedule, which means balancing work and personal life becomes much easier. Plus, this role isn’t confined to one location; you might find yourself traveling to exciting destinations, soaking up diverse cultures, and gaining inspiration from every corner of the world.

The role also brings significant professional benefits:

• Career growth: Working with various businesses helps you develop a broad skill set, from operations management to strategic planning.
• Networking: You’ll connect with industry leaders, building relationships that can lead to new opportunities.

Finally, there’s the personal satisfaction of seeing your strategies come to life, improving businesses, and elevating guest experiences.

Salary

Hospitality consultants have the flexibility to set their own rates based on their expertise, clientele, and region. Consultants typically charge clients in a few ways, considering:

• Hourly rates: Ideal for short-term projects or advisory roles.
• Daily rates: Common for more intensive engagements.
• Flat project fees: Often used for larger, defined projects like hotel rebranding or operational audits.

This flexibility allows consultants to tailor their pricing model to suit both the client’s needs and the project’s scope, creating opportunities for significant earning potential. Working with high-profile clients or in luxury markets can further boost income.

Job outlook

The hospitality industry is continuously evolving, driven by changing guest expectations, technological advancements, and global trends. Businesses, from boutique hotels to large resort chains, increasingly seek expert guidance to improve operations, enhance guest experiences, and stay competitive in a crowded market.

While specific growth projections vary, industry reports suggest that hospitality careers, including consultancy services, will continue to expand as businesses navigate challenges like sustainability, digital transformation, and post-pandemic recovery.

According to the AHLA Foundation, the industry is projected to see a 12% job growth over the next five years, surpassing the national average of 8% across all industries. This trend creates steady opportunities for aspiring and experienced consultants.

With the ability to work globally and across diverse sectors of hospitality, this career offers both stability and growth. For those passionate about helping businesses succeed and shaping memorable guest experiences, the role of a hospitality consultant promises a bright and rewarding future.

How to Gain Experience as a Hospitality Consultant

To become a successful hospitality consultant, gaining practical experience in the industry is essential. Before jumping into consulting, it's important to immerse yourself in various roles within the hospitality sector to develop a well-rounded understanding of how it all works.

For example, you could begin as a Front Desk Agent or Server to learn customer service basics. Then, move up to jobs like Restaurant Manager or Guest Services Supervisor, where you’ll get a better sense of operations and managing a team. As you gain experience, aim for roles like Operations Manager or Director of Sales, which will teach you about big-picture strategy, budgeting, and planning.

Networking always plays a crucial role in the transition to consulting: attend industry conferences, join professional organizations like the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), and connect with peers and mentors who can provide guidance and valuable connections.

Internships are a crucial part of gaining experience and are a graduation requirement at SHMS. Through the International Recruitment Forum (IRF), held twice a year, SHMS students have the unique opportunity to connect with leading employers in the hospitality and consulting industries.

The IRF serves as a platform to secure internships and job placements, allowing students to apply their hospitality knowledge in real-world consulting scenarios. Participating in internships through the IRF not only provides hands-on experience but also offers a valuable glimpse into the consulting world before committing to a full-time role.

SHMS student, Aksinya, says, doing an internship “is an opportunity for a real-life scenario just like in the working world.” For Eva, another successful SHMS student, the internship at 5-star Beau Rivage Hotel in Lausanne has “helped reinforce [her] passion for working in this industry.” 

Gaining experience in different roles and staying active in the industry will help you learn the skills needed to assist businesses in improving and enhancing their customers' experiences.

Is a Career as a Hospitality Consultant Right for You?

A career as a hospitality consultant can be an exciting and rewarding choice, especially if you’re passionate about the hospitality industry and enjoy problem-solving. If you like the idea of working with a variety of businesses, from hotels to restaurants to event venues, this path offers flexibility and the potential for high earnings.

The ability to make a real difference in how businesses operate is one of the most appealing aspects of consulting. For example, imagine helping a boutique hotel improve its guest experience and revenue by recommending changes to its marketing strategy and customer service operations.

This career may be ideal for individuals who thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments. Whether you're helping a restaurant with its kitchen operations or advising a hotel on increasing bookings, every day brings a new exciting challenge.

To excel in this role, you’ll need a strong combination of interpersonal skills to build relationships with clients and their teams, as well as analytical abilities to evaluate data and propose effective solutions. So, make sure you possess such qualities before choosing consultancy.

If you’re someone who enjoys both working with people and using data to solve challenges, hospitality consulting could be the right fit for you. It’s an opportunity to leave a lasting impact while navigating such a diverse industry.

Seize Your Potential as a Hospitality Consultant

A career as a hospitality consultant offers dynamic opportunities to shape the future of hotels, resorts, and restaurants worldwide. From crafting innovative guest experiences to solving complex business challenges, it’s a role filled with variety, flexibility, and rewarding growth. By developing key skills, earning certifications, and pursuing advanced education, you can become a trusted expert in this ever-evolving industry.

Looking to become a hospitality consultant? The Master of Science in International Hospitality Management at SHMS equips you with the leadership and strategic insights needed to excel. Discover your potential and start your journey with SHMS today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to have experience in hotel management to become a hospitality consultant?

While not mandatory, experience in hotel management provides valuable industry insights and enhances credibility.

Can you work as a part-time or freelance hospitality consultant?

Yes, many hospitality consultants work part-time or freelance, offering flexibility and control over their projects.