Hospitality, sport, leisure & tourism graduate jobs & schemes 2025

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This sector includes a variety of career paths, such as:
 

Hospitality & Events

  • Hotel management (e.g., general manager, guest relations)
  • Restaurant & catering management
  • Event planning & coordination
  • Luxury & resort management
     

Sport & Fitness

  • Sports management & administration
  • Coaching & performance analysis
  • Sports marketing & sponsorship
  • Fitness & wellness consultancy
     

Leisure & Recreation

  • Theme park & attractions management
  • Outdoor adventure & activity coordination
  • Health & wellbeing programme management
     

Travel & Tourism

  • Tour operations & travel consultancy
  • Airline & cruise management
  • Destination marketing & tourism development
  • Sustainable tourism & ecotourism
     

Many roles combine customer service, business management, and marketing skills, while others focus on sports science, event planning, or digital transformation in travel and leisure industries.

Yes, though they are less common than in finance or consulting. Some major companies offer structured programmes:
 

  • Hospitality & Hotels: Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Accor, Whitbread (Premier Inn).
  • Events & Entertainment: Live Nation, Merlin Entertainments (Alton Towers, Madame Tussauds), IMG, NEC Group.
  • Sport & Fitness: Premier League clubs, The FA, England Rugby, UK Sport, fitness brands (e.g., David Lloyd, PureGym).
  • Travel & Tourism: TUI, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, easyJet, Expedia, Booking.com.
  • Leisure & Attractions: Disney, Center Parcs, Warner Bros. Studio Tour.
     

Most graduate schemes last 18 months to 3 years, with training across departments before specialising.

It depends on the role:
 

  • Essential for structured graduate jobs – Hospitality management, sports science, or travel consultancy often require degrees.
  • Helpful but not always necessary – Sports coaching, fitness training, or event planning prefer experience over qualifications.
  • Not required – Customer service, travel agency roles, or entry-level leisure jobs focus more on skills and experience.
     

Many companies offer apprenticeships and industry certifications as an alternative route into management roles.

  • Customer service & communication – Engaging with clients, guests, and customers.
  • Leadership & teamwork – Managing teams and ensuring smooth operations.
  • Problem-solving & adaptability – Handling unexpected challenges (e.g., guest complaints, event disruptions).
  • Marketing & sales – Understanding branding, social media, and revenue generation.
  • Financial management – Budgeting, forecasting, and business planning.
  • Industry knowledge & technology – Using reservation systems, fitness tracking software, or event planning tools.

Salaries vary depending on the role and location:
 

  • Hotel & Hospitality Management: £22,000 – £30,000 at entry level, rising to £50,000+ as a general manager.
  • Sports Management & Coaching: £25,000 – £40,000 depending on the sport and organisation.
  • Events & Leisure Management: £22,000 – £35,000 in corporate or large-scale events.
  • Travel & Tourism: £20,000 – £32,000, with roles in airline or tour operations paying more.
  • Fitness & Wellbeing: £18,000 – £30,000 (personal trainers and wellness coaches may earn more through self-employment).
     

Salaries increase significantly at senior levels, with international hospitality executives, sports directors, and luxury travel consultants earning £70,000+.

  • Highly competitive in areas like sports management, event planning, and luxury travel.
  • Hospitality and tourism tend to have more entry points but require experience for higher roles.
  • Networking is crucial – Many opportunities come from industry connections, internships, and work placements.

✔ Gain industry experience – Internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering in sports, events, or hospitality.
✔ Develop customer service skills – Experience in retail, catering, or reception roles can help.
✔ Learn relevant software – Familiarity with booking systems, event planning tools, or fitness tracking apps.
✔ Network with industry professionals – Attend tourism expos, sports conferences, or hospitality career fairs.
✔ Get certifications – Additional qualifications like personal trainer certification, event management courses, or tourism diplomas can give you an edge.
✔ Show a passion for the industry – Travel experiences, sports involvement, or event planning projects can strengthen your CV.