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.