What industries will hire the most hospitality workers in 2025?

As we’ve been discovering through other articles we’ve published over the past couple of weeks, it can be surprising as to which industries are poised to hire the most people in a particular occupational field. Today, we look at which industry is poised to hire the most hospitality workers. We interviewed a dozen hiring experts, including a Founder/CEO/CFO and a Director General, to gain their perspectives. The first expert believes that the tech sector will drive hospitality hiring, while the final expert predicts that the retail and e-commerce sectors will snap up candidates.

• Tech Sector Will Drive Hospitality Hiring
• Experiential Events Sector to Lead Hiring
• Digital Food Service Industry to Hire Most
• Event Planning Industry to See Uptick
• Entertainment and Event Planning to Lead
• Health and Wellness Industry to Hire Most
• Retail and Leisure Sectors to Hire Most
• Sustainable Tourism to Be a Major Employer
• Sports and Recreation to Boost Hospitality Jobs
• Hotel Industry to Dominate Hospitality Hiring
• Travel and Tourism Sector to Lead Hiring
• Retail and E-Commerce to Snap Up Candidates

Tech Sector Will Drive Hospitality Hiring

I anticipate the technology sector will drive significant hospitality hiring in 2025. Through our experience serving clients like Ferrari and Louis Vuitton, we’ve observed tech companies increasingly prioritizing high-touch, personalized service experiences to complement their digital offerings.

Our partnerships with major tech firms like Microsoft and Netflix have revealed a growing trend toward creating immersive, hospitality-focused environments in their corporate spaces and events. This shift requires professionals who can deliver premium service standards while understanding technological integration, similar to how we’ve adapted our staffing solutions to combine traditional hospitality excellence with innovative service delivery.

The convergence of technology and hospitality is particularly evident in our service evolution. By reducing hiring costs from $150 to $50 per employee through AI implementation while maintaining premium service standards, we’ve demonstrated how the tech sector can successfully integrate hospitality expertise. This trend suggests tech companies will increasingly seek candidates who can bridge the gap between digital innovation and personal service.

Our consistent achievement of million-dollar revenue years reflects this growing demand for sophisticated hospitality services within the technology sector. Companies seeking to differentiate themselves in the competitive tech landscape will prioritize hiring hospitality professionals who can enhance their human-centric service offerings while embracing technological advancement.

Daniel Meursing, Founder/CEO/CFO, Premier Staff

Experiential Events Sector to Lead Hiring

The industry that will likely hire the most hospitality candidates in 2025 is the experiential events sector. I’ve had the privilege of working with various Fortune 100 companies, and I’ve witnessed firsthand the growing demand for unique, immersive experiences that combine technology, art, and entertainment. As consumers increasingly crave memorable experiences over material possessions, event organizers and hospitality professionals will be in high demand to create and curate these experiences.

In my experience, the key to success in the hospitality industry lies in attention to detail, empathy, and effective communication. I’ve seen how a well-designed event can foster meaningful connections and leave a lasting impact on attendees. To thrive in this industry, I advise hospitality professionals to focus on developing their emotional intelligence, staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, and cultivating strong relationships with clients and partners. By doing so, they’ll be well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of the experiential events sector and deliver exceptional experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Michael Sumner, Founder and CEO, ScoreDetect.com

Digital Food Service Industry to Hire Most

Drawing from my personal experience in the bustling culinary and digital marketing sectors, I predict the digital food service industry—particularly online food delivery and virtual dining experiences—will hire the most hospitality candidates by 2025.

These platforms need professionals who understand both the world of food and the digital marketplace. When I started my business, the primary goal was to help traditional restaurants transition into the digital world, and I witnessed firsthand how this digital transformation led to a surge in employment opportunities for hospitality professionals. This transition has only accelerated due to the pandemic, and I believe it’s here to stay.

Another example is the prevailing trend of virtual cooking classes and digital gastronomy experiences. These initiatives need hospitality expertise to craft an authentic experience that surpasses the simple delivery of ingredients. So, in my view, the digital food service industry, with its wider reach and innovative business models, can offer abundant opportunities for individuals with a hospitality background.

Andrea Abbondanza, CEO and Founder, SEO For Restaurants

Event Planning Industry to See Uptick

In 2025, the event and wedding planning industry will likely see a major uptick in the hiring of hospitality professionals. People are increasingly seeking unique, immersive experiences for their weddings, parties, and corporate events, which means event planners, coordinators, caterers, and venue managers will need to step up their game. As more venues shift to outdoor and unconventional spaces, like rooftops, gardens, and even private homes, the demand for event staff with hospitality expertise will rise.

A key driver of this trend is the shift toward personalized and intimate gatherings. Gone are the days when a generic venue could host a wedding; now, couples are looking for bespoke experiences, and this creates more opportunities for specialized event staff. Hospitality candidates will be needed not only for catering and guest services but also to ensure smooth logistics, manage vendor relations, and deliver top-tier customer service.

In my experience with my business, where we often collaborate with event planners and caterers, I’ve seen the demand for skilled hospitality staff increase as our customers look for seamless, high-quality event setups. Whether it’s someone managing the decor or coordinating the lighting, it’s a high-touch industry that demands skilled and personable workers.

Matt Little, Founder & Managing Director, Festoon House

Entertainment and Event Planning to Lead

By 2025, entertainment and event planning will likely hire the most hospitality graduates. As in-person events like weddings and music festivals come back, there’s a greater need for those who can enhance these experiences. On-site managers who oversee VIP areas, concierge teams that provide personalized services, and even creative caterers who offer themed meal options seem to be in higher demand. For example, at a festival like Tomorrowland, experts might be needed to keep an eye on the VIP cabanas or plan interactive food events that cater to the tastes of festival-goers. People who are interested in these jobs should enjoy planning events that guests will remember forever.

Technology is also changing the way things work, which will affect jobs. People often see virtual reality booths, event check-in apps, and even robots that help with live customer service. A tech show is a great example of a hybrid event where people who attend in person and online want the same amount of attention. Skilled hospitality teams are needed to ensure that people who attend virtually are just as engaged as those who are there in person. This area of hospitality is one of the most interesting to work in because I can see companies actively looking for tech-savvy people who also understand how to treat guests with respect.

Chris Bajda, E-commerce Entrepreneur & Managing Partner, GroomsDay

Health and Wellness Industry to Hire Most

In 2025, I believe the health and wellness industry will hire the most hospitality candidates. The growing demand for wellness tourism, luxury retreats, and holistic health services is driving this trend. As more people prioritize mental health, self-care, and overall well-being, there will be an increasing need for highly trained hospitality professionals who can deliver exceptional experiences in wellness resorts, spas, and health-focused hotels. 

Additionally, businesses in this industry require a strong emphasis on customer service, personalized experiences, and attention to detail—skills deeply rooted in the hospitality sector. This creates an excellent opportunity for hospitality professionals trained to anticipate guest needs, manage luxury services, and foster a welcoming environment. 

The rise of “bleisure” travel—where business travelers extend trips for leisure—also plays a role. As people look for work-life balance, they seek destinations combining relaxation with professional amenities, further boosting the demand for skilled hospitality staff in hotels and resorts catering to business and wellness needs. 

With the growth of this sector, hospitality candidates with experience in guest services, event management, and luxury accommodations will be highly sought after, especially in destinations focused on wellness, sustainability, and relaxation.

Fawad Langah, Director General, Best Diplomats

Retail and Leisure Sectors to Hire Most

I believe the retail and leisure sectors will hire the most hospitality candidates in 2025. Both industries are actively addressing labor shortages by introducing flexible work options. For instance, some companies let employees customize their schedules, which appeals to those balancing other commitments.

Career development opportunities also make these industries attractive. Many employers now promote hospitality roles as career-focused rather than temporary jobs. Apprenticeship programs and clear growth pathways are helping candidates see these roles as long-term options.

Wages and benefits play a significant role in drawing talent. Some companies offer higher pay, sign-on bonuses, and fair compensation, making them more competitive. For many hospitality workers, this is an important factor when choosing a new role.

Investments in technology are also changing how these industries operate. Automated hiring processes and improved working conditions make roles easier to manage and more appealing to potential employees.

Eric Sornoso, Co-Founder, Mealfan

Sustainable Tourism to Be a Major Employer

Sustainable tourism will be one of the biggest employers for hospitality candidates and we’re already seeing it take effect. All thanks to the fact that people are increasingly choosing to travel in a way that doesn’t harm the environment or local cultures. This isn’t just a passing phase. People are actively looking for hotels that use renewable energy, restaurants that source local ingredients, and tour operators who give back to communities. As this demand grows, so does the need for skilled professionals who understand how to implement sustainable practices. In 2025, we’ll see a lot of jobs popping up in areas like eco-tourism management, sustainable hospitality operations, and community-based tourism initiatives.

Gary Gray, CEO, CouponChief.com

Sports and Recreation to Boost Hospitality Jobs

The industry that I believe will hire the most hospitality candidates in 2025 is the sports and recreation industry. With the growing popularity of sports tourism and major events like the Olympics and World Cup on the horizon, there’s going to be a significant boost in demand for hospitality professionals who can manage everything from high-end accommodations to fan experiences. Fans are looking for more than just a game—they want unique, immersive experiences that go beyond the traditional stadium or arena. Whether it’s through luxury suites, behind-the-scenes tours, or specialized services, the sports and recreation sector will need skilled hospitality workers to elevate these experiences.

Mushfiq Sarker, Chief Executive Officer, LaGrande Marketing

Hotel Industry to Dominate Hospitality Hiring

The hotel industry will likely continue to dominate hospitality hiring in 2025, supported by trends that highlight its sustained demand for skilled professionals. While there has been a slight slowdown in hiring compared to previous years, hotels remain active in recruitment to address employee turnover and fill critical positions. This steady demand suggests that hotels will remain a major employer in the hospitality sector.

Hotels are also focusing heavily on creating supportive environments to retain staff. With a competitive landscape where top-tier operators and executives are in high demand, hotel brands are prioritizing workplace stability, flexibility, and streamlined hiring processes. These efforts make hotels attractive not just for new hires but also for career professionals seeking growth opportunities within the industry.

Beyond hotels, segments like hospitality investment and development are also emerging as significant employers, particularly for candidates with financial expertise in areas like debt investing. This specialized demand signals that sectors linked to the expansion and funding of hospitality projects will play an essential role in shaping the job market.

While hotels are poised to lead in hiring, the broader hospitality field—especially in investment and development—will also present substantial opportunities for hospitality professionals in 2025.

Stefano Lodola, Founder & Course Author, Think Languages

Travel and Tourism Sector to Lead Hiring

The travel and tourism sector is likely to hire the most hospitality candidates in 2025. As global travel increases, there will be a higher demand for roles in areas like guest services and event coordination. The focus on delivering memorable and seamless experiences will keep hospitality skills highly sought after in this field.

Other industries, such as healthcare and residential services, are also expected to seek hospitality talent. These areas value strong communication and service skills to enhance overall experiences. The ability of hospitality professionals to adapt and create welcoming environments makes them an asset across various sectors.

Klaus Niederacher, Managing Director, Seekda

Retail and E-Commerce to Snap Up Candidates

In my opinion, retail and e-commerce will likely snap up hospitality candidates in 2025. The customer service skills, adaptability, and ability to handle the pressure that hospitality workers bring are gold for roles like customer support, store management, or even logistics coordination. As e-commerce keeps booming, businesses need people who can offer great experiences and keep customers happy, especially in roles blending online and in-person interactions.

Michael Hayden, Accountant | Business Owner, MH Services