Jan 18, 2023 There’s more to a meal… With taglines like “Every meal matters”, and “Bhel delivered faster than bail”, online aggregators like Zomato and Swiggy zoomed into the food industry even before one could bait an eye or analyze the gargantuan portion that they would slice out of the hospitality industry at large. Once the industry woke up to the immense market that the aggregators were gnawing into, talks and discussions and heated debates ensued to distribute this profitable market. That aside, one cannot argue that these online aggregators are here to stay. As we brace for, perhaps, another lockdown and as the Covid 19 threateningly re-surges again with mutations, driving us back to the safety of our homes—opening the apps and ordering our comfort foods seems to be the best resort. True, the online aggregators are heaven sent, especially during these trying times when the restaurants have to be closed to dine-in facilities. Not only for the weary customers, but also for the restaurants owners, this has been a respite. The online aggregators have been useful for restaurants with less back-end infrastructure to serve customers. The statistics received through these aggregators can also aid in tailoring their services to the demands of the customer, like the cuisines preferred or the average spend of a particular demographic. It also serves all the eateries, the established and the newbies, in the same platform—providing an equal space to be discovered by the customers. At the same time, the customers are often blamed for being fickle-minded as they sway for the attractive offers and discounts offered by the aggregators and the same restaurants might not enjoy their patronage for long. Many have pointed out that the system of online aggregators is unsustainable, with the low margins of profit that the restaurants gain after shelling out for commissions, packaging and delivery charges. However, the present times calls for such aggregators to be ever ready to serve the customers. With hands tied and doors closed, the restaurants have heavily relied on the aggregators to float their business and hopefully, to tide these trying times. Nevertheless, the space that the aggregators have occupied is miniscule compared to that of the hospitality industry. One cannot deny that food is not mere sustenance but an emotion. At an age when technology has offered the ease of ordering food with a click, we still run to the restaurants and hotels to be pampered with food. The rush to the restaurants when the first round of lockdown was eased, is a testament to the ever attractive force of the hospitality industry. We yearn for the clatter of plates and chatter of friends or even strangers. Be it to grab the burger with friends, or have a romantic candle-light dinner with your partner, or have an elegant dine-in or go for a business luncheon or even if you want to curl into that comfortable sofa in your favourite coffee-shop—the online aggregators with their aggressive promotions cannot bring that charm and magic into our homes. The aesthetics, ambience, comfort, elegance and beauty of the hospitality industry remain unmatched. Sheila Raheja Institute of Hotel Management, in Mumbai offers aspiring students to register with the them under the following courses: B.A. Culinary Arts B.Sc in Hospitality Studies Recent Posts Hotel Management at SRIHM: Your Gateway to Global Careers Apr 27, 2025 Hotel Management Course Details at SRIHM: A Complete Guide Apr 27, 2025 Top Culinary Institute of India – Courses, Careers & Admission Mar 17, 2025 Hospitality Management Course: Career, Scope & Colleges Mar 17, 2025 Load More Our Programs Hotel Management Course B.Sc Hospitality Studies B.A in Culinary Art

Hospitality is among the most popular career pathways nowadays, which is why many students are opting for a hotel management course. However, unlike other conventional degree programs, Hotel Management doesn’t measure success based on your theoretical knowledge or academic marks alone. Even technical skills, although essential to learn during your hotel management course if relevant, are not as critical in this field as something else: Soft Skills. Since most hospitality careers are people-centric professions, soft skills are extremely vital for individuals who wish to pursue them. For instance, a hotel can have luxurious rooms and top-notch amenities on offer, but it is how its staff treats guests that matters more than anything. Soft skills directly impact the guest experience, so the institute of hotel management where you study must help you develop and polish these skills. While you certainly need good marks to pass and graduate, soft skills are the key that can make or break your future hospitality careers. Read on to understand the importance of soft skills in hospitality: What are Soft Skills in Hospitality? Soft skills are a combination of behavioural and personality traits with interpersonal and organisational abilities. As hospitality careers involve frequent interactions with people, these skills are imperative for professionals in this field. They help you build positive connections with guests, coordinate smoothly with your colleagues, solve problems effectively, and stay calm under pressure. A reliable hotel management course can equip students with a strong skill set that comprises both hard skills and soft skills. More than the scores you obtain in your exams, it is this well-rounded skill set that can transform ordinary hotel experiences into extraordinary ones that guests cherish. Difference Between Soft Skills & Hard Skills in Hospitality The hospitality industry demands professionals who possess hard skills for performing day-to-day tasks and soft skills for engaging with people. If you are confused between the two skill types, the following points can help you differentiate between them: Transferability Soft skills, such as communication or decision-making skills, are crucial not just in hospitality but in all fields. Moreover, they can even benefit you in your educational journey or personal relationships. On the other hand, hard skills are not always transferable from one profession to another. For example, knowing how to cook food or use hotel management softwares are hard skills that are specific only to hospitality careers. Measurement Hospitality soft skills are difficult to measure, because no institute of hotel management conducts qualification exams for them in particular. In comparison, hard skills are easily measurable through certain exams that can test your proficiency level. Focus Area The soft skills that you learn from a hotel management course focus on interactions with people, be they team members or guests. On the contrary, hospitality hard skills are those that you can use to complete tasks, such as room inventory, billing, or housekeeping. Must-Have Soft Skills for Hospitality Careers Below are the top soft skills that hospitality professionals must have: Work Ethic A strong work ethic is pivotal in the hotel management industry. From dealing with unusual guest requests to working long hours during peak periods, this soft skill will keep you going in your hospitality careers. Communication Hotel management course graduates must have effective communication skills (oral and written) to thrive in this profession. A hospitality establishment’s success depends on clear communication among its different teams, including front office, room service, housekeeping, guest relations, etc. Additionally, you must have good listening and people skills to understand guest requirements properly and ensure that their experience is memorable. Decision-Making & Problem-Solving Hospitality professionals must be good at making quick decisions and solving problems. Sometimes, guests may have complaints, or there may be an issue with deliveries, among other things. You need to assess the problem using both critical thinking and empathy, and promptly provide the best possible solution in such situations. Cultural Awareness As a hotel management professional, you may have to handle domestic as well as international guests. Cultural awareness is necessary to understand their backgrounds and differences, so that you can serve them with the care and respect they deserve. Adaptability Considering the dynamic nature of the hospitality industry, adaptability is essential for professionals in this field. With shifting global trends and evolving practices, such soft skills in hospitality can make your career future-proof. Knowing how to adapt your working style to suit the changing needs of your role will keep you relevant in your job over the long term. Emotional Control Handling a crisis at work can be very stressful, no matter what your profession. Even in the hospitality industry, things go wrong many times and don’t always happen according to the plan. But it is crucial for hotel management course graduates to stay calm and keep their emotions in check, as their job requires them to interact directly with customers. Losing emotional control can lead to negative experiences for guests, which can tarnish your establishment’s reputation. Leadership & Teamwork Having leadership qualities and teamwork skills is significant in hotel management careers. It can help you coordinate efficiently with various cross-functional departments like front office, housekeeping, restaurants, etc. When you lead by example, your team members also feel motivated to do their best work. This collaborative team effort contributes to guest satisfaction in hotels and other hospitality establishments. Organisational Skills Organisational skills are one of the most important soft skills that your institute of hotel management can teach you. Staying well-organised can help reduce mistakes in work and make you more efficient at your job. Benefits of Soft Skills in the Hospitality Industry The right educational qualifications and hard skills may help you land the job, but your soft skills will determine how well you flourish in your hospitality careers. Following are the benefits of soft skills in hospitality: Improved guest retention & brand loyalty Faster career progression to leadership roles The chance to represent your hotel/brand Eligibility for global opportunities Thus, soft skills can help you scale greater heights of success in