Home >> Career Center >> Hotel Manager >> Boards, Associations and Professional Groups in Hotel Management
It’s a good time to be working in the hotel management industry. Based on the calculations of the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for hotel managers is approximately $45,800, with the opportunity to earn much more in the finest upscale properties. The demand for hotel managers is only expected to grow by about five percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the same BLS report, however, which is slower than most industries. So, succeeding in this field takes a competitive edge. One of the best ways to stay connected in this competitive career field is by joining one of the many hotel management associations, boards and/or professional groups. These organizations, among others, offer a wealth of resources to hotel managers and industry insiders.
American Hotel & Lodging Association – The American Hotel & Lodging Association has been the voice of the lodging industry in the United States for more than a century. The association serves the interests of hotel owners and managers by advocating on their behalf in Washington, D.C. and representing their interests in the public and business community. Members gain access to networking opportunities with other professionals in the field and a number of other valuable resources.
American Resort Development Association – The American Resort Development Association has more than 1,000 members from hotels, resorts and timeshare properties, and has been going strong since it was founded in 1969. The ARDA is professional group based in Washington, D.C., and dedicated to protecting the interests of hotel and resort owners and developers.
Hospitality Asset Managers Association – The Hospitality Asset Managers Association is a professional organization for asset managers in the hotel industry. HAMA offers its members opportunities for education and networking, and strives to advance the profession within the business community and in the public perception. Hotel asset managers are a distinct type of management professional in the hospitality industry – they manage assets and are responsible for acquisition, financing and hotel/resort development.
International Hotel & Restaurant Association – The IH&RA was founded in Germany in 1869, when 45 hotel owners met and formed an alliance at Hotel Trier in Koblenz. This international association is still expanding after surviving World War II and making many strategic changes over the year. The United Nations admitted the International Hotel & Restaurant Association in 1995, cementing it as an internationally recognized organization. The association moved its head office to a new location next to some major hotels across from Lac Leman in Lausanne, Switzerland in 2008, under the leadership of a new president.
These are just a few of the major hospitality management associations, boards, councils and professional groups out there. Most countries that have thriving tourism industries have their own set of similar organizations, all offering many resources to hotel managers.
