Hospitality & Tourism
Travel the world! Or stay right in your hometown. Either way, you’ll have a career that is exciting and rewarding. The types of jobs available in the hospitality and tourism industry vary greatly, as do the settings in which people work. These include resorts, cruise lines, dining and lodging establishments, convention centers, and even health-care facilities.
One of the largest employers in the world, the hospitality industry is growing at a rapid pace, as are the opportunities for employment. Those who want to advance will rapidly need to develop professional skills in customer service, marketing, and supervision.
This program is designed both for people who are entering the hospitality and tourism field, as well as for those who already are employed in the industry and who want to upgrade their professional skills.
Hospitality and tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S. and in New Mexico is the largest employment sector. The industry is highly promoted in Las Cruces, as well as throughout the state.
One reason the hospitality industry has such broad appeal is because there are so many different types of positions available in such a variety of settings. Graduates may work in:
• front-office operations and reservations
• sales and promotion
• food and beverage operations
• culinary arts, banquets, and catering
• travel and tours
• finance and accounting
and in such settings as:
• resorts
• cruise lines
• hotels and motels
• convention facilities
• restaurants
Hospitality is an interesting and rewarding career. Job opportunities are readily available, advancement is fast, and the pay is competitive with other career fields.
Students majoring in the Hospitality and Tourism (HOST) Program have the opportunity to earn a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree with an emphasis in Hospitality and Tourism. This program trains students for jobs in the hospitality industry such as hotels, resorts, restaurants, quick service, cruiselines, ski resorts, and much, much more. With the HOST program having a very high placement rate, HOST students have acquired jobs throughout the state of New Mexico as well as all around the country.
How to Get Started
Prospective students can arrange for an initial degree planning session with an advisor after completing the application for program admission.
Remember to consult the DACC Catalog, available online, for more complete information before choosing a program. Certain restrictions, qualifications, and/or fees may apply.
For more information, contact the HOST Program at (575) 528-7412.
Faculty & Staff:
Laura De La Cruz, Interim Department Chair
Phone: 575-528-7335
Office: DAEM 100G
Lorrie Harper, Associate Professor
Phone: 575-527-7264
Office: DASR 220N