Virginia has an abundance of historical, cultural and natural attractions and tourists don’t want to miss out. In fact, Virginia’s tourism industry generated $33.3 billion in visitor spending in 2023, an increase of nearly 10% over 2022.
As Virginia’s hospitality industry continues to thrive, the demand for more customer-oriented professionals increases. From event planning to hotel management, this exciting field offers ample opportunities to make a lasting impression on guest experiences.
If this rewarding industry sounds like a career for you, it may be time to consider enrolling in a G3-approved Hospitality or Culinary Arts program.
Here’s an inside look at a few of the courses you could take through Virginia’s Community Colleges.
Principles of Hospitality Management
Pursuing a degree in hospitality? This course will serve as your introduction to hospitality and provide you with a basic understanding of the industry. Throughout the class, students will trace growth, development and trends across the industry and review the organization and management of lodging, food and beverage operations.
Executive Housekeeping
Maintaining clean and comfortable spaces for guests will keep them coming back. That’s why the Housekeeping Department is a critical part of the hospitality and tourism industry. This course will focus on the ins and outs of topics including organization, staffing, cleaning materials and procedures, refurnishing and room design.
International Cuisine
For those pursuing a degree in culinary arts, this class will provide you with a strong foundation in culturally diverse cuisines. You’ll be introduced to the cultural differences and similarities in food specialties and preparations around the world. Students will also learn about emerging cuisines as they become popular.
Recipe and Menu Management
A restaurant isn’t complete without an appetizing menu to choose from. Recipe and Menu Management will provide students with the necessary tools to create and evaluate recipes and menus for both commercial and non-commercial food service operations. Students will also learn menu engineering analysis and the best methods for optimizing menu contribution margin.
Hospitality Law
It’s critical to be aware of and remain compliant with the laws and regulations throughout the hospitality industry. Hospitality Law examines the legal principles governing industry operations. Students will discuss topics such as legal theory and hospitality regulations.
