An Inside Look at New York’s Dominant Hospitality Industry (2024)

Throughout his childhood, Eli Massachi traveled extensively. He explored new places, interacted with diverse people, and unlocked a new fascination with the world of hospitality. “I immediately fell in love with it,” says Eli. “Hospitality is a global and multicultural industry, driven by people and connections. Based on my own travel experiences, I knew I wanted a career in the industry. That’s what inspired me to pursue the Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Management degree at NYU.”

Eli’s academic pursuits led him to NYU’s Hospitality Business Society (HBS). HBS is a student-run club offered by the School of Professional Studies. Chiefly, the club connects its members with key resources in New York’s dominant hospitality industry. Because of this, Eli saw it as an opportunity to get involved and hone his leadership skills.

“In high school, I didn’t participate in many student organizations. I wanted to change that in college,” he explains. “I joined HBS and was fortunate to be elected vice president. On the executive board, I learned the importance of leadership and public speaking. It also helped me hone my organizational skills and provided me with a sense of fulfillment in planning events that benefit our members.”

While HBS attracts many hospitality majors at NYU, all students from across the university are welcome to join. Every year, the club plans a range of professional development and networking events to connect members with different facets of New York City’s hospitality community. The professional development events can focus on resume building, cover letter workshops, interview preparation, and how to navigate LinkedIn.

“Tours at various hospitality establishments, like hotels, event venues, and restaurants, are key events for us each year,” says Nicole Schwartz, a Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Management major and HBS president. “For example, we toured establishments such as the renowned Ritz-Carlton, Union Square Cafe, The Pierre, and the Equinox Hotel. Most recently, we had the pleasure of touring a Korean fine dining restaurant called Jungsik.”

In addition to property tours, HBS hosts a career fair and networking panels with alumni, professors, and industry professionals. What’s more, they host conferences with the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI).

“The career fair is something HBS recently started, so I’m very excited about it,” says Joshua Jeong. He’s also studying Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Management, and is the HBS treasurer. “Last semester, approximately 15 companies attended the fair. They ranged from destination marketing organizations to travel agencies, to established hotels to food and beverage companies. In the future, we hope it becomes a place where students can learn more about the industry and discover an area to pursue after graduation.”

Eli says HBS events, especially the tours, enabled him to “explore the city and experience the real world of hospitality in New York.” In addition, these events often lead to networking opportunities and professional connections. “Meeting the executive management team after a site visit or chatting with a panelist after a speaker event opens up many doors for internships and career advancement,” Eli says. “These are invaluable opportunities for our members.”

Through HBS, students have unique access to opportunities and communities in New York they likely wouldn’t have outside of NYU. For many of its members, HBS has played a critical role in their NYU experience.

“HBS has been an integral part of my NYU journey,” says Nicole. “I expanded my leadership skills, networked with industry professionals, and developed lasting connections with people who helped me achieve my academic pursuits and professional goals. So, I am grateful for the role HBS has played in my growth. The opportunity to meet with, learn from, and listen to hospitality experts impacted me on both a personal and professional level.”