Academy of Hospitality & Tourism
Grand Rapids, Michigan has experienced unprecedented tourism growth over the past decade – and that trajectory is expected to continue into the foreseeable future.
With this growth comes exciting new opportunities to build a career in the local hospitality & tourism (HTM) industry. As the official Destination Marketing Organization for Grand Rapids/Kent County, Experience Grand Rapids seeks to build a pipeline of talent willing and able to seize these opportunities and ensure a high level of service to visitors, now and in the future.
A Framework for Success
We’re partnering with area high schools to offer an NAF Academy of Hospitality & Tourism (AHOT), which prepares students with the practical skills and hands-on experience needed to thrive in the dynamic HTM industry.
NAF is a national education non-profit that addresses the economic and social disparities that have marginalized too many high school students and their communities by bringing schools and businesses together to better prepare students for college, career and future success.
More than 16,000 high school students were enrolled in 74 NAF hospitality & tourism academies across the country during the 2023-2024 school year. Fully 100% of enrolled seniors graduated and 83% of them planned to attend college.
AOHT supports students through all four years of their high school experience, offering a curriculum that aligns with national standards and is validated by the Global Travel & Tourism Partnership. Our local AOHT has also won approval from the state of Michigan, which honored it with a Governor’s Award for Innovative Tourism Collaboration.
Secchia Institute for Culinary Education
Photo by Courtesy of Secchia Institute for Culinary Education
The AOHT Approach
Our AOHT connects classroom teachings with real-world applications in a way that traditional public educations systems can’t. We leverage our industry connections to provide experiential hands-on learning experiences that complement classroom material. For example, our annual Savor & Soar event gives students a behind-the-scenes look at the workings of local HTM providers and connects them with local businesses looking to fill open positions.
AOHT courses take the place of elective classes in the regular school schedule, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education in addition to industry-specific training.
This approach equips students with much sought-after skills as they enter the workforce after graduation. It also enables them to pursue advanced placement options in the Hospitality and Tourism Management program at Grand Valley State University.
Why HTM?
NAF says hospitality & tourism is projected to grow the fastest of all industries, which means the potential for an HTM career is vast, diverse and potentially quite lucrative. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics pegs HTM as the fifth largest industry in the country, with an additional 10.5 million new jobs needing to be filled by 2026. The median annual wage for HTM workers is $57,000/year, with half of workers earning less and half earning more.
HTM Career Opportunities
The hospitality and tourism industry includes (but is not limited to) hotels and other lodging, restaurants, breweries, theme parks, cruises, casinos, amusement parks, movie theaters, transportation services and event planning. You can work within the industry as a hotel executive or executive chef, meeting planner or tour guide, cruise director or airport manager, or any of hundreds of other jobs the AOHT will help prepare you to pursue. Visit our Workforce Development page to explore different career pathways.
Make Your Move
Download the AOHT brochure and/or contact Engagement@ExperienceGR.com for more information.
