Chapter 1 Th e World of Hospitality 9
and airports. Because people eat out more often
today than they did 50 years ago, much more
money is spent at restaurants and other foodser-
vice businesses.
The foodservice industry is the largest and
most varied part of the hospitality industry. It may
be the world’s most well-known industry. It em-
ploys over 10 million people and is one of the na-
tion’s leading employers.
Lodging
Lodging is a place to sleep for one or more
nights. Accommodation is another word often
used to mean a place to sleep. The lodging industry
consists of businesses that provide overnight ac-
commodations. A business that provides over-
night accommodations is often called a lodging
property.
Lodging facilities vary widely from expensive
resort hotels to budget motels. Accommodations
can be found to fi t any price range and level of
service. Some lodging properties pamper visitors
with special services, 1-6. Others concentrate on
convenience and low price. Examples of lodging
businesses range from the elegant Ritz-Carlton
Hotel in New York City and the reasonably priced
Embassy Suites Hotels to the inexpensive Motel 6.
A bed-and-breakfast in a private home is also part
of the lodging industry. There are almost fi ve mil-
lion guest rooms in approximately 52,000 different
properties throughout the United States. There are
about 13 guest million rooms worldwide. Camp-
grounds are also part of the lodging industry.
Travel
The travel industry consists of businesses that
physically move travelers from one place to another.
These businesses include car rentals, taxi and ferry
services, train and bus services, and airlines. Travel
includes trips of varying lengths—from overnight
stays to round-the-world vacations involving sev-
eral destinations and weeks of travel.
Travel for pleasure has changed in recent de-
cades. Previously, Americans took week-long va-
cations and stayed with relatives or friends. Now
Omni Hotels & Resorts Omni Hotels & Resorts
1-6
This luxury hotel is part of the lodging
segment.
Omni Hotels & Resorts Omni Hotels & Resorts
1-5
Fine-dining restaurants are one part of the
food and beverage segment.