What functions does a hotel manager perform?

The tourism industry in Spain represents nearly 13% of GDP and is a strategic sector that has been continuously growing after the difficult years of the pandemic. In particular, accommodation structures are those that have had to renew themselves the most, also due to the increasing competition from tourist apartments. According to the National Statistics Institute (INE), there were 13,851 hotels open in Spain in March 2024, 124 more than in the same month in 2023. In this context, the professional figure of the hotel manager is becoming increasingly important with strong career prospects.

Hotel manager responsibilities

• The hotel manager, or hotel manager, is the person responsible for managing and directing the establishment, both in terms of the staff working inside it and the creation of services offered to guests. They are also responsible for the management of the financial resources available to the company.
• In small businesses, this role is often held by the property owner, while in hotel chains, luxury environments, or more international contexts, the professional performs key managerial and business functions, becoming the General Manager of the company, appointed by the ownership.
• The hotel manager receives specific instructions from the company regarding both strategic guidelines and available resources. According to the parameters set by the ownership, they are responsible for coordinating and directing all necessary activities to ensure the business achieves its expected goals and revenue targets.
• In general, this professional operates with a high degree of operational autonomy and defines the most suitable and profitable business strategies. If the hotel is not part of a large chain with a marketing department, they may also be responsible for identifying and managing communication campaigns to attract new potential customers. At the same time, they may directly oversee customer loyalty initiatives to encourage repeat visits.
• Among the hotel manager’s responsibilities is also the supervision of all services available to guests, ensuring that quality standards are always met. This role also involves coordinating staff and, if necessary, taking part in recruitment processes. In general, they communicate with department heads to ensure each area achieves its objectives effectively and efficiently.
• In medium and large hotels, the manager may be supported by an Assistant Manager and a Deputy Manager, who work closely with them to monitor the efficiency of each department and the standard of services provided to guests. In smaller hotels, however, this role may be responsible for every detail. In fact, they may even perform operational tasks such as guest reception or data entry into the system.

What to study to become a hotel manager

Today more than ever, in an increasingly specialized world, a hotel manager must enhance their technical skills through academic programs, whether university or postgraduate, as well as continuous training and professional development courses.

In particular, to access this career it is important to have completed studies in Economics or Tourism Sciences, preferably complemented by professional courses or specialized master’s degrees such as a Master’s in Hotel and Restaurant Management. International study or work experience is highly valued in interviews. This role is typically accessed after gaining prior professional experience in other hospitality positions, such as Front Desk Manager or Assistant Hotel Manager.

The skills required for a hotel manager are varied, although in some respects similar to those of other business managers, especially in terms of coordination, team management, and operational organization. However, this role is distinguished by its knowledge of regulations, finance, and control across all areas necessary to achieve business objectives.

The digitalization of administrative processes and the introduction of artificial intelligence have also transformed hotel management, to the point where no hotel manager can be considered fully qualified without being able to use a Property Management System (PMS). This type of software allows for automation of repetitive tasks, improved customer service through chatbots, analysis of consumer trends via Big Data, and even monitoring of room maintenance through installed sensors.

The hotel manager works in the tourism sector and therefore must have a strong command (both spoken and written) of at least two or three languages. Among the key soft skills required are organizational and managerial abilities, initiative, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

The hotel manager must maintain a professional working environment, keeping staff motivation high and fostering a cohesive team. Finally, strong communication, diplomacy, and problem-solving skills are essential, both with employees and guests.

Hotel manager salary

What is the salary of a hotel manager? It can range from €42,000 to €90,000 per year, with an average of around €60,000. The variation depends on several factors, including hotel size, location, previous experience, and achieved results.