20 Apr 2025
A love letter to the industry.
At 16 years old, I fell in love with hospitality. Back then, I didn’t fully understand what drew me in - but I knew it had something to do with people. With connection. With the simple, beautiful art of making someone feel welcome. The sense of caring.
Now, 15 years later, after studying hotel management in France and working across multiple European countries, I can confidently say that entering the hospitality industry - and doing so abroad - has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life. If you’re wondering whether this path might be for you, let me share why I believe it’s not just a career choice, but a life-changing journey.
Hospitality is the ultimate people business
At its heart, hospitality is about connection. It’s about reading between the lines, anticipating needs before they’re spoken, and curating unforgettable experiences. It teaches empathy, grit, and grace under pressure. These are not just job skills - they’re life skills.
In this industry, you meet people from all walks of life: colleagues who become lifelong friends, guests who inspire you with their stories, and mentors who shape the way you lead and live. Every day is a chance to learn something new, and every work shift is an opportunity to impact someone’s day in a positive way. Beyond the everyday life.
Why you should take it abroad
Studying and working abroad took my passion to a whole new level. Paris, where I studied, was more than a city - it was a classroom that taught me culture, curiosity, and courage. Working in different countries pushed me out of my comfort zone and into rooms filled with new languages, new customs, and new ways of thinking. The beauty of hospitality is that it's truly global. No matter where you go, the fundamentals remain the same, it´s about people - but the way they’re expressed changes with every country and format. That’s what makes going abroad so powerful: you don’t just become better at your job, you become a more open, adaptable, and thoughtful person.
A career that keeps on giving
People sometimes think hospitality is just about hotels and restaurants - but it’s so much more. It’s leadership, operations, commercial, finance, branding, communication, creativity, service, and cultural awareness all wrapped into one dynamic field. Whether you're welcoming a guest into a five-star property in a city or managing a team in a countryside boutique hotel, you’re part of something bigger - something that brings people together.
The hard days
Of course, it’s not always glamorous. There are long hours, demanding guests, and moments where exhaustion takes over. You’ll miss holidays with your family. You’ll have days where everything that can go wrong does. You’ll be on your feet for 12 hours, running on caffeine and adrealine . Living and working abroad brings its own challenges, too - language barriers, cultural differences, moments of loneliness, and the feeling of starting from scratch in a new place. There were times I questioned if it was all worth it.
But that’s the thing about this industry: the tough days don’t diminish the experience—they deepen it. They make the rewarding moments shine even brighter.
Why it’s all worth it
Because the guests remember your name and sincerely thanking you for making their experience unforgettable.
Because you realise you made a small yet big, lasting impact beyond everything else.
Because your colleagues become your friends.
Because every challenge teaches you something real.
Because your way of being transcends your profession.
Because everything you do brings results and builds culture.
Because your outlook and attitude diversifies.
Because your purpose is being fullfilled.
And so much more. Hospitality gives you stories, friendships, resilience, and global perspective. It teaches you how to lead, how to serve, and how to care. And when you do it abroad, those lessons multiply.
So if you’re someone who values experiences over routine, who finds energy in diversity, and who feels fulfilled by helping others feel at home - this industry was made for you. The world is vast, and hospitality is your ticket to exploring it, one heartfelt interaction at a time.
The photo is from Club Med Gregolimano in Greece, where I was the Guest Relations Manager a few years back. One of many experiences where I learned about myself and others. If you are curious or have any questions, you are most welcome to reach out directly.
Let us continue in bringing the light and warmth of hospitality into this world.
All the best,
Andrès Reyes Gjerme
+47 978 11 364