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Tourism and hospitality

In tourism you organise trips, hotel stays or events and deal with guests from all over the world every day. Languages, friendliness and organisational skills are part of the job.

Typical tasks

  • welcoming and looking after guests at reception
  • handling bookings and enquiries
  • planning trips, excursions or events
  • helping out in service or in the kitchen
  • dealing with complaints in a friendly, solution-focused way

Where people work

People in tourism work in hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, tourist boards, leisure facilities and for event organisers. Many jobs are in tourist regions, often seasonal.

A good fit if

  • you like dealing with people
  • you like languages and enjoy travelling
  • you are good at organising
  • you do not mind working in the evenings or at weekends

Education pathways in Austria

In Austria there are three typical paths: a Lehre (apprenticeship), for example as a hotel and hospitality assistant or in a travel agency, an HLT (higher college for tourism), which ends with the Matura (school-leaving exam), or after the Matura a degree at an FH (university of applied sciences) focusing on tourism. In Germany the equivalent is the Duale Ausbildung, the Fachoberschule Wirtschaft or a Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften, in Switzerland the Berufslehre (EFZ), the Berufsmaturität Wirtschaft or a Fachhochschule.

Lehre
Training in a company and at vocational school. With 'Lehre mit Matura' it can also lead to university entrance. 2 to 4 years
HAK / HLT
Matura focused on business or tourism. 5 years
Fachhochschule (FH)
Practice-oriented degree, often with an internship. 3-year bachelor

Matching schools in Austria

A selection from our school list. Not every school of this type offers every specialisation, so ask the school directly.

  • BHAK Eisenstadt
    HAK, 7000 Eisenstadt, Burgenland
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • BHAK und BHAS Wien 10
    HAK, 1100 Wien, Wien
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • Vienna Business School HamerlingplatzPrivate school
    HAK, 1080 Wien, Wien
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026

Frequently asked questions

What is an HLT?

A Höhere Lehranstalt für Tourismus, a higher college for tourism. It takes five years, includes compulsory work placements and ends with the Matura.

Do I need several languages?

English is important almost everywhere. Every additional language is an advantage.

Can I also work abroad?

Yes, experience abroad is common in tourism and is valued.

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