Page 71 - JobsPlus - Occupational Handbook

Entry level education / special licences / warrants
To become a Hotel General Manager one would require a number of years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry. Hotel General Managers are generally appointed after a series of hotel roles working in sales, finance or operations. Skills are gained on-the- job and through experience.
Additionally, a qualification at MQF Level 5 or higher in Hospitality, Business or related area may be required. Training programmes include:
• Higher National Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management (ITS) (MQF Level 5)
• Higher National Diploma in Rooms Division Management (ITS) (MQF Level 5)
• Bachelor in International Hospitality Management (Honours) (ITS) (MQF Level 6)
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Tourism
Studies (University of Malta) (MQF Level 6)
• Executive Master of Business Administration in Hospitality and Event Management (part-
time) (University of Malta) (MQF Level 7)
For further details on specific entry requirements, it is advisable to consult the respective educational institution’s website.
Qualifications awarded by foreign bodies need to be recognised or pegged with a particular MQF Level by the MQRIC office within NCFHE.
For related training offered by other educational institutions, it is advisable to consult the list of accredited courses on the NCFHE website.
Knowledge and skills
Hotel General Managers are expected to have:
• Knowledge of food and beverage/catering, rooms, human resources, sales and marketing and other hotel departments
• A thorough understanding of the hotel brand and culture, particularly when working for an international hotel chain
• Knowledge of hotel facilities and services
• Knowledge of hotel management software
• Cultural knowledge of Malta and knowledge
of the area the hotel is situated in
• Leadership skills and the ability to lead a
diverse team
• Business and financial skills
• Negotiation skills
• Networking skills
• Entrepreneurial skills
• Knowledge of health and safety procedures
Transferable skills should include:
• Interpersonal skills
• Written and verbal communication skills in
English and preferably in a foreign language
• IT skills
• Customer care skills
• Numeracy skills
• Planning and organisational skills
• Problem solving and decision making skills
• Time management skills, the ability to work
under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines
• The ability to work independently and as part
of a team
• The ability to interact with people from
different cultures
Additional qualities
These may include:
• A commitment to quality
• A passion for the hospitality and tourism
industry
• A positive attitude
• A proactive and energetic approach
• A result-oriented approach
• A smart appearance
• Attention to detail
• Business acumen
Occupational Handbook 2018
71