Hospitality & Tourism
Hospitality & Tourism is one of the largest and most important industries on Martha’s Vineyard. Hotels, inns, restaurants, event venues, tour operators, transportation providers, and retail businesses support a vibrant seasonal economy that serves both visitors and year-round residents.
This industry offers numerous entry points that do not require a four-year degree. Many professionals begin in frontline roles and advance into management, operations, or entrepreneurship through experience and certifications.
Hospitality careers on the Island can be seasonal or year-round, with strong earning potential during peak months and opportunities for leadership growth.
You will thrive working in this field if you have a passion for creating positive guest experiences and enjoy working in a fast-paced, social, and creative environment. It provides diverse career growth, transferable skill development, and opportunities to connect with people from around the world.
Explore Jobs
in this Industry
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Supports weddings, conferences, and private events — a major sector on the Vineyard.
Typical Tasks
Meeting with clients to discuss their needs
Maintaining partnerships with vendors and caterers
Overseeing the set-up, execution and cleanup of events
Managing and budgeting customer finances
Training & Credentials
A certification or degree in hospitality, communications, or business may be beneficial
Most employers seek individuals with experience working in the hospitality industry
Earning Potential (Massachusetts)
Average: $22–$35/hour
Skills & Traits
Organizational skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
The ability to multitask efficiently
Creative thinking and problem solving skills
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Welcomes guests, manages reservations, handles check-in/check-out, and resolves customer concerns.
Typical Tasks
Handle payments and effectively use online reservation software
Communicate guest concerns with housekeeping/maintenance
Offer local recommendations, ensuring welcoming guest experiences.
Training & Credentials
None required
On-the-job training is common
Earning Potential (Massachusetts)
Entry-Level: $41,000 per year
Skills & Traits
Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
Customer service experience
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A Hotel Manager is responsible for overseeing the successful operations of a lodging facility to ensure guest satisfaction and enhance the facility’s reputation among travelers.
Typical Tasks
Hire and train employees
Manage budgets
Engage with guests to resolve concerns
Ensure company standards for housekeeping, decor and guest services are met
Training & Credentials
Experience working in the hospitality industry
A certification or degree in hospitality may be beneficial
Earning Potential (Massachusetts)
Entry-Level: $67,000 per year
Mid-Level: $100,000 per year
High-Level: $170,000 per year
Skills & Traits
Ability to lead a large group
Attention to detail
Critical-thinking and problem-solving skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
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Housekeepers are critical in maintaining the cleanliness and organization of various residential and commercial properties. If you enjoy organizing and cleaning, you might consider working in this field part-time or full-time whether for a local business or self-employed.
Typical Tasks
Conduct routine cleaning tasks to maintain a clean and orderly environment
Use a wide range of equipment to execute tasks
Adhere to safety standards when using chemical cleaning agents
Training & Credentials
None required
On-the-job training is common
Earning Potential (Massachusetts)
Entry-Level: $30,000 per year
Mid to High-Level: $58,000 per year
Skills & Traits
Attention to detail
Ability to work independently
Reliability, time management, and physical endurance
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Manage short-term rentals, guest communication, scheduling, and vendor coordination.
Typical Tasks
Effectively use property management software
Keep accurate records
Schedule routine maintenance and emergency repairs
Training & Credentials
A certification or degree in business may be beneficial
Employers value applicants who are professional, organized, dependable and customer-focused
Earning Potential (Massachusetts)
Average: $25–$40/hour
Skills & Traits
Strong organizational skills
Customer service experience
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
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A Restaurant Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a restaurant.
Typical Tasks
Recruit, interview and train staff to follow restaurant procedures
Supervise all areas of the restaurant and handle problems that arise
Maintaining safety and food quality standards
Ensure positive guest experiences
Organizing schedules, keeping track of employees’ hours and recording payroll data
Training & Credentials
Experience working in the restaurant industry
Management or supervisory experience
A certification or degree in hospitality may be beneficial
Earning Potential (Massachusetts)
Entry-Level Average: $62,000 per year
High-Level Average: $85,000+
Skills & Traits
Customer service skills
The ability to multitask efficiently
Ability to handle a fast-paced work environment
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Lead tours, manage rentals (bikes, boats, paddleboards, kayaks, etc.), and provide visitor education.
Typical Tasks
Share information about Martha’s Vineyard including history, nature, and/or points of interest
Ensure positive guest experiences
Safely manage groups of people
Properaly maintain and repair equipment
Training & Credentials
CPR/First Aid certification depending on role
A certification or degree in education, communications, or recreation may be beneficial
Local employers seek individuals eager to learn and share their passion for history or nature with others
Earning Potential (Massachusetts)
Entry-Level: $20–$30/hour
Skills & Traits
Strong public speaking skills
The ability to multitask efficiently
Knowledge of Island history or environment
Training Programs
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Training Summary:
Event Planning programs offer students the opportunity to develop strong communication skills, organizational, and critical-thinking skills as well as practical preparation for entry into the growing hospitality and event industry.
Local Training Options:
Event Planning & Meeting Management Certificate
🔗 Cape Cod Community CollegeAssociate in Science in Business Administration Career (Hospitality and Event Management)
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Training Summary:
Students will be introduced to all aspects of the hotel, resort, and restaurant management sectors, as well as the critical thinking and communication skills necessary for working with the general public.
Local Training Options:
Hospitality Management Associates Degree
🔗 MassBay Community CollegeHospitality Management Certificate
🔗 MassBay Community College
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Training Summary:
These programs are designed to prepare students who are interested in a supervisory or management career in the Hospitality and Tourism industry. Students will take courses in hospitality management, hotel industry analytics, and hospitality and tourism marketing and sales, Students have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials.
Local Training Options:
Hospitality and Tourism Management Certificate
🔗 Cape Cod Community CollegeAssociate in Science: Business Administration Program – Hospitality and Tourism Management Concentration
🔗 Cape Cod Community College
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Training Summary:
Students enrolled in this program receive training in various organizational functions, critical thinking and problem-solving skills they need to compete in today’s global business environment.
Local Training Options:
Associate in Science in Business Administration Career (General Management)
🔗 Bristol Community CollegeAssociate in Science in Business Management
🔗 Cape Cod Community College
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Training Summary:
Training in Outdoor Leadership equips you with the knowledge and skills to work as a trained leader in recreational activities including biking, paddle sports, etc. Activities are primarily hands-on and field-oriented. You’ll also develop your ability to be a leader, to work collaboratively and to respond to emergencies in the field. After completing the program, you’ll be ready to step into a career designing and delivering experiences for outdoor industry organizations, or start your own entrepreneurial venture.
Local Training Options:
Outdoor Leadership Certificate
🔗 Greenfield Community College
Associate in Science: Adventure Education
🔗 Greenfield Community College