Identifying key success competencies for the hospitality industry: the perspectives of professionals

ABSTRACT Competencies are probably one of the most popular study subjects in scholarly hospitality research. Even though numerous scholars have attempted to identify competencies required in the hospitality industry, there is a need to further study and better understand competencies necessary for managerial-level positions. Thirty competency statements were included in the survey, falling into five competency domains. Data were collected via a representative sample of hospitality professionals in hotel establishments in Cyprus. The findings that emerged from the present study show that the industry has a strong preference to hire people with “soft” people management skills and strong practical professional skills.