How to Build a LinkedIn Profile for Hospitality & Tourism

Your profile picture is the first thing people notice, so opt for a clear, high-quality headshot. If you work in hospitality, consider wearing business attire that mirrors your workplace dress code. A warm, approachable expression can go a long way in creating a welcoming first impression.

Your background photo is prime real estate for adding a personal and professional touch. Consider an image that reflects your industry, such as a bustling hotel lobby, a scenic travel destination or a clean, modern design. This small detail can help tie your profile to your role in tourism and hospitality.

Your LinkedIn headline can go beyond your job title. For example, instead of simply stating "Front Desk Supervisor," you might write, “Front Desk Supervisor | Customer Service Specialist | Expert in Guest Relations and Hotel Operations.” Use keywords like "hospitality," "tourism," or "customer experience" to make your profile more searchable.

Write a well-crafted summary that captures your professional background, skills and goals in the tourism and hospitality industry. Be specific about your skills — like food preparation, corporate event planning or front-desk management. Let your personality and passion for the industry shine through to make your profile more memorable.

List your work experiences in reverse chronological order. Include your job titles, company names, dates of employment and a brief description of your roles and accomplishments. Use bullet points, numbers and action verbs to highlight your achievements and responsibilities (e.g., “Managed a 15-person team during high-capacity events.”).

List relevant degrees and certifications, such as a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management, a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation, or specialized courses like food safety. Education showcases your qualifications while certifications demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning.

Use LinkedIn’s additional sections to feature accomplishments, accolades and special skills — like awards, languages spoken, projects, clubs or volunteer experiences. Include a mix of hard and soft skills relevant to hospitality (e.g., Guest Relations, Event Planning, Team Leadership, Digital Marketing for Hospitality).

Reach out to colleagues, supervisors or clients who can vouch for your skills and professionalism. For example, ask a former general manager to write a recommendation about your ability to handle complex guest relations, or an event client to highlight how you exceeded their expectations. Personalized recommendations add credibility and set you apart.

Follow companies, professional influencers and groups that are relevant to the hospitality and tourism industries. This could include hotel brands like Marriott or Hyatt, travel organizations or hospitality groups on LinkedIn. Engaging with these accounts shows you’re active in the industry and interested in staying current.

Adjust your privacy settings according to your comfort level. You can control who sees your connections, activity feed and other profile details.

Share articles, insights and updates about the hospitality industry. For example, post tips for improving guest experiences, trends in sustainable tourism or highlights from an event you recently planned or attended. Regular posting helps establish your expertise and keeps your profile active.

Customize your LinkedIn URL to include your name (e.g., linkedin.com/in/yourname). This looks professional and is easy to share on your resume, business card or email signature.

Remember that LinkedIn is a professional platform. Avoid sharing personal or controversial content. For example, instead of sharing a travel meme, you could share an article about how luxury hotels are adapting to eco-friendly practices.