Alice L. McLean; Meagan A. McGuire; and Angela Senter

The travel and tourism industry is set to break all-time records in 2025, contributing $11.7 trillion to the global economy and supporting 371 million jobs worldwide (WTTC, 2025). Working in tandem with globalization and the ongoing rise in leisure travel, the industry provides a strong career choice, especially for those with ample energy, flexible mindsets, and strong people skills.

This introduction provides an overview of the hospitality and tourism industry, one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economic sectors. It explores the relationship between tourism and hospitality, the role of tourists and service providers in shaping travel experiences, and the importance of ethical, sustainable, and community-centered tourism development.