The slump in the US economy may be squeezing the domestic hospitality market but the international nature of the industry means there could still be opportunities for graduates overseas. Pick up any newspaper or turn on the news and it's plain to see - the economy is in a rut and people are spending less money. That creates challenges for the hospitality industry as vacations and business travel fall, but the international nature of the business means it is not the end of career opportunities for graduates looking to travel and work. One area in particular that is both pulling in tourists and generating travel is Dubai and the Gulf states. According to istockanalyst.com, occupancy remains strong across many of the emirate's top hotels, which attract high-end customers looking for luxury accommodation. In addition, the strong economic growth experienced over the last few years in Dubai and some other Gulf states means Middle Eastern travelers are increasing looking abroad for vacations, which creates more jobs. Over the last seven years, the number of Middle East tourists visiting Europe has increased by 11 million people. Another option for people looking to work in hospitality abroad is the cruise business, which industry veteran Erling Frydenberg recently described as an "employees' market" as recruitment needs outweigh available staff.  |