Are you dreaming of a career in hotels, travel, events, or tourism management? A hospitality or tourism internship is the perfect starting point. It’s your chance to gain real-world experience, build industry connections, and learn the art of service excellence.
South Africa’s thriving tourism industry—home to world-class hotels, safari lodges, heritage sites, and international events—offers excellent internship opportunities. But competition can be tough. That’s why we’ve put together this essential guide of tips and tricks to help you stand out when applying for hospitality and tourism internships.
🌍 Why Choose Hospitality & Tourism Internships?
Hospitality and tourism internships allow you to:
- Gain hands-on experience in customer service, front office, event planning, and travel operations
- Learn how the industry works behind the scenes
- Build confidence and people skills in real work environments
- Improve your chances of landing a full-time job after graduation
Whether you’re studying Hospitality Management, Tourism, Events, or Travel & Leisure, this guide is for you.
✨ Top Tips and Tricks to Stand Out When Applying
✅ 1. Polish Your CV with Hospitality in Mind
Your CV should reflect your service-oriented mindset. Include:
- Any experience in customer service (even volunteering or waitressing)
- Soft skills like communication, time management, and teamwork
- Hospitality-related studies or certifications
- A neat, professional layout (no clutter!)
👉 Need a template? Download our free Hospitality CV Template
✅ 2. Tailor Your Cover Letter for Each Internship
Avoid generic applications. Instead:
- Mention the specific company or hotel by name
- Express genuine passion for hospitality, tourism, or event management
- Highlight relevant experience (even if it’s from part-time or weekend jobs)
- Keep it short, warm, and professional
💡 Bonus: End with a clear sentence like “I would love the opportunity to contribute to your guest experience and grow under your expert team.”
✅ 3. Include Short Courses or Certificates
Even basic certificates can boost your credibility:
- Customer Service (Alison, Coursera, or Udemy)
- Food & Beverage Training
- Travel and Tourism Basics
- Health and Safety or Hygiene Certificates
Mention these clearly in your CV—they show commitment to the industry.
✅ 4. Show Off Your Personality and Passion
Hospitality is a people-first industry. In your application, showcase:
- Your love for people and travel
- Your energy and willingness to learn
- A positive, problem-solving attitude
If you have experience dealing with difficult guests or planning an event, share a quick example.
✅ 5. Research the Company or Brand Before You Apply
Don’t just apply blindly—know their brand:
- Do they focus on luxury, eco-tourism, or local culture?
- Are they part of a global chain or a boutique hotel?
- What values do they promote?
In your cover letter, mention something specific to show you’ve done your homework.
✅ 6. Follow Up Professionally
After submitting your application, send a polite follow-up email:
- Wait 7–10 days
- Reaffirm your interest in the position
- Keep it short and friendly
This can make you stand out as someone proactive and truly interested.
🛎 Pro Tip: Build a Portfolio (Yes, Even for Hospitality)
It doesn’t have to be fancy! You can create a simple digital or PDF portfolio with:
- Your CV
- A few pictures of events you helped organize (with permission)
- A list of positive reviews or references from past employers or lecturers
- Certificates or workshop attendance
This helps hiring managers remember you.
🔍 Where to Find Hospitality and Tourism Internships in South Africa?
Check regularly on:
- GoIntern.co.za – Your #1 platform for internships
- Careers24
- Indeed South Africa
- Hotel websites like Marriott, Sun International, Tsogo Sun, Radisson, and Protea Hotels
- Tour companies like Cape Town Tourism, SafariBookings, and Thompsons Holidays
✈️ Final Thoughts
Hospitality and tourism are all about service, storytelling, and creating unforgettable experiences. If you bring enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and the ability to learn fast, you’ll already be ahead of many applicants.
So whether you’re applying to a luxury resort, an events agency, or a tourism board, follow these tips and give your application the 5-star treatment it deserves.
👉 Browse the latest hospitality internships now on GoIntern.co.za and start building your career one guest experience at a time.
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