Why Wouldn’t You Jump at a Career in Hospitality? – Gareth Long

Want a rewarding career, chock full of opportunities for personal and professional adventure?

Gareth Long, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts (IHG) Director of Operations, Luxury & Lifestyle, Australasia & Pacific, reckons the modern hospitality industry offers something for everyone – and PHIMS is where it all begins.

“I can’t think of another industry that offers the variety hospitality does. The old cliché of pulling pints, making beds, and clearing tables is long gone. People now realise within hospitality there are career opportunities in corporate, finance, marketing, HR, operations, legal — you name it. Add in the chance to travel and explore the world and the real question becomes, why wouldn’t you jump at a career in hospitality?” says Gareth.

Gareth’s own career began at PHIMS with the advanced diploma in Hotel Management. He credits PHIMS’ second-to-none reputation in the industry with helping him land the Management Traineeship (at the prestigious InterContinental Wellington) which became his springboard to success.

“I loved being part of such a vibrant, immersive campus at PHIMS, and being surrounded by passionate young people, all eager to grow in the industry. You really get to live and breathe what it’s like to work in a hotel. I was hooked from day one!”

The InterContinental Wellington is one of the hotels & resorts operated by IHG across more than 100 countries and under 20 different hotel brands. Gareth has made the most of this impressive network, progressing his career and seizing opportunities within IHG.

“After 23 years, I’m not close to being bored. We talk about ‘squiggly careers’ now – not a straight line from A to B. There’s no single path. You could lead a hotel, go corporate, get into finance and commercial decision-making, explore brand and marketing. There are so many great choices – all within the one industry.”

Hospitality has also let Gareth indulge his love of travel, adventure and people. His first GM gig was opening and running the Holiday Inn Amritsar Ranjit Avenue in Northern India.

“It’s an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Throwing myself into a foreign environment and embracing all the incredible things India has to offer was life-changing.”

After India, Gareth returned to Australia (he’d headed across the ditch after Wellington), taking on General Manager and then Area General Manager roles, before being shoulder-tapped to oversee IHG’s luxury and lifestyle hotels across the Australasia & Pacific region.

The luxury & lifestyle segment is booming. Wellness, experience-based travel and authentic cultural immersion is high on guests lists of wants, which continues to make the industry a place where people can indulge their creative spirit.

There has been real step-change in flexibility in the work force post-Covid too.

“Savvy operators are embracing balance and letting their people work in a way that allows them to be successful in every part of their life. In my role now, I’m in the Sydney office a couple of days a week, some travel, and then work the rest of my time from home.”

Nearly a quarter of a century in, Gareth says he still loves the industry and going to work.

“Hotels are where people celebrate their biggest milestones and create lasting memories. They’re safe harbours when you’re far from home, anchors in their communities, and windows into the world. “

“On a personal level, I love learning new things and expanding my understanding. I have inspiring leaders and it’s exciting to be at the point in my career where I can have an impact on the strategy and direction of our luxury and lifestyle assets.”

“I love working with amazing people from all over the world, having an impact on their hospitality journeys and seeing our future leaders thrive and grow.”

His advice for anyone who thinks that could be them?

“Grab opportunities with both hands. Have fun, travel and explore as many different avenues as you can. Jump at the chance to do things outside of your comfort zone, whether it’s working in a different department, a different hotel or a different country! These experiences broaden your perspective and will reward you in all kinds of different ways.”