The San Diego Union-Tribune
THE URBAN LEAGUE OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY

Stretching out in the sun on a sandy beach, close to a great hotel, and in reasonable proximity to a cold drink and a really good meal…now that’s the kind of relaxation most of us dream about. On those occasions where you can live the dream, be it on vacation or during a break in business travel, there are thousands of people working behind the scenes, ensuring the stay and the meals are up to par. Hotel and food services makes up about 8.1 percent of all employment in this country and is predicted to grow 18 percent over the next five years, adding more than 1.6 million new jobs (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). San Diego lists hospitality as its third largest industry, with over 500 properties including hotels, motels, and casinos, not to mention the area’s major pull – our attractive, Mediterranean-like weather. However, hospitality careers are often thought of as entry-level, low wage jobs with limited prospects. Many people are unacquainted of the range of hospitality careers available, and there are many.

Clara Carter, president of MCCSN (Multi-Cultural Services Network), devotes part of her week educating people of color about the opportunities in the industry. She has developed curriculum for Mira Costa College and more recently for the Southeastern Economic Development Corporation. Internship programs are also part of what Carter focuses on, working with SDSU, international students and community outreach programs. “We need to excite young people about this business. There are many career opportunities in the hospitality sector outside of the entry-level service type. Parents talking to their kids, more media exposure, everything helps,” she said. “San Diego is one of the top five destinations that people like to travel to. In 2005, our tourist trade brought in $6.9 billion, a good portion of it in the multi-cultural sector. For instance, last August, we booked 1,500 attendees from Fortune500’s Black Enterprise at La Costa Resort.

At present, MCCSN is working on San Diego’s first FAM Tour (Familiarization Tour), which will bring in 20-25 diverse meeting and conventions planners into the city. We plan to showcase the best of the city in order to generate business. Southwest Airlines is one of the sponsors,” she continued. The theme “Discovering San Diego’s Hidden Treasure” will focus on Mission Valley as a meetings, vacation and conference destination. MCCSN’s partners include The Mission Valley Tourism Council, the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center, the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau, the National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners, Meeting Professionals International and the San Diego Hispanic