This document discusses the contemporary hospitality industry, including the different types of businesses and services offered. It explores the range of functional and operational units in the hotel business, the support of the hotel sector to the local, national, and international economy, and the interrelation of these units. It also examines the impact of licensing and franchising agreements on global development and analyzes the various operational functions in the hotel business. Additionally, it identifies the skills required for duties in the hotel business and recent skill shortages.