Hospitality and Tourism Vocabulary in English
20 key hospitality and tourism words with definitions and example sentences — ideal for B1 learners, hotel and restaurant workers, and anyone preparing for travel or work abroad.
Whether you are working in a hotel, planning a trip abroad, or studying for a business English exam, hospitality and tourism vocabulary is among the most practical English you can learn. These words appear in job interviews, customer service situations, travel bookings, and everyday conversations at reception desks and restaurants around the world.
This page covers 20 core hospitality and tourism terms at B1 level. It complements our broader Travel vocabulary and Hospitality vocabulary pages with a focus on the professional language used in hotels, tour agencies, and the wider service industry — words that appear in Cambridge B1 Preliminary and business English exams alike.
Some of these words are very common in spoken English (check-in, reservation, itinerary) while others are more formal and professional (concierge, amenities, occupancy). All 20 are high-frequency terms in the hospitality sector and will help you communicate confidently with guests, staff, and travel professionals.
Word List
| Word / Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| reservation | an arrangement made in advance to secure a room, table, or seat | I made a reservation at the hotel three weeks before our trip. |
| check-in | the process of registering your arrival at a hotel or airport | Check-in at the hotel begins at 2 pm, but you can leave your luggage earlier. |
| check-out | the process of leaving a hotel and paying the bill at the end of your stay | Please ensure you complete check-out by 11 am to avoid an extra charge. |
| concierge | a hotel staff member who helps guests with requests such as booking tours, restaurants, or transport | The concierge arranged theatre tickets and a taxi for us within minutes. |
| amenities | useful features or facilities provided for guests, such as a gym, pool, or free Wi-Fi | The hotel's amenities include a rooftop pool, spa, and free airport shuttle. |
| itinerary | a detailed plan or schedule of a journey, listing destinations, dates, and activities | Our tour guide handed us a printed itinerary for the five-day trip. |
| occupancy | the proportion of available hotel rooms that are currently booked or in use | The hotel reached 95% occupancy during the summer festival. |
| accommodation | a place where travellers can stay, such as a hotel, hostel, or holiday apartment | The package includes return flights and seven nights' accommodation. |
| all-inclusive | a holiday or hotel package where meals, drinks, and often activities are included in the price | We booked an all-inclusive resort so we wouldn't have to worry about extra costs. |
| complimentary | provided free of charge, usually as a service or courtesy to guests | The hotel offered complimentary breakfast to all guests staying more than three nights. |
| receptionist | a person who works at the front desk of a hotel, office, or medical practice, welcoming visitors | The receptionist greeted us warmly and handed over our room key cards. |
| cancellation policy | the rules set by a hotel or airline about refunds and fees if a booking is cancelled | Always read the cancellation policy before booking — some hotels charge a full night's fee. |
| peak season | the time of year when a destination is most popular and prices are typically highest | Prices in the Alps are much higher during peak season in December and January. |
| off-season | the period when a tourist destination is less busy and prices are usually lower | We travelled off-season and got the same hotel for half the price. |
| guided tour | an organised visit to a place led by a knowledgeable guide who provides information | The guided tour of the ancient ruins lasted two hours and was very informative. |
| shuttle | a vehicle that makes regular trips between two places, such as an airport and a hotel | A free shuttle runs between the hotel and the airport every thirty minutes. |
| hospitality | the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests or strangers | The local hospitality was outstanding — every host made us feel completely at home. |
| housekeeping | the department in a hotel responsible for cleaning rooms and maintaining linen and supplies | We called housekeeping to request extra towels and pillows. |
| visa | an official document or stamp in a passport that allows a person to enter, stay in, or leave a country | You will need to apply for a tourist visa at least six weeks before your departure date. |
| tipping | the practice of giving a small extra payment to service staff as a reward for good service | Tipping is customary in many countries, but the expected amount varies widely. |
Practice These Words
Flash Cards
Review hospitality vocabulary with spaced repetition
Wordsearch
Find hospitality and tourism words hidden in the grid
Quiz
Test your knowledge with multiple-choice questions
Practice What You've Learned
LexFizz has 30 free interactive exercises — no sign-up needed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is hospitality vocabulary and why is it important for English learners?
Hospitality vocabulary refers to the words and phrases used in the hotel, restaurant, and tourism industries. It is important for English learners because millions of people work in travel-related jobs where English is the main language of communication. Whether you are a receptionist, tour guide, or flight attendant, or simply a traveller booking accommodation abroad, this vocabulary helps you communicate clearly and professionally in real-world situations.
What is the difference between a reservation and a booking?
In everyday English, reservation and booking mean the same thing — an arrangement made in advance to secure a place, room, or table. However, reservation is slightly more formal and is more commonly used in hotels and restaurants, while booking is more common in British English for flights, events, and online purchases. Both words appear frequently in hospitality contexts, so it is useful to know both.
What does all-inclusive mean when booking a holiday?
An all-inclusive holiday package means that the price you pay covers your accommodation, all meals, and usually drinks and some activities. This means you do not need to carry much extra money at the resort. All-inclusive packages are popular at beach hotels and resorts, particularly in countries like Turkey, Egypt, and Mexico, and they help travellers budget their trip more easily.
What does complimentary mean in a hotel context?
In a hotel or restaurant, complimentary means provided free of charge as a courtesy to guests. For example, a hotel might offer complimentary breakfast, a complimentary newspaper, or complimentary shuttle service. It is an important word to recognise when reading hotel descriptions or speaking with staff, as it tells you that something is included at no extra cost.
What is the role of a concierge?
A concierge is a hotel staff member — usually based at a dedicated desk in the lobby — who assists guests with a wide range of requests beyond standard check-in and check-out. This includes booking restaurants, arranging transport, recommending local attractions, organising tours, and obtaining tickets for events. In luxury hotels, the concierge is an especially valued resource for personalising a guest's stay.
What is the difference between peak season and off-season?
Peak season is the most popular time of year to visit a destination, when demand is highest and prices for flights and hotels are typically most expensive. Off-season (or low season) is the opposite — a quieter period when prices fall significantly and attractions are less crowded. Travelling off-season can save a great deal of money, though weather conditions or limited opening hours may be a drawback.
Does hospitality vocabulary appear in Cambridge or IELTS exams?
Yes. Hospitality and tourism topics appear regularly in Cambridge B1 Preliminary and B2 First reading and listening sections, as well as in IELTS General Training reading passages. Words like accommodation, reservation, itinerary, and amenities frequently appear in task instructions and reading texts. For IELTS General Training candidates in particular, understanding hotel and travel vocabulary is essential for the reading and letter-writing tasks.
What is tipping and when should you tip?
Tipping means giving a small additional payment to a service worker as recognition of good service. In the United States, tipping 15–20% at restaurants is considered standard. In the UK, tipping is common but less expected — around 10–15% in restaurants. In some countries, such as Japan, tipping can be considered impolite. Always check local customs before you travel so you do not cause offence or miss an expected courtesy.
What does occupancy mean in a hotel?
Occupancy refers to the proportion of a hotel's available rooms that are occupied by guests at any given time. It is usually expressed as a percentage — for example, 80% occupancy means eight out of every ten rooms are filled. High occupancy periods correspond to peak season, public holidays, and major local events. Hotels use occupancy data to adjust pricing and staffing levels.
What is the best way to practise hospitality and tourism vocabulary?
The most effective approach combines several methods. Start by reading the 20 words on this page and practising them with Flash Cards and Wordsearch exercises. Then try writing a short dialogue — for example, a hotel check-in conversation or a guest complaint scenario. Watching English-language hotel and travel videos on YouTube also exposes you to natural, authentic use of these words. Role-playing real hospitality situations is especially useful if you work or plan to work in the travel industry.