The following column was originally published in the Laredo Morning Times Business Journal. Laredo College participates each month and everyone is encouraged to pick up a copy of the Laredo Morning Times to catch the story first.
Column by: Brenda Martinez, Continuing Education Director
As summer’s heat returns and with school children out on vacation, the season is ripe for travel and tourism. With this in mind, Laredo College’s Hospitality Certificate Program is geared toward training skilled professionals in hotel, restaurant and customer service businesses that in turn drive millions of tourism money into economic growth, in South Texas and beyond.
In Laredo, the hospitality and service industries continue to play an important role in the local economy, supporting restaurants, hotels, event venues and tourism-related businesses that serve both residents and visitors traveling through the region. As customer expectations continue to evolve, employers increasingly seek individuals with strong leadership, communication and customer service skills to support daily operations and enhance the guest experience.
Designed to build confidence and strengthen professional skills, the Hospitality Certificate Program is open to those starting out or looking to advance in hotel and restaurant operations. Faculty members bring academic expertise and real-world experience, ensuring participants gain both technical knowledge and practical insights. Participants will also develop skills in leadership, operations, human resources and guest services, qualities highly sought by employers in the hospitality industry.
The program offers training in key areas, including hospitality and restaurant management, hospitality HR and supervision, customer service and food manager certification. Structured around core and elective topics, each with an exam, students will earn a certificate for every exam passed. Upon completing the required coursework, they are eligible to receive the Restaurant Management Professional credential.
The program is designed to prepare aspiring managers for leadership roles. It emphasizes best practices for success in the fast-paced world of restaurant and hospitality management. Graduates of the program can expect to enter the workforce with acute knowledge in:
The National Restaurant Association states that the restaurant and foodservice industry is the nation’s second largest private sector employer, providing 15.7 million jobs, or 10% of the total U.S. workforce. Laredo College’s Hospitality Certificate helps graduates stand out among those vying for similar positions by strengthening both customer service and operational management skills that are valuable across restaurants, hotels and hospitality-related business.
As travel and tourism activity continues to recover and expand across Texas, hospitality employers increasingly value professionals who can adapt to changing customer expectations while maintaining strong service standards. The Hospitality Certificate Program is designed for both individuals entering the workforce and current employees seeking career advancement, offering short-term, industry-recognized training that prepares participants for opportunities in restaurants, hotels, catering operations, customer service environments and supervisory roles.
The Hospitality Certificate Program also helps ensure the projected growth in travel, tourism and customer service industries are supported by qualified professionals prepared to meet workforce demands both locally and beyond. According to the U.S. Travel Association, following 2.1% growth in 2025, domestic leisure travel spending is expected to continue expanding in the coming years, reinforcing the need for trained hospitality professionals capable of supporting quality customer experiences and business operations.
For additional information regarding the program and scholarship opportunities, contact the Laredo College Continuing Education Department at CE_Staff@laredo.edu or (956) 721-5374.