23 Jan Best Countries for Hospitality and Tourism Internships in 2025
It’s hard to believe that almost five years have passed since the tourism industry saw its worst decline in decades. The sector is recovering, though—thanks to revenge travel—and forecasts project growth from $4,993.7 billion in 2024 to $6,189.6 billion by 2028. That’s a huge increase!
This makes hospitality and tourism an exciting and rewarding industry for students to explore. Are you thinking about it, too? We don’t blame you! Now, if you’re ready to jumpstart your career, there’s no better way than by interning abroad—and we’re here to answer why, how, and where.
Let’s dive into why international internships matter in hospitality and tourism, where to go, and how to prepare for this life-changing opportunity!
Why international work experience matters in hospitality and tourism
An international internship will expose you to different working styles and cultures. In today’s interconnected world, especially in an industry that thrives on diversity, having that cultural awareness will come in handy.
Some of the key benefits of international work experience in hospitality and tourism include:
Cross-cultural communication skills
In this field, communication is everything—whether you’re working in a hotel, a restaurant, or an airline. While good old communication can help you build better rapport and resolve conflict, skills that transcend cultural differences allow you to prevent misunderstandings and provide great service to people of diverse backgrounds.
Delivering improved experiences
Simply put, cultural competence enhances customer service. When you understand and respect your clients’ unique traditions and preferences, you can deliver more personalized experiences. As a result, you leave a lasting impression and gain customer loyalty.
Building essential soft skills
An international internship pushes you out of your comfort zone, and that will surely change you. Aside from pressing you to become independent, you also learn to be more resourceful, resilient, and adaptable. Top these traits off with strong communication and organizational skills, and you’re on your way to becoming a confident leader in the industry!
The most visited countries in the world
In 2024, Europe and Asia dominated the World Economic Forum’s list of top countries for travel and tourism—with Spain, Japan, France, and Singapore being among the ones leading the way.
With these locations welcoming millions of visitors each year, countless opportunities arise to learn from some of the best in the industry. Let’s take a closer look at what makes them the top choices for hospitality and tourism internships.
Top destinations for hospitality and tourism internships
When it comes to gaining hands-on experience in hospitality and tourism, where you do it matters. Interning in top tourist hotspots lets you immerse yourself in thriving markets, work with diverse clients, and learn from industry leaders. Here are some of the best places to kickstart your career:
Barcelona or Madrid, Spain
Spain welcomed over 88.5 million international tourists between January and November 2024, with visitors spending a record total of over €118 billion. It’s no wonder the country ranked 2nd on the World Economic Forum list!
If you prefer stunning beaches and resorts, consider an internship in Barcelona. Meanwhile, Madrid’s culinary scene offers opportunities for those interested in food and beverage. No matter your focus, Spain’s hospitality and tourism industry has something to offer.
Tokyo, Japan
Ranking 3rd on the list, Japan’s tourism industry is incredible. In fact, the country received 36.9 million visitors in 2024—5 million more than their pre-pandemic (2019) count. Tokyo, its bustling capital, undoubtedly played a significant part in this growth.
When it comes to hospitality and tourism, Tokyo has it all. You can find five-star hotels, over 200 Michelin-starred restaurants, world-famous efficient transport systems, and iconic cultural attractions. How can one even choose?
If you’re looking for an unforgettable international internship experience, Tokyo will teach you not just about hospitality and tourism, but also about precision, dedication, and the art of making people feel truly welcome.
Paris, France
Everyone knows Paris. Not only is it home to the iconic Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, it is also the fashion capital of the world. That said, students usually think “fashion” or “marketing” when it comes to this city—thank you, Emily in Paris—but the high influx of tourists actually makes it perfect for a hospitality and tourism internship.
In 2019, tourists spent €21.9 billion on the capital of France. While that number dipped during the height of the pandemic, Paris was almost back on its feet by 2022. Come 2023, Paris was recognized as the world’s most powerful city destination.
Don’t even get us started on food! This city is home to plenty of Michelin-starred restaurants. So for anyone looking to jumpstart their career in hospitality and tourism, Paris is truly a dream destination.
Singapore
Singapore may be small with a land area of approximately 734.3km2, but its hospitality and tourism industry is the opposite. In 2023, the country surpassed its forecast for international tourists’ spending by at least $3.5 billion. Singapore also ranked 13th in the World Economic Forum list.
The country is widely known as a melting pot of cultures—most of its population is a mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian communities. This diversity extends to the different aspects of Singapore, like its architecture, which varies from traditional shophouses to futuristic skyscrapers that embrace sustainability. Food lovers have so much to choose from, too! Indian, Chinese, Indonesian, Malay—the list goes on.
It’s no surprise that visitors are drawn to Singapore, and that booming tourism then creates an abundance of opportunities for you. Whether it’s world-class hotels, luxurious resorts, amazing cruise ships, or popular attractions, Singapore’s thriving hospitality and tourism sector will get you far.
Bangkok, Thailand
Thailand may not be on the World Economic Forum list, but it deserves a spot here. Why? Because it was ranked 8th in the most visited countries in the world of all time. Yes, of all time.
Bangkok is the beating heart of Thailand. With its buzzing markets and incredible temples, the city welcomes over 20 million visitors each year. The hospitality industry in Thailand is even estimated to reach $1.5 billion in 2025 as there are numerous hotel developments underway—47% of which are in Bangkok. The opportunity to do a hospitality and tourism internship in this colorful city this year is simply perfect!
Preparing for your international hospitality and tourism internship
To make the most of your international internship, preparation is key. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Do your research. Learn about the local culture and industry trends in your preferred destination, and make sure it aligns with your preferences.
- Brush up on your language skills. Even basic phrases can help build rapport with others at work.
- Plan financially. Look for scholarship opportunities, save money diligently, and explore sponsorship options.
- Make the most of available resources. Programs like Absolute Internship can simplify the process for you by offering guaranteed placements, document assistance, housing, and 24/7 onsite support. This allows you to focus on what matters most: gaining valuable industry experience.
Get started
Launch your career this year with an international internship in one of the most exciting industries—all while exploring new destinations and creating memories that will last a lifetime!
Apply now. The world is full of opportunities waiting for you.
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