15 Unexpected Hospitality Industry Examples

Key Takeaways

• Hospitality is constantly evolving with new services and concepts that go beyond traditional hotels and restaurants.
• Innovative examples such as ghost kitchens, capsule hotels, underwater hotels, and luxury wellness retreats show how diverse the hospitality industry has become.
• Trends like sustainability, digital integration, and experiential offerings are driving growth across all sectors.

In most industries today, success is defined by innovation and the ability to keep pace with what people actually need. Hospitality is no different. Its core purpose has always been straightforward: providing accommodation, comfort, care, and attentive service to guests. What has shifted is how this is delivered, and the forms it takes.

New services, ventures, and experiences have emerged, influenced by technology, culture, social change, and evolving lifestyles. These developments show the industry's capacity to grow in many directions, with countless hospitality industry examples illustrating how innovation continues to transform and strengthen it.

The Main Sectors of the Hospitality Industry

The hospitality industry is built around five main sectors that frequently overlap to create complete guest experiences. For example, a business traveler might book a hotel, dine at its restaurant, attend a conference, and then explore local attractions—all of which involve different but connected parts of the industry.

These sectors are:

• Food and beverage: Restaurants, cafés, bars, catering, hotel dining, and delivery services.
• Accommodation: Hotels, resorts, B&Bs, hostels, guest houses, motels, serviced apartments, and vacation rentals.
• Travel and tourism: Airlines, trains, cruise lines, car rentals, tour operators, agencies, and tourism boards.
• Entertainment and recreation: Amusement parks, casinos, spas, theaters, museums, sports facilities, and shopping areas.
• Meetings and events: Conferences, trade shows, weddings, expos, sporting events, and celebration dinners.

15 Surprising Hospitality Industry Examples

We all know the familiar examples of hospitality that people rely on every day, such as staying at a hotel for a weekend or dining at a neighborhood restaurant. These are the services most travelers expect and are central to how the industry has traditionally operated.

However, hospitality is also expanding in new directions, and many of the latest examples are far more innovative and sometimes surprising. Some such examples include:

Ghost kitchens

Ghost kitchens operate as delivery-only facilities with no physical dining areas, catering to changing consumer habits and digital ordering trends. These commercial kitchens focus exclusively on preparing food for third-party delivery platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats.

Benefits include lower overhead costs, faster opportunities for scaling, and the flexibility to test several brand concepts from a single location. In 2025, the global ghost kitchen market is valued at €81.4 billion ($88.4 billion) and is projected to nearly double, reaching €181 billion ($196.7 billion) by 2032 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.1%. This rapid growth, fueled by the success of food delivery platforms, reflects consumers' increasing preference for convenient, restaurant-quality meals at home.

Capsule hotels

These compact, minimalistic sleeping pods originated in Japan and are gaining popularity in urban centers and airports worldwide. Capsule hotels feature individual sleeping compartments with basic amenities, designed specifically for short stays and budget-conscious travelers.

Each pod typically includes power outlets, lighting controls, and privacy screens. Premium locations offer additional perks like security lockers, shared lounges, and unique architectural design that transforms utilitarian concepts into memorable experiences.

Private jet charters

Private aviation services offer exclusivity and personalization that commercial airlines cannot match. These luxury services appeal to business leaders, celebrities, and affluent travelers seeking privacy, flexibility, and premium amenities.

Charter services provide bespoke catering and tailored itineraries, along with greater privacy and access to smaller airports that commercial flights cannot reach. The global private jet market is projected to reach €37 billion ($39.8 billion) in 2025, up from an estimated €24 billion ($25.9 billion) in 2021. Demand keeps rising as affluent travelers place increasing value on saving time and enjoying highly personalized journeys.

Glamping providers

Glamping, short for "glamorous camping," has redefined outdoor travel by blending luxury comforts with the appeal of nature. These upscale sites range from spacious tents and modern cabins to striking one-of-a-kind structures, often equipped with private bathrooms, gourmet dining, wellness amenities, and concierge-level service.

Glamping sites often provide guided nature activities, spa treatments, stargazing programs, and farm-to-table dining experiences. Gen Z and millennials are driving this outdoor hospitality boom, making up 61% of new campers in 2024, as they spend more, seek wellness, and turn to glamping as a way to enjoy nature without giving up comfort.

Luxury train journeys

Luxury train travel turns the journey itself into the destination, pairing timeless rail travel with the standards of a five-star hotel. Scenic trains feature fine dining, attentive service, curated excursions, and panoramic views along world-renowned routes.

Notable examples include the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which runs across Europe with routes through cities like Paris, Venice, and Istanbul, and the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada, where passengers glide past the Canadian Rockies, glaciers, and alpine lakes. Onboard, guests enjoy elegant dining cars, observation lounges, live storytelling, and private cabins.

Underwater hotels

For centuries, the legend of Atlantis captured imaginations with visions of a world beneath the sea. Today, underwater hotels bring a touch of that fantasy to life, placing guest rooms below the water's surface so travelers can gaze directly into marine habitats. These rare accommodations attract adventure seekers and novelty enthusiasts willing to pay premium prices for extraordinary experiences.

Because of the immense construction challenges and high maintenance costs, only a handful of underwater hotels exist worldwide, including the Muraka in the Maldives, Jules' Undersea Lodge in the USA, and Manta Resort in Tanzania.

Many extend the experience with scuba diving excursions, underwater dining, marine biology programs, and wellness offerings that heighten the connection to the ocean. Their rarity, combined with the sense of immersion they provide, makes them especially sought after for luxury travel and milestone celebrations.

Molecular gastronomy labs

Molecular gastronomy blends cooking with science, using chemistry and physics to reinvent the way food is prepared and experienced. In high-end culinary spaces, chefs apply these techniques to transform traditional flavors and textures into unexpected forms and presentations. Tools such as liquid nitrogen, edible gels, dehydration methods, and foam applications are used to create innovative dishes.

Creations of these labs include foams that dissolve instantly on the tongue, edible spheres that burst with liquid flavor, and powders that transform into sauces when they touch the plate. Some dishes also change color through controlled reactions, such as cocktails that shift from blue to pink when ice is added or desserts that reveal hidden hues when served warm.

Poshtels (posh hostels)

The word posh often conjures images of luxury and refinement, and some hostels have adopted this very concept as their foundation. Known as poshtels, these upscale hostels combine affordability with the design, comfort, and amenities typically associated with boutique hotels. They target travelers and digital nomads who value both cost-effectiveness and style.

Poshtels often feature coworking areas, craft cocktail bars, curated local experiences, and strikingly designed social spaces that encourage interaction among guests. The result is accommodation that feels elevated yet remains accessible.

Houseboat rentals

Floating accommodations merge lodging with travel, allowing guests to live on the water while exploring new surroundings. These floating accommodations are fitted with bedrooms, kitchens, entertainment spaces, and outdoor decks, creating the comforts of a home in a mobile setting.

Popular destinations include Kerala's backwaters, Amsterdam's canals, Scandinavia's lakes, and Lake Powell. Guests enjoy privacy, changing scenery, and the chance to reach waterfront areas that are inaccessible to traditional hotels, making houseboats a favorite for adventure-seekers and nature lovers alike.

Luxury wellness retreats

These destinations focus on holistic health, offering spa treatments, yoga instruction, meditation programs, and personalized nutrition guidance. Demand for such retreats has accelerated since the pandemic. The global wellness tourism market is expanding rapidly and is expected to reach about €1.25 trillion ($1.35 trillion) by 2028.

Exclusive features range from private chefs who specialize in healing cuisines to tailored health assessments and nature-based programs that reduce stress. Premium retreats also frequently include digital detox components alongside mindfulness training, making them destinations for both rest and renewal.

Luxury wellness retreats have become one of the most promising areas in modern hospitality. Their blend of health, sustainability, and high-end service reflects exactly what today's travelers are seeking, making this a sector full of career opportunities.

For those who want to specialize in this field, the Postgraduate Diploma in International Hotel, Resort, and Spa Management at Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) offers the perfect qualification. The program equips students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to manage luxury spas and wellness-focused properties, preparing them to thrive in an industry where wellbeing is at the heart of hospitality.

Historical manor stays

There is a special appeal in stepping into the past while still enjoying modern comforts. Restored estates and castles capture that blend, attracting heritage tourism enthusiasts and luxury travelers who value cultural authenticity.

Manor stays often feature period dining experiences, guided historical tours, themed events, and access to private grounds or gardens. Many properties also preserve original artwork, antique furnishings, and distinctive architectural details that combine educational value with the standards of modern luxury hospitality.

Adventure tourism outfitters

Many travelers chase experiences that push their limits, from scaling mountain peaks to rafting down wild rivers or exploring deserts on guided safaris. Adventure tourism companies, often called outfitters, design and lead these activities. They provide expertise and structure that make high-risk adventures safe and accessible. They cater to thrill-seekers as well as enthusiasts of niche sports who want professional guidance rather than going it alone.

Services usually extend beyond the activity itself. Guests may receive certified instruction, rental gear, and thorough safety briefings, while many packages also include accommodations and multi-day itineraries. Some outfitters focus on particular terrains, such as alpine expeditions or tropical diving, which allows them to build a reputation for deep expertise in specific regions or sports.

Axe-Throwing bars

Few activities combine release, skill, and social fun quite like axe throwing, which explains why these venues have taken off as a new form of entertainment. Axe-throwing bars pair recreational throwing lanes with food and drinks, turning what might once have been a lumberjack pastime into a lively night out. Their appeal lies in being playful, slightly unconventional, and highly shareable on social media.

To keep the environment safe, trained staff oversee each lane, protective barriers are in place, and alcohol service follows strict rules. Many bars build community through themed nights, corporate packages, and competitive leagues, encouraging guests to return not just for the activity but also for the atmosphere.

Airport lounge networks

Few travelers enjoy the long hours spent waiting in crowded terminals, which is why premium airport lounges have become so appealing. These spaces provide comfort, quality food and beverages, and business amenities that make time between flights more productive and less stressful. Frequent flyers and business travelers are the primary audience, but the appeal extends to anyone looking for quiet and convenience.

Exclusive features often include showers, nap pods, conference rooms, and concierge services. Access is no longer limited to airline elite members as many lounges now sell day passes and partner with credit card companies to make the experience available to a broader range of passengers.

Luxury pet hotels

For many owners, pets are true family members, and luxury boarding facilities reflect that bond. These hotels provide spa treatments, gourmet meals, and recreational activities that ensure animals are pampered while their owners travel. The idea is to replicate the standards of human luxury hospitality, but tailored for pets.

Services extend to grooming, training, veterinary support, webcam access for peace of mind, and themed suites designed for comfort. The popularity of such facilities reflects shifting attitudes, where pets are increasingly seen as companions deserving premium experiences.

Future Trends in the Hospitality Industry

The hospitality industry examples highlighted above show how much innovation has already transformed hospitality. But the evolution is far from complete. New concepts continue to appear, reflecting changing traveler expectations and technological progress.

Right now, much of the industry is moving toward AI-driven personalization, virtual reality travel previews, sustainable hospitality, and experiential packages that blend accommodation, dining, and entertainment.

Travelers increasingly seek environmental responsibility and experiences tailored to them rather than generic services. Considering all this, technology and sustainability are set to guide the next wave of hospitality, influencing everything from how hotels are designed to how restaurants and event venues operate. Their role is already visible today and is likely to become even more significant in the years ahead.

At SHMS, we make sure students are ready for this future. Through programs such as the BA in International Hospitality Management, the students learn how to apply technology to improve guest experiences while also exploring sustainable practices. Specialized modules, including sustainable event management, prepare graduates to lead the industry as it evolves.

Hospitality’s Next Wave of Inspiration

In hospitality, those who can adjust to change while finding new ways to appeal to guests are the ones who succeed. The constant evolution of the industry creates opportunities for entrepreneurs and skilled professionals who are ready to bring new ideas forward.

At Swiss Hotel Management School, we prepare our students to be exactly those innovators. Through a blend of strategic thinking, practical training, global exposure, and industry connections, our programs turn ambition into achievement and equip graduates to shape the future of hospitality with confidence.

With so many intriguing directions in hospitality, there is always more to learn. SHMS provides the education to help you keep pace and lead the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top careers in the hospitality industry?

Leading careers include hotel management, event planning, food service management, travel and hospitality consulting, and luxury brand management positions.

What defines a business as part of the hospitality industry?

Businesses focused on providing services, accommodation, food, beverages, or entertainment experiences to guests away from home qualify as hospitality industry ventures.