Hospitality and Catering: A Closer Look examines the essential elements of the industry, including customer service, front office operations, accommodation operations, food preparation and food service. It explores the diversity of the industry in catering for all types and ages of customer, in establishments ranging from luxury hotels to youth hostels. In addition, there are specific examples of the applications of information technology, communications and numeracy. This innovative textbook is illustrated with photographs, examples and diagrams, and there are plenty of student-based exercises throughout. It provides an approach to the subject that will enable students to work successfully on their own as well as in more formal learning environments, and provides evidence opportunities for NVQ and GNVQ programmes.