The information provided here is primarily for those looking to research the current state of both industries, though it can be used to start historical research. If you are interested in looking historically see the History page and specifically the Market Research section of this guide.
The U.S. government has used various code systems for industry research to classify business entities by activity. Knowing these codes can make some areas of research easier because some databases, many print sources, and the U.S. government (most notably the Census) use them in their indexing, charts, graphs, lists, and indexes. The system now used by the Census Bureau is the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) and both restaurants and lodging are part of Major Group 72 Accommodation and Food Services. There are also and North American Product Classification System codes (NAPCS) that are market- or demand-based, hierarchical classification system for products (goods and services) that is not industry-of-origin based but can be linked to the NAICS industry structure.
NAICS 72 Accommodation and Food Services
721 Accommodation: Industries in the Accommodation subsector provide lodging or short-term accommodations for travelers, vacationers, and others.
7211 Traveler Accommodation
72111 Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels
72112 Casino Hotels
72119 Other Traveler Accommodation like Bed & Breakfasts
722 Food Services and Drinking Places
7224 Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages)
72251 Restaurants and Other Eating Places
722511 Full-Service Restaurants: Bagel shops, full service, Brew pub restaurants, primarily serving meals, full service, Diners, full service, Doughnut shops, full service, Family restaurants, full service, Fine dining restaurants, full service, Full service restaurants, Pizza parlors, full service, Pizzerias, full service, Restaurants, full service, and Steak houses, full service
722513 Limited-Service Restaurants
722514 Cafeterias, Grill Buffets, and Buffets
722515 Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars
NACPS Leisure and long-distance travel, tourism, and accommodation products
317 Accommodation for travelers
31701010101 Room or unit accommodation for travelers
31701010102 Recreational vehicle and tent sites for travelers