Hospitality Industry
1 Hospitality Industry
1.1 Introduction to Hospitality Industry
1.1.1 The Nature of the Hospitality Industry
What is the meaning of HOSPITALITY? There have been different definitions of
Hospitality. Broadly speaking, Hospitality is the act of kindness in welcoming and looking after the basic needs of guests or strangers, mainly in relation to food, drink and accommodation. A contemporary explanation of Hospitality refers to the relationship process between a guest and a host. When we talk about the “Hospitality Industry”, we are referring to the companies or organisations which provide food and/or drink and/or accommodation to people who are away from home. However, this definition of the
“Hospitality Industry” only satisfies most situations. Can you think of any circumstances where the phrase “away from home” would not be accurate?
Resort hotel Introduction to Hospitality
2
ACTIVITY 1
In groups, consider the hospitality industry in Hong Kong. Discuss the different sectors in the hospitality industry. (Hint: A sector of hospitality industry can be profit-making or non-profit-making.) You may also give the names of some companies in the hospitality industry. One example has been given in the table below. Work on the table to see which group in your class comes up with the most appropriate examples.
Hospitality industry in Hong Kong
Sector Products/services provided Example Name of company/ organisation
Food and
Beverage
Food and drink Fast food McDonald’s ACTIVITY 2
Look at the table that your group has just completed and compare the answers with other groups. Have you been to any of the above companies or organisations? What services did you receive from them? Were you satisfied with the way you were treated by the company or its staff? Did they understand what services you wanted? Did they provide what you wanted quickly and accurately? Was the staff member friendly or rude? Based
1.1 Introduction to Hospitality Industry
1.1.1 The Nature of the Hospitality Industry
What is the meaning of HOSPITALITY? There have been different definitions of
Hospitality. Broadly speaking, Hospitality is the act of kindness in welcoming and looking after the basic needs of guests or strangers, mainly in relation to food, drink and accommodation. A contemporary explanation of Hospitality refers to the relationship process between a guest and a host. When we talk about the “Hospitality Industry”, we are referring to the companies or organisations which provide food and/or drink and/or accommodation to people who are away from home. However, this definition of the
“Hospitality Industry” only satisfies most situations. Can you think of any circumstances where the phrase “away from home” would not be accurate?
Resort hotel Introduction to Hospitality
2
ACTIVITY 1
In groups, consider the hospitality industry in Hong Kong. Discuss the different sectors in the hospitality industry. (Hint: A sector of hospitality industry can be profit-making or non-profit-making.) You may also give the names of some companies in the hospitality industry. One example has been given in the table below. Work on the table to see which group in your class comes up with the most appropriate examples.
Hospitality industry in Hong Kong
Sector Products/services provided Example Name of company/ organisation
Food and
Beverage
Food and drink Fast food McDonald’s ACTIVITY 2
Look at the table that your group has just completed and compare the answers with other groups. Have you been to any of the above companies or organisations? What services did you receive from them? Were you satisfied with the way you were treated by the company or its staff? Did they understand what services you wanted? Did they provide what you wanted quickly and accurately? Was the staff member friendly or rude? Based