Hospitality The term 'hospitality' is derived from a Latin word 'hospes' meaning 'host', 'guest' or 'stranger'. Hospitality ethics is a discipline that studies the act or practice of being hospitable. Hospitality industry is in itself a dynamic, expanding and flourishing field.
Big hospitality establishments have sprung up from the large corporate sector providing it all the financial and infrastructural impetus it needs such as the ITC group. With increasing globalisation, career opportunities in this field are not only unlimited in the sub-continent but the entire world. The rising standards along with ever increasing demands of honouring the guests and looking after them make this industry a labour intensive yet rewarding experience. These large management companies offer internship programs, management training programs and direct placements into all sorts of operational and non-operational departments of hospitality for students majoring in hospitality management.
In the west, hospitality is rarely a matter of protection and survival and is more associated with etiquette and entertainment. The western world has a thriving hospitality industry employing thousands of trained professionals. Thus, not only enhancing the relationship between the guest and the host but also opening more avenues for individuals who are potentially fit for various skilled jobs. Southern hospitality refers to the warm and sweet welcome that reflects the gratification of the hosts towards their visitors to make them feel as comfortable as possible in an unfamiliar setting. Contemporary fascination with the 'grandeur' of the south depends on a certain sense of decorum. Hospitality in south is an integral part of church services which is an outgrowth of Biblical parables as the “Good Samaritan”.
Hospitality management is the academic study of hospitality industry. Degrees in hospitality management may also be referred to as hotel management, hotel and tourism management or hotel administration. This field covers management of hospitality in hotels, restaurants, cruise ships, amusement parks, and destination marketing organisations, convention centres, country clubs, attractions and special events.
In India, hospitality is based on the principle “Atithi Devo Bhava” meaning 'Guest is God'.This principle is exemplified in a number of stories where the guest is literally a God who rewards the provider of hospitality. From this stems the Indian approach of graciousness towards guests at home and in all social institutions. However, the Indian culture has now adopted a mercenary approach towards hospitality which aims at luxury and comfort akin to the west.
True hospitality is marked by its first step towards dismantling the barriers of the world. There is no hospitality like understanding and to cater to the needs and wishes of the guests require utmost humility, dignity and intelligence.
• Kanwarjeet Singh II Year BHM (26th course)
Hospitality in India “Atithi Devo Bhava”, the Guest is God. With both palms together and a smile on the face we greet every guest in this country. India holds a special place in the international world of hospitality. With the vivid kaleidoscope of landscapes, misty mountain retreats, magnificent historical sites, colorful people, rich cultures and festivals, we might very well be the most diverse place in the world.
facilities and services that have gained a level of acceptance world over. India has a great tradition of accommodating people of other origins and different cultures, lifestyles, habits, and religions. In Indian culture, stories abound of hosts who lovingly cook up the best foods available to them for their guests beyond what they can afford, rather going themselves hungry than not being able to satisfy their guests.
Hospitality is a long running tradition in India which offers unique opportunities for every individual preference. Moving ahead from cozy homestays and tribal huts to stunning heritage mansions and maharaja palaces, we now offer the standards of
Much hope for the Indian hospitality lies in harnessing innovations. Not only do we have an enormous growth potential, the hospitality industry survives on
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