ION IONESCU DE LA BRAD UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES AND VETERINARY MEDICINE OF IASI

Hospitality key to a perfect accommodation

Professor: Lect. dr. Pnzaru Olga

Student: Slvstru Mihaela, MAPA I

ION IONESCU DE LA BRAD UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES AND VETERINARY MEDICINE OF IASI

Hospitality key to a perfect accommodation

Hospitality is the relationship between the guest and the host, or the act or practice of being hospitable. This includes the reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers. In the travelling industry this is a very important aspect in attracting and receiving tourists worldwide. Customers do not buy service delivery, they buy experiences. They dont buy service quality, they buy memories. They dont buy food and drink, they buy meal experiences. Todays tourist s are looking for experiences that are personal, memorable and add value to their lives. Hospitality requires the guests to feel that the host is being hospitable through feelings of generosity, a desire to please and a genuine regard for the guest as an individual. It is concerned with more than food, drink and shelter. Traditionally the most important responsibility of all was the guests safetyhospitality was a kind of sanctuary. From country to country, manners and etiquette vary based on cultural beliefs and customs. If Africa is known for formal and extended welcoming, in the Asian continent is it known that hierarchy and social status is very important when meeting or greeting people. Europeans tend to be more hospitable giving the rich historical background. In the eastern part of Europe, the most divers and impressive cultural impact comes from the rural areas. Most tourists find that knowing a countrys traditions and hospitable warmth is only possible when staying at traditional accommodation in rural locations. In the Middle East it is widely known that respect and formal behavior are very important. People are usually greeted with traditional food and it is considered to be rude if beverages like coffee and tea are refused. If your plate is empty, the hosts will continue to fill up with more and more food, so it is recommended that a little bit of food should be left on the plate at the end of the meal to show that one is full and that the host has offered one enough food.

ION IONESCU DE LA BRAD UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES AND VETERINARY MEDICINE OF IASI

In Asia, people often greet with handshakes but dont forget to do their traditional bow. They expect that you use chopsticks for enjoying their rich culinary universe and showing appreciation by slurping ones food.

Japan is known for its very polite and formal behavior. Dont expect friendly welcoming or extended conversations, because they even keep this at a minimal while dining. They are not the most warming and welcoming people when visiting so Japan is considered to be a least friendly country for tourists. In Russia, society is typically collectivist in nature. It is not considered rude to intervene in a conversation or ones affairs if it is done so for the benefit of the larger group. Greetings are firm handshakes or hugs for males, alternating kisses on the cheek for females. They are hospitable and you can always enjoy the company of larger groups wherever you go. They tend to be loud and eccentric but in a very lovable way. In Thailand, the common greeting is a bow with the hands joined together at the palm and raised to the chest. The greeting is called the wai. The deeper and longer the bow, the more respect one shows to another. Buddhism is the main religion there and since it preaches nonviolence and harmony, conflict and arguing are avoided at all costs.

ION IONESCU DE LA BRAD UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES AND VETERINARY MEDICINE OF IASI

Europe has a rich and divers culture. This is very well represented in the nations traditions and customs. Countries like France take pride in their culinary heritage and welcome people with refined dishes and wine. They usually greet people with three kisses an both cheeks and display affection for guests. If in countries like Iran or Thailand a little bit of food should be left on the plate at the end of the meal to show that one is full and that the host has offered one enough food, in France one should eat all that has been put on ones plate and only finish the glass of wine if expecting a refill. In Germany, they pride themselves on their careful planning and precision. Careful and deliberate use of ones time is considered to be important when receiving people. As such, being late or taking too long to complete a task suggests thoughtlessness, which can be interpreted as rude. If one must be late, its important to call ahead of time. The Germans use rather formal titles, calling males Herr and females Frau. In Italy, the family is the most basic and most important social unit. Italians also have a concept called bella figura, which means good image. How one dresses and presents oneself is very important in Italian culture. First impressions may be permanent ones, and people assess ones education and social standing by their appearance and manners.

In England, greetings usually consist of brief handshakes; contact such as hugs and kisses is generally avoided. Slouching is considered poor taste and good

ION IONESCU DE LA BRAD UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES AND VETERINARY MEDICINE OF IASI

posture is valued. British culture can be very reserved and stoic; excessive displays of emotion are not as common in other countries, but this is not to be considered as lack of hospitality. In Ireland, greetings are usually a handshake and normal levels of eye contact imply trust and truthfulness. The Irish are well known for their humor and the gift of gab, so extended, friendly chatter is common, even with strangers or newly met. In Sweden, key characteristics of society are humility, equality, and moderation. They are rather subdued in their behavior and avoid flashiness, bragging, and any behavior taken to the extreme. They are practical by nature and try to avoid overt displays of emotion, both positive and negative. They are very polite and perceive not saying thank-you or youre welcome as slightly rude. In Greece, greetings between strangers consist of handshakes with normal eye contact. Between friend, hugs or slaps on the shoulder are common. The Greeks pride themselves on their culture and contributions to art, literature, and other areas. They are very welcoming people and will even share with you their food plates and expect you to enjoy the exchange. The tourism plays a very important role in Greek society for that is the primary source of income for most. Family business insure most tourist a special accommodation and a very real feeling of Mediterranean living.

ION IONESCU DE LA BRAD UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES AND VETERINARY MEDICINE OF IASI

The countryside is the heart and soul of Romania, where peasant culture remains a strong force and medieval life prevails, as it does nowhere else in Europe. People are happy to meet foreign visitors, often inviting them into their homes for a meal and conversation. For a true introduction to Romania's traditional villages, tourists should consider a home stay.

People here feel the need to please and make your accommodation memorable. They are warm and welcoming people that will show you every aspect of their lives: family, culture, traditions and landscapes. They will always feel the need to feed and give you shelter for the most pleasing and memorable staying. Given the rich diversity of people and cultures, every travelling experience is unique. We can learn something from each way of greeting people and enrich our mind and spirit. The most important aspect of visiting other countries remains the nature of people and how they greet and make you feel whilst staying there. Hospitality can make the difference between landscapes, food diversity or cultural aspects.