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Hospitality History: Servas Open Doors
Hospitality History: Servas Open Doors
In 1949, Bob Luitweiler founded the first hospitality service called Servas Open Doors as a cross national, non-profit, volunteer run organization advocating interracial and international peace. In 1965, John Wilcock set up the Traveler's Directory as a listing of his friends willing to host each other when traveling. In 1988, Joy Lily rescued the organization from imminent shutdown, forming Hospitality Exchange. In 1970 Jimmy Carter (then US President) announced the formation of Friendship Force International which has chapters in 57 countries today. In 2000, Veit Kuhne founded Hospitality Club, the first Internet-based service. In 2004, Casey Fenton started CouchSurfing, now the largest hospitality exchange organization.
Benefits
Monetary savings
As these networks provide accommodation at no charge, monetary savings can be significant.
Local contact
Hospitality exchange gives travelers the chance to experience what life is like for people living in other places. In addition, making interpersonal connections and fostering understanding of different cultures may in the long run also be important to international relations. During hospitality exchanges, hosts may show off their local knowledge and exciting places off the
tourist map. Not only may travelers get a distinct experience, but they will also get a feel for the everyday lives of local residents.
Reciprocity
The concept behind Hospitality services is based on the pay it forward philosophy, gift economy, and reciprocal altruism.
Drawbacks
Lack of guarantee
There is no contractual agreement between users in these systems. Reservations are made, but if they are for some reason broken, there is no higher authority to which one could plead for a refund or other compensation. The only repercussion will be the poor rating you give that user and your only consolation will be that your warning will deter others from visiting or hosting them. For those who feel insecure unless their travel arrangements are written in stone before departure, this system will not be comforting.
Security
Staying in someone's house, or inviting people into your house leaves open the possibility of being taken advantage of.
Example networks
There are countless websites that serve the idea of hospitality service, with new ones appearing as this phenomenon becomes more popular. While this page is not intended to be a directory listing, here is a small sample of the well-established and long-standing networks:
CouchSurfing - A very active network with over 3 million members in more than 200 countries Hospitality Club - A very active network with over 550,000 members in more than 200 countries Servas International - human rights and global peace oriented since 1949. A relatively small network now with over 16,000 members with a very long history. Friendship Force International A network of chapters worldwide which concentrates on building understanding across cultures.
Specialized networks
Some networks offer specialised hospitality services.
Lesbian and Gay Hospitality Exchange International[2] Warm Showers - Hospitality network for touring cyclists[3] Dachgeber - Hospitality network for touring cyclists in Germany with about 3000 members[4] Pasporta Servo - for Esperanto speakers[5] WWOOF - "Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms", help on the property is exchanged for food, accommodation, education and cultural interaction[6] Freagle - "Free Camping, worldwide!" - Uniting Outdoor Lovers Through Hospitality and Mutual Help.[7] HelpX - "Help Exchange", help is exchanged for food, accommodation, experience and cultural interaction[8] Homeshare International - charitable organization providing exchange of housing for help in the home[9] Ridester - ride sharing for travelers in USA[10] Jewgether - a hospitality network that connects Jewish people from all around the world and helps Jewish travelers find a place to stay. [11]
References
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. ^ Home Hospitality in the UK: An Introduction ^ Lesbian and Gay Hospitality Exchange International ^ Warm Showers ^ Dachgeber ^ Pasporta Servo ^ World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms ^ Freagle - Free Camping, worldwide!
8. ^ HelpX 9. ^ Homeshare International 10. ^ Ridester 11. ^ Jewish hospitality world wide