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PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY of HOSPITALITY & TOURISM MANAGEMENT

From the start of this semester to the end my personal philosophy on the hospitality and tourism management industry has definitely changed. Before this class, I thought I knew a good amount about the industry but I turned out to change my whole beliefs and principles on the industry. From the first week about Human trafficking and the second week about HTM agencies, I learned that when traveling you need to be knowledgeable about where you're going, who you're going with, and the rules. I did have previous knowledge but after the first two weeks, I thought about this in a deeper sense about how much trouble you can get into, if you think other countries have the same rules as the U.S. The content discussed made me change how I would plan a trip to a different country, getting more information about the area and the rules that are established. The discussion on the Economic Impacts of Tourism was very tragic to see but very informative as well. Disaters like the tsunami that hit the coast of Thailand, impacted so many people’s lives. There was help provided immediately but was still hard for survivors to find their loved ones and wanting to seek medical help elsewhere. It was sad to have known that there was knowledge of this disaster happening and no one warned anyone. If I was ever in a position where I knew something horrific would happen, I would warn everyone and try to help anyone that I could. The week of covering Spiritual Pilgrimages and Adventure Travel, increased my motivation to travel to new places, see other cultures, and meet new people. I found the documentary “I’ll Push You” so motivational and inspiring! Two friends are willing to do something for the experience and sacrifice that one friend made so the other can accomplish something they wanted so badly. If I traveled somewhere else I would want to go with a friend or someone that I know would make the journey worthwhile. The content that was discussed in the weeks covering the Cruise, aviation, and Hotel industry was very interesting and very informative. Seeing how much work goes into keeping these industries going is crazy! I thought the airline industry made a lot of profit but after hearing how much money goes into expenses and wages they make very little profit. The cruise industry has to be very diligent in storing food and drinks for people on the boat. The hotel industry also has many responsibilities to keep track of while caring for the people who stay at the hotel. My beliefs and perspectives on these industries have altered in many ways, I now know effective ways to save money on tickets for flights, hotels, and cruises.

The Meeting and Events Industry was also really interesting to learn about! I thought the meeting and event industry was simple, but I now know that so many different things go into this industry that make it complex. There are so many things a planner has to think about. Not only are you thinking about what you want to do, but you also have to think about other people and if they will like it or not… it’s definitely a lot of pressure! I will now look at the little things when I go to an event or wedding and see how everything comes together now that I have learned about the Meeting and Events Industry. I think becoming a digital nomad would be awesome! I learned a lot more about digital nomads when we covers Monetizing the Industry, which I thought was interesting how people have chosen this career path. It takes a lot for someone to quit their traditional 9-5 job but to have the chance to travel and explore places is intriguing. It's easy when people have gained a huge amount of followers. In the beginning, it would be hard to gain an income. Before learning more about digital nomads, I think I could maybe do this as a career but learning more about this career I found it hard to be away from my family and start gaining a following. The last two cases we learned about were Food & Beverage and Franchises. I think the changes that have been made and continue to make in the area of food and beverage have been remarkable to the health and wellness of the population and the environment. After the pandemic, many people chose to focus more on food safety, and this has been great because now, food producers are going to try to go back to safer ingredients. This has changed my philosophy of foods because now I am more aware of what foods I put into my body and I’m happy others are making conscious decisions as well. It is crazy and scary to know that some foods in the U.S. are banned in other countries because of the unsafe ingredients it contains. Lastly, after learning about franchises I gained knowledge in smarter purchase decisions that I would not have made previously. I learned that finding a good location would be more difficult and take more investment and less revenue than other franchises like senior care franchises. This class has changed my personal philosophy on the Hospitality and tourism industry! If I hadn’t taken this course, I would not know all the knowledge I know now about the industry that has altered my perspective on this amazing industry!

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Careers in HTM

Throughout HTM 101, I have learned so much about the hospitality and tourism industry! This industry is filled with excitement about new adventures, cultures, and people, and ultimately can change how you see the world. I never knew how much hard work and planning goes into HTM industries till this class. From cruises, meetings, and events, airlines, to hotels there is so much that goes into these branches that make all the difference. This class made me want to look at the little things when traveling. I won’t see a hotel, plane, or event the same. I will be thinking about all the things that went into making these different areas seem so simple and easy. On an airplane, I will be thinking about all the costs, the budgeting, how airplanes are cleaned, and the safety precautions that are being communicated while I sit in my seat. At the next meetings and/or events I will attend, I will think of the person/people who put it all together and think about their budget and the decisions that make attendees so happy. COVID-19 has changed our lives, especially within these industries, but once again the Hospitality and Tourism Management industry adapted and paved new ways for people to enjoy life. The Food and beverage industry has done a full 180 with people now wanting cleaner and healthier ingredients, which I am totally on board for. After the pandemic, many people chose to focus more on food safety, and this has been great because now, food producers are going to try to go back to safer ingredients. I really like restaurants that have healthy menu items and want their customers to feel great after their meals and have a good time at their restaurants. One industry that interests me is the meeting and events industry. I think I would really like to see an idea come to life and watch people enjoy the event I put on. I think this would be a great job but very stressful however, I think it would be all worth it! I have chosen to pursue Audiology. I don’t think I could combine this industry with my career only when there is maybe a conference and I am bringing a big group so I would look up hotels and flights. I would definitely consider pursuing a career in hospitality after I retire from Audiology. I think this industry is awesome and I would really enjoy a career in it down the road:)

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HTM Speaker Series

The HTM Speaker Series was such an amazing experience that I am so happy to be a part of this course. Courtney Stanely opened up about her experiences and gave the class valuable lessons. I really resonated with her, talking about going through hard stuff for a reason and that purpose stems from pain. I feel like many people can relate to hard times, especially now. Additionally, she said that it’s hard to feel like you have failed, whether in your work, personal, or social life, but failing is a process, and you learn from failing and find meaning in hard situations. I really enjoyed all the exercises she suggested for the class and how she was interactive and kept the class’s attention. She described how important being your authentic self is, and sometimes I forget to do that within certain groups and environments. Surrounding yourself with good people is also a point she made, which I totally agree with. She also told her story about how she had had many job opportunities, and it's okay to change your mind and what you want to do throughout life. I think this is important to be reminded of, I a lot of people sometimes feel stuck in the job or life they are currently in. I really liked the quotes she incorporated into her presentation, for example, “In order to be seen you have to show up” and “Purpose stems from pain”. Overall, I think the HTM Speaker Series was really informative and influential!

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Franchises

At first, I thought I would want to purchase a Dunkin Donuts franchise. However, after doing some research, I learned that finding a good location would be more difficult and take more investment and less revenue than other franchises like senior care franchises. Senior care is a booming industry that continues to grow every year. I need to invest $100,000-$150,000 for this franchise to work. I need to be a very driven and active business owner, I need skills in hiring, training, and recruiting caregivers. Senior care franchises have royalties of up to 5% of the revenue. The average gross revenue for owning a senior care franchise is up to $1.5 million, which is the same revenue as Taco Bell but with a lower investment. Some benefits of owning this franchise are increased demand, giving back to the community, support, and flexibility. In the senior care franchise, there are definitely rules and regulations with caring for seniors. There are many standards that an owner must follow to be successful and keep the business running smoothly. I didn’t find any negative reviews but many positive ones. I think franchising is an awesome thing, but I personally don’t think it is for me. It takes a lot of investments and works to own a franchise, and I also feel like there is a lot of stress that can come with it, hoping the business does well. 

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Food & Beverage

I think the changes that have been made and continue to make in the area of food and beverage have been remarkable to the health and wellness of the population and the environment. After the pandemic, many people chose to focus more on food safety, and this has been great because now, food producers are going to try to go back to safer ingredients. I really like restaurants that have healthy menu items and want their customers to feel great after their meals and have a good time at their restaurants. I have tried the food at a Farm to Fork restaurant, and it was delicious, and you could tell the food was fresh. I have not subscribed to food box companies, but after this week, I have considered subscribing to HelloFresh. HelloFresh is expensive, but it has fresh and clean ingredients and reduces food waste. I do make elaborate dinners whenever I can at home. It is refreshing and stress-relieving to take the time and make a meal. I do use online ordering, which has increased since the pandemic. Online ordering is convenient and easy, especially if you have such a busy lifestyle.

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Just some places I would love to travel to as a digital nomad!

Bali 2. Thailand 3. Vietnam

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Monetizing the Industry

If I could ditch my traditional 9-5 job and become a “digital nomad,” I would slowly make a move to build my following and posts on my social media. You have to start somewhere with many followers and posts for people to gain an interest in your travel. I would keep my traditional job until I get the following and save enough money to travel. I want to gain skills that need to be learned to be a digital nomad while keeping my current job. When the time is right, and I start seeing more followers and interest in my profile, I will think about places I want to go. Start a poll for my followers to interact with and see where they want me to go. I would create a budget and determine what I want to see and do in this new and exciting place. I would make around $70,000 a year on average if I pursued this career. I would want to travel to Bali, Thailand, Portugal, Australia, Spain, etc. I would have enough money saved up when I decide to live somewhere and ensure it is affordable. I would like to have the possibility to get a job if money did become tight. I would also continuously post pictures and be open to the struggles of being a digital nomad. I would follow other digital nomads and maybe travel with them and connect with their followers and posts to try and get a new audience. This would be a fantastic opportunity, but I would miss my family and friends back home and the usual things I would see and do in my everyday life. I would want my posts to remain positive, encourage people to travel, and express how much you can learn from experiencing new ways of living. 

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Meeting & Events Industry

I have learned so many new things about this industry that I didn’t know before! I thought the meeting and event industry was simple, but I now know that so many different things go into this industry that makes it complex. There are so many things a planner has to think about. Not only are you thinking about what you want to do, but you also have to think about other people and if they will like it or not… it’s definitely a lot of pressure! The special events video shows how much a person has to think about. Colors are crucial when planning events; you must determine what vibe you want your event to have. Jove Meyer, a planner, and designer, goes through everything that must be addressed in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Gh9WSLmrjw. Budgeting is one of the three most important things to consider when planning an event. A budget can change dramatically from a chosen location for the event. So many things can impact each other when planning an event. 

I think a career in this industry would be very stressful and with a lot of pressure. However, bringing together ideas and colors would be entertaining to create a fun event for people to enjoy. I would love to work at big events for celebrities like the Grammy’s, Oscars, etc. I am hard on myself, so I think getting over that and enjoying the event would be hard. Overall I think an event planner would be a fun job, and seeing your ideas come to life would be fantastic.

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Hotel Industry

I think owning and operating a hotel is a huge responsibility that can be both scary and exciting! I have learned many things about the hotel industry and how much work and time goes into owning a hotel. In the film, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, the owner Sonny takes on so much in his dreams of having a hotel. Sonny has to deal with issues concerning finances, plumbing, and electricity while also ensuring his residents are happy. I think it would be hard to deal with these problems all at once and have the normal responsibilities that a hotel owner does daily. However, there are things that make having a hotel worth it. Putting something together and making it your own is something that can be very special. Additionally, sharing that with other people and seeing them enjoy your place would be a great feeling. Sonny definitely loved this feeling, and also he built so many wonderful friendships with the residents, and they became family. I really like building connections and hearing about other people’s stories, and to me, that would be worth owning a hotel. 

If I had all the resources in the world, I would build one hotel for families and another for older adults. The hotels would be joined so residents could experience the two hotels. It would be built on the beach and be in a place with an active environment with things residents can do outside of the hotel. The hotel for older adults would have a calmer feel with activities like a spa, painting room, library, and other relaxing things. Then the other side for families would have fun things like sports courts, dance/night clubs, etc. Residents can go to either side of their choosing or want to adventure out. My hotel is different because everyone is usually grouped together in one place. At my hotel, people choose where they want to stay or go based on whether they want a relaxing or fun-filled and exciting vacation. If I could spend a week in a hotel, it would be Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, California. I am sure there are so many great hotels that are beautiful, but Post Ranch Inn is on my bucket list! I think the view is breathtaking and even more so when the sun sets. Just a couple of days at this hotel would be so awesome!

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Hospitality & Aviation Industry

I think an aviation career is an amazing opportunity to experience new countries and cultures. I would have a hard time with an aviation career, I am a homebody, and it would be so awesome to travel for free, but I think it would be hard for me always to be moving around from one place to another. As I said, the lifestyle would be challenging, but traveling with coworkers and having fun in new places sounds enticing. Many risks come with an aviation career, I am a nervous flier already, so when it comes to malfunctions and/or emergency landings, it would be difficult for me to keep calm, let alone keep passengers calm. Air travel is safe for the most part, after watching the documentary and learning that many packages and mail do not go through a security check which is a concern. Additionally, I don’t think air travel is profitable. I didn’t know airlines do not make much money after all the expenses they have to pay. After this week, I definitely have a new outlook on the airline industry, and the tips and tricks said in the documentary; I will apply them from now on to save money on tickets.

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Choose to Cruise

The cruise industry works by making its money off of ticket sales and onboard purchases. Employees on cruise ships are very hardworking and work countless hours, and rarely get breaks throughout the trip. Cruise ships give consumers many different entertainment options to choose from and many ways cruise ships can make a profit and passengers can have a fun vacation. Shows are free for passengers for entertainment, hoping to increase drinks and food sales and tell family and friends about their fun experiences. Cruise ships bring profit to local communities when they stop, and passengers choose to spend their money on different clothing items, food, and drinks. However, cruise ships also negatively impact local communities’ ecosystems, including air and water pollution, economic leakage, and overpopulated areas from tourism.

I am already afraid of cruise ships, so the first thing I thought of watching the documentary was safety precautions. It is scary when you are miles and miles away from land and have an emergency. Crew members are very prepared; drills are done every week! Lifeboats are part of the drills as well; they can hold many passengers and have food and supplies for seven days. The main difference between NOROVIRUS and COVID-19 is that COVID-19 affects the upper respiratory system. Symptoms include loss of taste and smell, coughing, and chest pains. NOROVIRUS is known for signs of vomiting and diarrhea. 

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Spiritual Pilgrimages & Adventure Travel

I really liked this week’s discussion and watching movies and documentaries on other people going on their spiritual pilgrimages. I really enjoyed watching “I’ll Push You” it was awesome to see Justin, a man with a progressive condition in which he is in a wheelchair, and his best friend Patrick go on an adventure of a lifetime. If I had the chance to travel, I would want to go to so many places, but if I had to choose one, I would go to Japan. I would need to learn some common Japanese phrases, but I would get the most experience from going to a place where the culture is entirely different. I would maybe get a translator to help me navigate the trip, but I think Japan has so many beautiful destinations where someone can go and be peaceful. I think I would come back as a changed person with an understanding of how other people live and their daily lives. My motivation to travel to Japan would be to experience something new and meet different people with different stories. Just like Patrick and Justin did! They gained new experiences, met new people, and overcame the hardships of their travel. I get that there with be challenges in this adventure to Japan, but I want to learn and experience new ideas and cultures. I would like to go after grad school to recollect myself and be peaceful after a stressful time! I want to come back with more of a sense of understanding of the world and its people.

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Economic Impacts of Tourism

These two movies did a great job of capturing what it is like to have been on the coast of Thailand when the deadliest and most destructive tsunami hit in 2004. Both movies start off with different people going on about their lives just like any other normal day. Nobody new this was the last time they had their belongings and family members for a long time. I believe the Thailand government is responsible for this devastating nightmare. In the movie Tsunami Aftermath, reporters discovered that there were warning signs of a possible future tsunami. The government chose to ignore these warning signs because before, a false alarm tsunami never hit. The government should still have taken precautions to protect the natives and tourists that lived on the coast of Thailand. So many people died, Ban Nam Khem was the worst that was affected and lost a quarter of its population.

If I was in a leadership position, I would warn the locals and get people on the coast to safe areas that were not destroyed. Just any warning that informed people would have saved many lives. This situation might happen in poorer countries that spend money on tourism destinations. Tsunami Aftermath is a perfect example of money pouring in from resorts, hotels, etc. After the tsunami hit, they were already clearing land; it had just been a week since the tsunami hit. Peoples's homes, possessions, and more were swept away and put in a trash pile making room for new developments. Local natives land that has been passed from generation not generation was not even a thought to developers and the government. We, as a society, can creat social change by helping people of these communities and help fight for their land and try and find ways to help them through the situation. In the movies, there wasn't much help offered to locals and more to tourist. However, there were so many great people that helped people who lost so much. Also, in the movie, The Impossible, Lucas, the son of one of the families, helped out other people find the loved ones they lost in the tsunami. We can still do a lot to move toward social change, but in tragic circumstances, we can still come together and help one another out.

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HTM & Agencies

I gained new knowledge on international crime and how other countries have very different laws and regulations regarding crime. These two movies showed how an individual can make one mistake in a country where they have no idea how things work and get in major trouble. Before watching these movies, I knew other countries had stricter laws, but I didn't realize that there wasn't anything that could be done to help these individuals. The US embassy can only help your situation if you are starving or being abused. That definitely shocked me and made me feel helpless and defeated if I was ever in this situation.

The TSA's role in keeping mass transit safe is beneficial but can be better. In the movie Brokedown Palace, six other people had illegal substances in their bags that needed to be checked thoroughly enough. There should be more security checks in these countries that have laws that are not strict, knowing many will try to transport illegal substances. Travelers/tourists do have responsibilities when traveling abroad. They need to have familiarity with the country's laws and policies. Additionally, when traveling alone, they must always be safe and aware of who they are talking to. For example, in Brokedown Palace, the two girls started talking to this man that seemed very nice but ended up being the reason they got arrested.

I found it riveting that these young women didn't know much about where they were traveling to and didn't know how these countries and people worked, leaving them in a very vulnerable situation. It did surprise me how strict the laws were and how the US embassy couldn't do much to help them. Also, in Brokedown Palace, they had everything in a different language, even the statements, and put different aspects of the situation that were not true. In this case, I learned to always be careful when traveling to other countries and know the rules!

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Human Trafficking

I have always been aware of human trafficking and have discussed it with friends and in women's gender study courses. There are many cases where someone can find themselves in these horrifying situations. When people think of human trafficking, I believe many people think of abductions, like Annie, the American girl in the show. In reality, women will think they are traveling with their new love interest like Helena or hoping to pursue a modeling career like Nadia. Many women have no idea that their freedom will be stolen away from them.

This show was very educating and does a great job of showing what women and young children have to endure as victims. The audience sees that it doesn't matter what age you are; you can be a victim. In the show, there was a young boy who was twelve that was offered up to be sold for sexual services. Seeing the many children sold and transported to different countries and watching how they were treated was awful. Additionally, the show demonstrates that traffickers can be a stranger, doctors, family friends, or even family members. Knowing the U.S. is the number #1 offender was shocking, but I believe human trafficking is increasing yearly and will continue to be a significant issue.

I think the hospitality industry does have the power to stop some instances of human trafficking. Knowing that human trafficking is a growing issue, the hospitality industry should be aware and make arrangements to build safeguards. Unfortunately, there are many scenes where there are human trafficking operations in the basement of establishments like restaurants and stores. Hospitality industry workers should be aware of signs of human trafficking and be able to report issues to the authorities safely.