Topic 1 – Introduction to the global tourism & hospitality industry "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." (Mahatma Gandhi) Chon (2010) in chapter 1 states that "service is the most important product of the hospitality industry" and in the text Cutting Edge Thinking and Practice (2011) Pezzotti states that "hospitality and service are at the heart of our business". Discuss the intersection of hospitality, service and customer experience as a major challenge to Hotel Managers. Topic 2 – Current issues for the tourism and hospitality industry "My favourite thing is to go where I have never gone" (Arbus Diane) In Chapter 2 Chon (2010) describes the relationship between the hospitality industry and travel and tourism management. Discuss the conditions that help facilitate travel and tourism activities in a destination and then consider what impacts these have on the hotel sector. In your answer refer to the travel statistics reviewed in class and make comparisons between regions and countries. Topic 3 -­‐ Ownership and management structures and the accommodation sector "All good hotels tend to lead people to do things they wouldn't necessarily do at home." (Andre Balazs) From the reading for this week: 1. Consider and then outline the important factors a small independent central city hotel would need to make before deciding to become a franchisee of a major brand. 2. Identify the major differences between what is termed a boutique and luxury hotels, giving at least two examples of each with relevant research material in each category. 3. Review why hotel classifications today are so confusing globally. Topic 4. Food and Beverage "There is something in the nature of tea that leads us into a world of quiet contemplation " (Lin Yutang) A common theme in many tea cultures is serving tea as a show of hospitality; it is considered a very serious business. Research the worldwide tea industry and discuss the impact of tea culture on society today, looking specifically at the growing appreciation of tea and the shift from mainstream tea to more premium tea products.