The Conditions Of Hospitality

A collection of essays devoted to the concept of hospitality from different disciplinary perspectives such as philosophy, politics, anthropology, aesthetics, ethics, and translation studies.

The source of hospitality lies in the fundamental ethical experiences that make up the fabric of the social lives of people. Therein lies a primary form of humanity. Whether we are guests or hosts, this reveals our situation in a world made up of receiving and meeting, leaving room for the liberty to give and receive beyond the imperatives of reciprocity. This book proposes an ethic that promotes the possibility of stirring emotion before that of protecting ourselves from unexpected encounters. Fundamental ethical competence consists of opening up to the wholly other and to others, to be accessible to the world’s solicitations. There is moral superiority of vulnerable love over control and moderation, of generous passion over rational prudence and of excess over exchange. Constructing an ethic of hospitality is essential at a time when we are torn between the imperatives of modernization and growth and the demands of concern and protection. The experience we all have today, that of the fragility of the world, is giving rise to a powerful tendency toward solicitude. From such a perspective, the duty of individuals no longer consists of protecting themselves from society, but of defending it, taking care of a social fabric outside of which no identity can be formed.

Practicing hospitality is central to building a civil society, not to mention living a Christian life. It can be enriching and joy-filled, but it can also be profoundly demanding and sometimes even dangerous. In The Limits of Hospitality, Jessica Wrobleski explores the ethical questions surrounding the practice of hospitality, particularly hospitality that is informed by Christian theological commitments. While there is no algorithm that distinguishes between ethically "legitimate: " and "llegitimate" boundaries, the variety of circumstances in which hospitality is relevant and the nature of hospitality itself make advocating firm and fixed boundaries difficult. How much more so for Christians, for whom the practice of hospitality should be a manifestation of agape, a participation in God's eschatological welcome extended to all people through Jesus Christ! Are limits to hospitality, then, merely a regrettable concession to our finite and fallen condition? Wrobleski offers a rich theological reflection that will interest anyone who has a role in the practice of hospitality in community? Whether such communities are families, households, churches, educational institutions, or nation-states.

This cutting edge and comprehensive book with contributions from the star faculty of Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration offers the latest thinking on the best practices and strategies for hospitality management. A must for students and professionals seeking to enter or expand their reach in the hospitality industry, The Cornell School of Hotel Administration on Hospitality delivers the authoritative advice you need to: Develop and manage a multinational career and become a leader in the hospitality industry Maximize profits from franchise agreements, management contracts, and leases Understand and predict customer choices, and motivate your staff to provide outstanding service Manage hospitality businesses and the real estate underlying the businesses Control costs, coordinate branding strategy, and manage operations across multiple locations

Introduction to Management in the Hospitality Industry, Ninth Edition gives you the industry know-how and the management skills needed to thrive in all aspects of the field, from food service to lodging to tourism. In this latest edition, the authors have brought the text thoroughly up to date by featuring new and emerging companies, new technologies, and new ways of doing business. Covering everything from careers to operations to finance, the text offers the most comprehensive and engaging introduction to this exciting field possible.

How do hosts and guests welcome each other in responsible tourism encounters? This book addresses the question in a longitudinal ethnographic study on tourism development in the coffee-cultivating communities in Nicaragua, providing a conceptual tool to facilitate reflection on alternative ways of doing togetherness between ourselves.