Introduction to Hospitality

For many people, hospitality establishments such as hotels, restaurants, and bars are
familiar environments, often associated with special moments in one’s life. Although there
are several well-known multinational hotel companies, the sector is still mainly comprised of
small and medium enterprises, in particular family businesses. Globalization and... read morechanges in
how people spend their time and money have deeply affected demand patterns and
business models in hospitality, as well as the nature of their operations. At the same time,
exogenous shocks, such as economic crises, natural disasters, and pandemics, have put the
resilience of hospitality businesses to the test. These changes are not only being felt by
consumers, but also by the professionals of a sector that is a major employer in many
countries.
This series of talks introduces the professional hospitality sector from different business
perspectives, including experience management, investment in real estate, marketing,
finance, and innovation. We also look behind the screens to study the changes that are
occurring in the business models and the effects these have on all stakeholders. This series
is intended to provide the student with a comprehensive introduction to the dynamics at
work inside the hospitality industry and how they may further evolve.