Contemporary issues

CONTEMPORARY ISSUES        

INTRODUCTION                  

The hospitality industry is a fascinating industry that is vulnerable to contemporary issues, this issues affect the industry directly and indirectly. Contemporary issues have become more frequent and complex to the industry and it is better to be prepared well in time in order to minimize the issues (Hogan, 2012). There are several issues that affect the industry but the writer decided to discuss about safety and security as the major issue that is affecting the industry nowadays.

 SAFETY AND SECURITY IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

According to Albattat and Som (2014) safety and security is one the biggest issue affecting the hospitality industry and it is the most important aspect that comes to a tourist’ mind when planning to travel. Safety relates to protecting guests and staff within and out of the hotel from any hazards such as injury and death caused by using dangerous materials whilst security refers to protecting property from criminals and terrorists. Furthermore Kovari and Zimanyi (2008) indicates that safety and security has been an indispensable condition that has gained much bigger importance in the last two decades,  aspects such as terrorism, crime and safety have been the major issues affecting  the industry.

TERRORISM

Mansfield and Pizam (2006) discusses terrorism as a major global concern in the hospitality industry that does not only affect the tourist destination where the event took place but it also damages the image and infrastructure. However Richter and Waugh (1986) suggests that terrorists attack tourists when they are touring a destination because they want to gain instrumental advantage by disrupting the industry and also gain publicity. But nevertheless Sonmez (1998) views Richter and Waugh statement differently indicating that gaining publicity should not be regarded as the most important aspect by terrorists because attacking tourists destroys the industry and contributing factors  to the country’s economy such as foreign exchange declines.

 

There was a terrorist attack in the United States of America in September 11, 2001, Bolivia attack in 2003, the attack in Hilton Taba Hotel in Sinai Peninsula in 2004 and also several attacks caused by Al Quaeda in Kenya, have left the image of this destinations severely damaged and the recovery process takes much longer than what anyone might think. However Botswana has shown a virtuous reputation in the tourism industry due to non-terrorism issues. The country never experienced terrorism scandal before and the number of international tourists had dramatically increased and still continuing to increase.

CRIME

Crime is also one of the aspects that might hinder a tourist from travelling to a tourist destination, issues such as theft, hijacking and drug use reduces the number of tourist’s visits. Mansfield and Pizam (2006) indicates that visitors are the most victims of crime than residents as they are mostly harassed by thieves and drug peddlers. In supporting the above statement the researcher once experienced a situation whereby a tourist became a victim of theft in a hotel she was working in, where by an employee stole a valuable property of the tourist as a result of this the hotel lost a loyal client because of crime.

However Kovari and Zimanyi (2008) illustrates that when a country is known for having high crime rate, sometimes it also becomes the victim of crime as tourists might come to a certain country to commit crime knowing that the first suspects will be the residents of that country. Supporting the above mentioned statement by Kovari and Zimanyi, in 2014 South Africa once experienced a situation where by a tourist couple visited the country and it happened that the male partner murdered his female partner, when asked why he murdered his partner in a foreign country the tourist explained that because South Africa has high crime rate, so the tourist knew that the local residents will be first the suspects of the crime. In Botswana the government and non-governmental organizations have played a major role on fighting crime. The decline on crime rate had positively impacted Botswana tourism, since tourists prefer places where the crime rate is low. Credit card theft is also one of the biggest issues and to reduce its occurrence previous guest’s folios with guest information should be kept in a safe place or shredded and not to put guest credit card information on internal documents (Gallagher, A.J, 2014). 

SAFETY

Albattat and Som (2014) discusses that safety issues when it comes to tourists, are explained as crisis that usually affect the physical safety of tourists which is visiting or participating in dangerous tourist activities, for example a tourist might visit a place like Maun where there is Thamalakane River, just because they are fascinated by seeing the residents of Maun getting into the water to fetch water lily (Tswii), the tourists will also want to do the same not knowing that they are getting their lives in danger of being attacked by crocodiles. Therefore Hall, Timothy and Duval (2007) emphasizes on training both the tourists and the staff about the dangers that they might encounter while participating in tourist activities thus to ensure their safety. All stakeholders should rise to the occasion by mitigate and ensure the wellbeing and safety of tourists. 

 

CONCLUSION

Terrorism, crime and safety have been crucial condition in the hospitality and tourism industry. The impacts of these conditions have impacted the industry direct and indirect. Tourists of today consider more on the security and safety issue of the place they want to visit.  Therefore political instability of some countries have declined the number of tourists. These are world watersheds which negatively impact the tourism industry. Now is the high time for hospitality and tourism researchers to find out new issues on safety and security for tourists, this could be done through incorporate new research academic results by introducing new subjects, for example risk management in hospitality and tourism.

 

REFERENCES

Albattat, A.R. & Som, A, P.M. (2014) Safety Security and Loss Prevention during Hospitality Emergencies

Gallagher, A.J. (2014) employee theft, fraud and how hotels can manage the risks: Gallagher Hospitality Practice

Hall, M, Timothy, D.J & Duval, D.T, (2007) Safety and security in tourism: relationships, management and marketing, Journal of Travel and Tourism Marketing, 15 2–4

Hogan, J. (2012) additional observation on hotel safety and security

Kovari, I & Zimanyi, k. (2008) safety and security in the age of global tourism: The changing role and conception of Safety and Security in Tourism

 Mansfeld, Y. & Pizam, A. (2006) Tourism, Terrorism, and Civil Unrest Issues

Ritcher, L.K and Waugh, W.L. (1986) terrorism and tourism as logical companions, international journal of tourism management. Volume 7, Issue 4, Pages 230-310

Sönmez, S. (1998). Tourism, Terrorism and Political Instability: Annals of Tourism Research, 25(2):416

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEDDING CEREMONY

Introduction

The writer was focusing on the ambience looking at light and music of the wedding ceremony which was held at Adansonia hotel. 

Light

According to Phillips lighting (2015) to make a good impression on checking in and checking out guests, nothing has a more dramatic influence than lighting the outside of your tent or the entry way of your building. Different light levels and color necessities are needed to fulfill all the scenarios. The lights at the event can be enough for the speakers to see their notes but not good enough for the audience to see him/her, or the photographers to get good pictures. The lights were good enough for the photographers to take good pictures for the bride and the groom together with the audience.

Allen (2009) illustrate that each area of staging, audiovisual and lighting has its own specific necessities and needs. Make sure you review each with the certain supplier so that all is prepared.

Music

The original information related with musical melodies is suggested when we hear related music or when involved in conversations of music, episodes or events in our lives in which music has been important. Hearing music related to our past often arouses ones feelings; we are however better at recalling the titles of the tunes we listen to when instrumental than remembering melodies (Jancke 2008). The music at the wedding was suitable for the event in such a way that the disc jockey was catering for everyone, he played the songs that resembled love and also the ones that put people in the mood of partying in order to enjoy themselves and make the bride and the grooms day memorable.

  REFERENCES

Allen, A (2014) Restaurant Design; AaronnAllen & Associates

Allen, J. (2009) Event Planning. 2nd edn. Canada: John Wiley & Sons Canada ltd

Attorney-General’s Department (2011) Physical Security Management Guidelines: Commonwealth of Australia

Bojanic (2006) Hospitality Marketing mix and Services Marketing Principles

Chapman, S.W. & Rupured, M. (2008) Time Management: 10 Strategies for Better Time Management: The University of Georgia

Charted Institute of Marketing (2009), Marketing and the 7ps, The Charted Institute of Marketing; United Kingdom

Fruin, J. J. (2002) the Causes and Prevention of Crowd Disasters, United States of America

Giovachino, M. (2013) Managing Large-Scale Security Events: A Planning Primer for Local Law Enforcement Agencies: CAN

Health and Safety Executive (2000) Managing Safety. 2nd edn. United Kingdom: Crown Copyright

http://www.randypausch.com (Accessed: 26 May 2015)

Pausch, R. (1998) Time Management: Carnegic Mellon University [online] Available at:

Robson, S. K., S. E. Kimes, F. D. Becker, and G. W. Evans. (2010) Responses to reduced personal space between dyads at table seating. Working paper, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

Roisman, D. & Murillo, R. H. (2006) the Economic of Charitable Giving: What Gives?

Stilling, C. (2002) Stage Management Handbook: School of Theatre and Dance, Kent University

Strandberg, C., (2009) the role of human resource management in corporate social responsibility, Canada

Tan, A., Yick-Tse, E. C., & Wong, C. L. (2009) Tourism and Hospitality Studies. Education Bureau. Hong Kong

The Learning Centre (2001) Time Management: The University of New South Wales

Worksafe Victoria (2007) Crowd Control at Venues and Events. 2nd edn

 

 

 

 

PRICE GIVING AND DINNER

Introduction

The focus is about how the restaurant set up enriched the price giving and dinner which was held at Francistown club.

Table set up

According to Allen (2014) tableware can be a reflection of a restaurant and should be measured or considered in the restaurant design and development concept.

Tableware reflects on the restaurant and should be considered in the overall restaurant design and concept development

Table spacing

Having adequate personal space is an important aspect of users’ comfort with their environment. In restaurant, for instance, spatial intrusion by others can lead to avoidance responses such as early departure or unwillingness to spend (Robson et al, 2010). The table spacing in the restaurant was very accommodating and there was even space for those who wanted to dance. There was also enough space for those who were called to collect their awards.

 

Buffet table

The buffet table was set very nice in a way that it was easy for people to serve themselves. Buffet must be carefully designed to provide foods from a planned menu in an eye-catching method to a given number of people with a specified time. Once the theme is identified, the menu is designed after the theme is set, members of the planning group should study the room, patio or other space where the event will be held (Pepys, 2002).

 

 

 

 

 

CHARITY EVENT

Introduction

The focus was more on Cooperate Social Responsibilities (CSR). Strandberg (2009) states that CSR is the balance combination of social and environmental in to business decisions and operations. Tsoutsoura (2004) illustrate that CSR is a succeeding profitable success in ways that respect ethical values and respect people, communities, and the natural environment. The event was about giving an unprivileged 18 year old girl and her son some clothing, food and for the social workers to know her so that they can be able to help her with things like transport fare to go to school.

According to Murillo and Roisman (2006) people are not entirely altruistic when giving. Individuals seem to derive more benefits from the act of giving itself than from the benefits that their gifts generate for others. Individuals may also care about the public recognition they receive from giving. The social workers, chief, councilor of the village were all invited come and witness as the students of Botswana Accountancy College doing Hospitality Management practice CSR.

The event was a success and all the people who were invited attended. The chief of the village gave very good remarks and edging the students to keep doing a good job of having a good heart and think of giving other people when they need help. He also said that it was also good that now they know about the Hospitality students from BAC and they will also help when in need of something so that all can work together for future benefit.

 

CHIBUKU ROAD OF FAME SEMI FINALS

Introduction

The write up was based on choosing a venue. The main reason for this event was to search for talent all around Botswana. The performers were competing for the grand price of P100, 000.00. At this event only the 20 finalists were competing for the judges to choose the best 10 to go through the finals which will be held at Lobatse on the 28^th of March. Olenick (2013) illustrate that site selection is often the most challenging part of the meeting planning process. Every experienced planner knows that choosing the right venue and location is a decision that plays a critical role in the success of an event.

The most effective way of ensuring access for everyone is to think about access at the very earliest planning stages of your event. This means thinking about the access requirements of attendees, staff, speakers, performers and exhibitors who may have a disability (Meetings and Events Australia, 2012).  The right venue was chosen for the event because it was just next to the center of the town and easy to access. It was also suitable for the event in terms of space for the audience and stage.

According to Belcher (2015) you don’t have to wait until the last minute to make plans for your event. Even something as simple as a small get together can go completely twisted without enough time to troubleshoot. There are often many details that go into an event, and if one of those details goes wrong it can cause your entire event to crash.

NYANGABWE HOSPITAL EVENT

Introduction

The writer was focusing more on personal hygiene at the event which was held at Nyangabwe hospital when Hospitality students from Botswana Accountancy College were cooking food for patients. A food handler is someone who works for a food commercial and handles food or surfaces that are likely to come into contact with food, such as cutlery, plates, bowls, or chopping boards. They spread bacteria causing illness and they are the major source of food contamination. Their hands, breath, hair, and sweat contaminate food, as can their reckless coughs and sneezes, which can spread bacteria. (Department of Health, 2014)

 World Health Organisation (2006) states that in the food industry it is important to discuss personal hygiene; the discussion should include topics like wearing gloves, trimming your fingernails and wearing clean cloths. The head of the kitchen at the Nyangabwe hospital had a discussion with all the students who went to help with the event. Brief them about personal and food hygiene in their kitchen. They were given disposable chefs hurt to put on before entering the kitchen. 

Management must establish a protocol to ensure hygienic practices by employees. They should set an example for employees by their own high levels of hygiene and good health while passing on the importance of these practices to the employees. Management should encourage employees to have a pre-employment physical examination to confirm that they are in good physical, mental, and emotional health. (Marriott & Gravani 2006). All the kitchen staff at Nyangabwe hospital has food handler’s certificates together with the students who went there to help.

 

 

 

STUDENT FUN DAY

Introduction

The writer was focusing more on team work during the implementation time of the student fun day which was held at the Francistown College of Training Vocational Education on the 27^th of March. According to Tarricone and Luca (2002) teamwork is defined by Scarnati (2001, p. 5) “as a cooperative process that allows ordinary people to achieve extraordinary results”. Team has a mutual goal or a drive where team members can grow effective, mutual relationships to reach team goals. It can also help to achieve common team goals by sharing knowledge and skills. The kitchen team was working together and helping each other to come up with ideas of what can be done because they had shortage of commodities; they came up with nice dishes and also managed to sell them.

 

Teamwork is an important part of workplace success. Like a basketball team working together to set up the perfect shot, every team member has an exact role to play in achieving tasks on the job. It may seem as if one player scored the basket, but it was made possible by many people’s planning, organization, and cooperation to get that player the ball. (Mc Graw, 2000). The event planners also took part in the games so that all the people who attended can also join and play together as one team.

 

Kennedy and Nilson (2008) illustrate that having a simple understanding of how teams work gives members a common way of thinking about teams. It also helps set common performance beliefs and stimulates understanding and trust among team members.