An introduction
to Hospitality

About Hospitality

Hospitality is a universal concept that has been around since the beginning of human civilization. It is the act of making guests feel welcome and at home, regardless of whether they are in a familiar environment or not.

In today’s fast-paced, highly individualized world, Hospitality plays an increasingly important role in helping people feel connected and supported, especially when they are in new and unfamiliar surroundings. Whether it’s through offering a warm smile, providing helpful information, or simply being there to listen, Hospitality has the power to make even the most unfamiliar place feel like home. In this digital age, where technology has created a sense of disconnection, Hospitality provides an important counterbalance, offering a human touch that can help people feel less alone and more connected. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or just someone in need of a little extra care and attention, the true spirit of Hospitality is an inspiring and valuable concept that is well worth learning more about.

How Hospitality works?

  1. Empathy and understanding: In a world where people are constantly on the move, it’s more important than ever for those in the Hospitality industry to understand what their guests are going through. Whether they are facing homesickness, language barriers, or simply the stress of being in a new environment, Hospitality providers need to be empathetic and understanding in order to make their guests feel truly welcome.
  2. Personalization and attention to detail: In an era of mass-produced, generic experiences, guests are seeking out more personalized, tailored experiences. Hospitality providers that can offer unique and memorable experiences, such as custom-made recommendations or personalized touches in their rooms, will stand out and be remembered.
  3. Technology integration: Technology is an integral part of our lives, and hospitality providers need to take advantage of this by offering seamless, technology-driven experiences for their guests. This might include digital check-in and check-out, virtual concierge services, or even smart room controls that allow guests to personalize their environment. Hospitality providers that can effectively integrate technology into their services will be well positioned to provide guests with the experiences they expect in this digital age.

The Hospitality industry have the power to make a real difference

“At its core, Hospitality is about making connections, creating memories, and offering a sense of comfort and belonging in a world that can often feel impersonal and disconnected. By embracing empathy, personalization, and technology, those in the Hospitality industry have the power to make a real difference in the lives of their guests. Whether it’s a friendly smile, a thoughtful recommendation, or a perfectly prepared room, the smallest gestures can have the biggest impact. Let us continue to strive for True Hospitality, and make the world a place where everyone feels at home, no matter where their travels may take them.”

Luc van Bussel

Meet our True Hospitality Speakers

  • Luc van Bussel, Chief Hospitality, keynote speaker about Hospitality and author

    Luc van Bussel

    Hilversum | The Netherlands

    Luc is the Founder of Chief Hospitality: an international platform of keynote speakers on True Hospitality in a Digital Society. Luc is a visionary leader who understands the importance of Hospitality in the digital age. As the Founder of Chief Hospitality, he is a leading voice on how Hospitality can provide a warm and nurturing foundation for building genuine connections person-to-person. ...

  • Chief Hospitality Keynote speaker Colin Burns

    Colin Burns

    New York | USA

    As one of the preeminent private club managers in the US, Colin helped set new standards at a one of the world’s most renowned private clubs, Winged Foot Golf Club. The name is synonymous with championship golf, elegance and a warm and embracing environment. When Colin arrived in 1991 his mission was simple, make the club as great as its reputation; this was no simple task. A very traditional club set in its ways. ...

  • Chief Hospitality Keynote speaker Paul Geraeds

    Paul Geraeds

    Rotterdam | The Netherlands

    Imbued with an unwavering passion for marketing and tourism, Paul has been a pillar in the hospitality industry for over three decades. His roles in varied management capacities, as a distinguished supervisor, and as an independent consultant, have allowed him to cultivate a wealth of knowledge and experience. His fascination with human behavior was forged through the fires of managing diverse international teams across various markets. ...

  • Chief Hospitality Keynote speaker Madiha Mouchtak sitting on a chair

    Madiha Mouchtak

    Amsterdam | The Netherlands

    Madiha is a sought-after Business Mentor and Accelerator, renowned for her practical and no-nonsense approach to driving sustainable transformation across diverse industries. She is the Netherlands Country Chair for Sustainable Businesses with the G100 and a respected Advisory Board Member at the Global Artificial Intelligence Forum. Her extensive background as a Clinical Rapid Transformational Coach/Therapist adds a unique perspective to her work. ...

Gastgevers in Geluk

‘Gastgevers in Geluk’ is a revealing story about the mystery of heartwarming Hospitality. The book takes the reader to The Magic Hotel in Hawaii and explains its success in seven steps. The result is returning guests: guests who don’t want to go home anymore. Luc van Bussel gives service a new, deeper meaning and introduces new concepts such as reachable, palpable, listening, resolving, surprising, pampering and backward-looking. The book is the best proof that people cannot live without each other and that face-to-face meetings are the real connection in a digital society. ‘Gastgevers in Geluk’ is an ode to people in the service sector and a manual for managers looking for returning guests or customers.

In the book, twenty-nine striking guest writers share their vision on hospitality. They complete the book and give the reader a broad view of the world of Hospitality.

Gastgevers in Geluk cover boek