A city having the opportunity to host a large scale international sporting event such as the Pan American Games, the Olympics, or World Cup Soccer is a rare and special occurrence. The feeling of pride in the host city is contagious. There is a collective drive to put in extra effort so visitors and viewers from afar get a taste of its culture and distinct manner of hospitality. It is too bad that as a city gets ready to show the world how welcoming they are, the hospitality industry is sometimes unable to provide the necessary support.
The travel rush that occurs during mass games is responsible for incredible short term booms for the hospitality industry. Increased demand is very attractive to all formal providers of accommodations but may not be to visitors -who will experience lackluster service at inflated prices. The troubles visitors may have with hotels is based on principles of supply and demand; as demand increases visitors will receive less attention. On the positive side, as the demand for accommodations increase, local residents jump at the chance to offer their own places. Travelers wanting something more authentic, relaxed, charming and quite possibly at better rates have an entire city of potential gracious hosts.
During the hosting of an international celebration of sport, travelers are welcomed with open arms. These open arms represent more than just the host taking advantage of a business opportunity, it represents the average person being able to help out with a type of international diplomacy. The common property owner is able to offer their home to foreigners in a gesture of international solidarity. Hotels are expected to be points of international neutrality, the home is different; by welcoming in people who come to cheer on their own country, hosts are allowing their guests be who they are, this is true hospitality.
Increased graciousness is not something that can be expected from the formal hospitality industry during times of high demand. There is a lack of empathy by hotel personal as the numbers of their guests increase. The host of an independent lodging will have a more personalized connection with its guest(s), due to the scale of the transaction. As the main sporting event ramps-up, the host will feel the need to contribute more to the overall undertaking. Usually, a host will take extra steps to insure their guest's accommodations are above and beyond expectation. The hospitality shown by amateur hosts will have an element of charm, this is due to the more personable nature of the relationship.
Next time there is a large event and you are worried there will be no accommodations available, fret not, there are plenty of willing gracious hosts out there giving you better service than a hotel ever could.
By Jonathan Laba
