To many Westerners, the invitation to dine is viewed as a simple gesture of hospitality.  But within Asian societies, even a casual invitation presumes great expectations guided by the "Host-Guest Relationship".  Both parties have
important responsibilities: the Host must meet every need; the Guest must acceptgraciously.   For those of us raised on a steady diet of independence, the attention is meant to be gratifying.   Between Host and Guest, nothing is
overlooked.  Especially, the little things.  In Asian hotels for example, all essentials are provided...not just a toothbrush and a shower cap.  That's part of the relationship, complete comfort. 

At Kaohsiung's Hospitality College, where students are groomed to enter the service industry profession island-wide, the Host-Guest Relationship is taken seriously.  Students are grounded in traditional Chinese values of humility, courtesy, diligence and patience, pre-requisites to perfect hosting no matter what the occasion. 

Founded by Dr. Li Fu-teng in 1995, the Kaohsiung Hospitality College is the only school of its kind in Taiwan.  To develop programs, expertise was gained from institutions in Europe and the United States that provided curriculum models for practical skills and managerial concepts.   Skills are mastered in "learn by doing" situations, followed by an intensive 2-year training period in theory. Courses are comprehensive (Hotel Management, Food & Beverage Management, Baking Technology, Travel Management, Tourism, Airline Service, and Western and Chinese Culinary Arts), and the campus is well equipped with simulated settings. Students play the part of passenger and attendant in a partial airplane fuselage, or guest and receptionist in the recreated hotel lobby.  A fully appointed Presidential Suite, where dignitaries like Taiwan's Vice President Annette Liu have stayed, gives students a full-fledged proving ground. 
 

Professor Jimmy Yung, named successor to Dr. Li Fu-teng, recognizes the demands facing graduates.  "Southern Taiwan is rapidly moving from "by pass" to destination.  It brings bright prospects to the local tourist industry, but our students must be prepared for the challenge."

Southern Taiwan has always drawn numerous Japanese visitors, but ten years ago an influx of German travelers opened eyes of the service industry to the needs of Europeans.  The trend continues as industrial heavy weights attract professionals of various nationalities. The future may bring significant numbers of mainland Chinese executives as well if travel restrictions are lifted. 

International business travelers pose different requirements, with language being the most obvious.  Kaohsiung Hospitality College employs state-of-the-art language labs and native speaking teachers to help develop communication ability, but students must also be educated in subtle skills.  Because business travelers are often on the road away from home, they value personalized "high touch" service.  And because they face frequent schedule changes, flexible staff are most appreciated.  Prof. Yung explains, "We educate our students in "Smart Ways" to save time and money for the business traveler, and that will preclude unnecessary hassle.  Students must be knowledgeable, dedicated, efficient and accurate."  Familiarity with cultural preferences is an added plus.  Western executives depend upon staff at their home office to manage affairs; Asian executives prefer direct booking often made by their wives.  Additionally, Western firms are more systematic which makes logistical follow up easier. 
 
 

 
ATTENTION: 
Non-Mandarin speaking hotel guests

If you'd like to know What's Happening in southern Taiwan, just ask your hotel to identify staff recipients of the "Golden Key Award". The honor distinguishes service industry personnel who excel in helping international guests.  From ordering flowers to booking harbor cruise tickets, you can count on the Golden Key professionals.