Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism

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"a Ha!" Moment


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About this Activity
"a ha!" Moments have been designed to inspire students to cultivate what we call an Amazing Hospitality Attitude. They are short motivational videos that further enhances each soft skill allowing them to see the difference they can make by implementing what they have learned in this course. They are a favorite with our AHA World Campus students.
Be Kind!
The Lesson

In tourism, every guest carries their own story, culture, and emotions—some excited, some stressed, others facing unseen challenges. That’s why “How you treat people is who you are” lies at the core of hospitality.

Travelers seek more than rooms, tours, or flights—they want connection and care. They remember less about what you gave them and more about how you made them feel.

Kindness, integrity, and compassion build trust, loyalty, and lasting memories. As Anne Frank said, “The sharpest weapon of all is a kind and gentle spirit.”

Tourism thrives on kindness. How you treat travelers reflects your business, your culture, and yourself. As future professionals, remember: your greatest skill isn’t on your résumé—it’s how you make people feel.


Think of a time when you were a traveler or guest. What small act of kindness (or lack of it) made the biggest impression on you? How does this relate to the idea that “who you are is measured by how you make others feel”?


Tourism brings people from many different backgrounds together. Why are compassion and respect so important when serving travelers from cultures different from your own? Can you think of examples where misunderstanding or lack of respect could ruin an experience?


The video says, “Treat everyone with the level of kindness you would like for yourself. Not because everyone is nice, but because YOU ARE.” How does this statement apply to dealing with difficult or unhappy travelers?


Course Facilitator

Katie Huffstetler
Director of Student Development




Course Monitor and Coach