Nicole Bornales

THE TRAVEL AND TOURISM INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL; A REFLECTION PIECE The world can be very manipulative. The world shows us great things which can either inspire us or lure us as we develop ourselves into greater beings. It also presents joyous times and challenging ones as we choose on how we seize life. And often, whether we come prepared or not, life strikes us in different ways and on different levels -where sometimes we tremble and frown, and other times we become more steady and proud. The sentences above are evident and true in the way we dream in life; We are being presented with the world’s ideas and ideals that inspire us in deciding who we want or what we want to be and yet being provided with many challenges which result in us to question and doubt our own choices. One of the most fascinating things about the world is being showcased and highlighted by the industry of tourism and hospitality. It is indeed true that this industry is bright and exciting. The fact that the tourism industry is not only confined in the corners of an aircraft; about walking in its aisle, wearing a fancy uniform, while sporting a million dollar smile to passengers and flashing exceptional postures and manners to people of the world, is what makes it adventurous. If I were to describe the tourism industry in one word, it will be “fascinating”. Because I believe that this industry has always fascinated man. That is why there is no doubt why many individuals, including I, dream of this career. Tourism and hospitality industry has always been a booming sector across the globe. This industry does not start from a single point and ends with a single one. It always comes from linked points and connects to multiples. This industry does not stand alone, it is very evident since the industry needs people for the workforce and as for the market. Also, people alone are not enough for this industry to boom, people will need resources that will be maximized for whatever product they will produce and the resources will be coming from the environment be it natural and or manmade. I think the general definition of this industry is inspired from the man’s motivation to travel. It is a very important aspect not only for a country’s economy, but also to their global standing. Yes, it is considered as a volatile industry because it is extremely susceptible to events which are difficult to control which are political unrest, exchange rate fluctuations, and natural disasters. However, regardless of the negative characteristics that it possessed, this industry has an unmeasurable contribution to societies and the world. This industry can bring huge contributions to the other industries existing in the country, this includes the growth and developments of various industries such as transportations, accommodations, wildlife, arts and entertainments. It really is an industry that promises to thrive as demographics change, technology advances, and people become more aware of the economic, social and ecological effects of travel. This industry is also linked with hospitality industries since it is actually an integral part of travel and tourism industries which provides a wide range of travel related services, such as food, lodging, mode of transportation, etc. This industry not only prioritizes selling goods and services but also involves creating experiences from visiting places and learning new things and perspectives from places of different interest and having pleasure all the while. However, as the effects of globalization continue to shape the future, this industry offers even more challenges and prospects. As this industry becomes brighter and exciting, the more the standards and qualifications of careers in this industry become higher and harder. The result is as a striving future professional, i, myself, have doubt in the path I'm tracking because it may seem that at times this industry is not for everyone, but only for those who fit. That made me realize that reaching a dream is very difficult, especially when one is being very ambitious about it, but then again, I choose to fight in reaching mine. As I can see the people who don’t fit are only the individuals who choose not to and be defined by the limitations that are set around them. I think the best way one can do is embrace change in this fast changing world since there is no such a thing as absolute and constant. Even the world itself is flawed, although created by God, is subject to change. As an individual whose life is dependent on the orbit of the world around, I do also believe that I am also subject to change. Change will allow us to prepare thoroughly, develop continually, act responsibly, reason carefully and enjoy ourselves. Things change all the time; and often people fear them. Some believe that change is the worst thing that could happen, but I believe that it's not always the case. As I grow older and become mature, I understand more that in order to move on with life and get things right, things must change. I believe that change is good, and if nothing changed, then life would not exist for most of us. Purposely embracing changes in life will allow us to have more experience, understanding and discoveries in life and therefore nurture it, not only mentally, but also physically and emotionally.