Philoxenia as a Component of the Tourism Experience in Culture and Total Quality Management in Hotel Sector

Abstract

Philoxenia is a term that defines the culture of hosting in a way that gives priority to the guest not only concerning his needs but also concerning a genuine meeting among host and guest and the cultures they represent. Philoxenia ensures the framework for the sustainability of tourism development and is identified with its principles: the participation of the host society in tourism activity, preservation and respect for its cultural identity, respect for the natural environment, experiencing authenticity and a state of being like a local, for the tourist. Reference is made to the revival of the Delphic idea at the early 20th century as an experiment to bring together different cultures within the European continent in a multi-level meeting and feast. Philoxenia must be the main non-material component, the dominant idea that will penetrate all services, every single action or attitude in Tourism. This philosophy of tourism inevitably introduces to Total Quality Management and enhances the tourist product. As far as it concerns the Hotel sector quality service cannot be fragmented and in part, cannot be focal, it must be holistic. The Hotel product is made up of a set of products and services, but concerning the customer’s perception is an holistic product. Finally, Philoxenia leads to the creation of a Tourist Culture in the meaning that Tourism as an economical sector, under these rules and principles becomes a cultural factor towards sustainability and development.