Hospitality service

The concept of hospitality exchange, also known as "accommodation sharing", "hospitality services" (short "hospex"), and "home stay networks", "home hospitality" ("hoho"), refers to centrally organized social networks of individuals, generally travelers, who offer or seek accommodation without monetary exchange. These services generally connect users via the internet.

History

In 1949, Bob Luitweiler founded the first hospitality service called Servas Open Doors as a cross national, non-profit, volunteer run organization advocating interracial and international peace. In 1965, John Wilcock set up the Traveler's Directory as a listing of his friends willing to host each other when traveling. In 1988, Joy Lily rescued the organization from imminent shutdown, forming Hospitality Exchange. In 1970 Jimmy Carter (then US President) announced the formation of Friendship Force International which has chapters in 57 countries today. In 2000, Veit Kuhne founded Hospitality Club, the first Internet-based service. In 2004, Casey Fenton started CouchSurfing, now the largest hospitality exchange organization.

How they work

Generally, after registering, members have the option of providing very detailed information and pictures of themselves and of the sleeping accommodation being offered, if any. The more information provided by a member improves the chances that someone will find the member trustworthy enough to be their host or guest. Names and addresses may be verified by volunteers. Members looking for accommodation can search for hosts using several parameters such as age, location, sex, and activity level. Home stays are entirely consensual between the host and guest, and the duration, nature, and terms of the guest's stay are generally worked out in advance to the convenience of both parties. No monetary exchange takes place except under certain circumstances (e.g. the guest may compensate the host for food). After using the service, members can leave a noticeable reference about their host or guest.

Instead of or in addition to accommodation, members also offer to provide guide services or travel-related advice. The websites of the networks also provide editable travel guides and forums where members may seek travel partners or advice. Many such organizations are also focused on "social networking" and members organize activities such as camping trips, bar crawls, meetings, and sporting events.

Some networks cater to specific niche markets such as students, activists, religious pilgrims, and even occupational groups like police officers.

Benefits

Monetary savings

As these networks provide accommodation at no charge, monetary savings can be significant.

Local contact

Hospitality exchange gives travelers the chance to experience what life is like for people living in other places. In addition, making interpersonal connections and fostering understanding of different cultures may in the long run also be important to international relations. During hospitality exchanges, hosts may show off their local knowledge and exciting places “off the tourist map”. Not only may travelers get a distinct experience, but they will also get a feel for the everyday lives of local residents.

Reciprocity

The concept behind Hospitality services is based on the pay it forward philosophy, gift economy, and reciprocal altruism.

Drawbacks

Lack of guarantee

There is no contractual agreement between users in these systems. Reservations are made, but if they are for some reason broken, there is no higher authority to which one could plead for a refund or other compensation. The only repercussion will be the poor rating you give that user and your only consolation will be that your warning will deter others from visiting or hosting them. For those who feel insecure unless their travel arrangements are written in stone before departure, this system will not be comforting.

Potential interpersonal conflict or awkwardness

There is a chance that guest and host will not get along. Perhaps there will be scheduling or ideological conflicts. Maybe you will find that hosts or visitors have misrepresented themselves. Perhaps the experience will not live up to your expectations. Intense interpersonal communications in advance and a flexibility once you have arrived is your best bet. These experiences require additional planning and courtesy towards the demands of your host. Thus, your living conditions, length of stay, and overall experience will be circumscribed by the living conditions you enter into.

Digital divide and demographic segregation

As use of these services generally requires access to the internet and knowledge of the English language, the sample population found in searches of these databases is really much less diverse than a geographical representation of worldwide users might suggest.

Security

Staying in someone's house, or inviting people into your house leaves open the possibility of being taken advantage of.

Home Hospitality in Scouting

In the Scout Movement, home hospitality (hoho) refers to Scouts living for a few days with a host Scouting family to experience everyday life in that community. This often takes place before or after a jamboree and is usually organized by the organization running the jamboree. ^[1]

Example networks

There are countless websites that serve the idea of hospitality service, with new ones appearing as this phenomenon becomes more popular. While this page is not intended to be a directory listing, here is a small sample of the well-established and long-standing networks:

• CouchSurfing - A very active network (registered as a B corporation) with over 3 million members in more than 200 countries
• Tripping.com - One of the newer and more advanced networks. Tripping boasts members in more than 175 countries
• Hospitality Club - A once active, but dying network about 300,000 members in more than 200 countries
• Servas International - human rights and global peace oriented since 1949. A relatively small network now with over 16,000 members with a very long history.
• Friendship Force International A network of chapters worldwide which concentrates on building understanding across cultures.

Specialized networks

Some networks offer specialised hospitality services.

• Lesbian and Gay Hospitality Exchange International^[2]
• Warm Showers - Hospitality network for touring cyclists^[3]
• Dachgeber - Hospitality network for touring cyclists in Germany with about 3000 members^[4]
• Pasporta Servo - for Esperanto speakers^[5]
• WWOOF - "Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms", help on the property is exchanged for food, accommodation, education and cultural interaction^[6]
• Freagle - "Free Camping, worldwide!" - Uniting Outdoor Lovers Through Hospitality and Mutual Help.^[7]
• HelpX - "Help Exchange", help is exchanged for food, accommodation, experience and cultural interaction^[8]
• Homeshare International - charitable organization providing exchange of housing for help in the home^[9]
• Ridester - ride sharing for travelers in USA^[10]
• Jewgether - a hospitality network that connects Jewish people from all around the world and helps Jewish travelers find a place to stay. ^[11]

References

1. ^ Home Hospitality in the UK: An Introduction
2. ^ Lesbian and Gay Hospitality Exchange International
3. ^ Warm Showers
4. ^ Dachgeber
5. ^ Pasporta Servo
6. ^ World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms
7. ^ Freagle - Free Camping, worldwide!
8. ^ HelpX
9. ^ Homeshare International
10. ^ Ridester
11. ^ Jewish hospitality world wide

External links

• Article on www.wikitravel.org
• American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute