HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM CALL

The Greek meaning of hospitality is "philoxenia," or "loving strangers."

Definition

Hospitality is the warm and pleasant practice of receiving or treating guests or visitors, while tourism is the activity of traveling for pleasure or business. In essence, tourism is a form of travel, while hospitality is the industry that supports and enhances that travel experience through services, with key elements being travel planning, destination selection, activities, transportation, customer service, accommodation, food and beverage, recreation, and related amenities and entertainment.

The hospitality industry is deeply rooted in biblical principles of love, service, and welcoming others. Scripture provides its spiritual foundation, recognizing hospitality as a sacred duty and a manifestation of God's grace.

BIBLICALLY

Hospitality is modeled by God, personified in Christ, and expected of his followers.

We see Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 18 extend hospitality to visitors who turned out to be angels in disguise. By opening their home and providing food and shelter, Abraham and Sarah received blessings far beyond their initial offering.

Hebrews 13:2   “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.” This verse highlights the spiritual significance of welcoming guests, reminding us that every interaction can be divine.

Leviticus 19:34   “You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.”

We also see Job speaking of his hospitality:Job 31:31-32   “If the men of my tent have not said, ‘Who is there that has not been filled with his meat?’ (the sojourner has not lodged in the street; I have opened my doors to the traveler.)”

Jesus often shared meals with people, like the feast with Levi (Luke 5:29), and visited homes to share his teachings and healings (Matthew 8:14–15; Luke 10:38).

Romans 12:13   “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” This verse encourages believers to extend care and generosity, which aligns with the industry's mission to serve and accommodate.

Matthew 25:35   “For I was hungry, and you gave me food; I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited me in.” This passage connects hospitality directly to serving Christ through others   a powerful call to compassion in service industries.

1 Peter 4:9   “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” A reminder that true hospitality is not just about service but the attitude behind it   joyfulness, selflessness, and sincerity.

The industry: sectors & stakeholders

The industry has a wide range of sectors and stakeholders:

• Accommodation providers: hotels, resorts, guesthouses, AirBNB, etc.
• Food and beverage providers: Restaurants, cafes, bars, outside caterers, etc.
• Tour operators: Companies that organize and sell tour packages.
• Travel agencies: Businesses that help tourists plan and book travel.
• Transportation providers: Airlines, train companies, bus operators, etc.
• Attractions: Theme parks, museums, historical sites, national parks, etc.

Stakeholders:

• Government-business sources and policy regulators

• Suppliers: linen, detergents, tech companies / farmers-food

• Employees

• Parastatals and NGOs as business sources

• Educational institutions, which provide training and conduct research for the sector

• Local Communities: Residents of the areas where tourism takes place. Tourism can directly impact local residents, providing economic benefits while also increasing the cost of living and affecting their culture negatively.

Given the wide range of sectors and stakeholders involved, legislators are called to influence these areas. Engaging with the industry typically requires interacting with at least 50 people daily, which provides an opportunity to evangelize to at least one person each day.

Our call and the values we bring on board

Service with Compassion: Employees and leaders in hospitality can reflect Christ’s love by treating guests with dignity and kindness, regardless of status or background.

Inclusivity and Generosity: Just as Jesus welcomed all, Christian hospitality encourages creating spaces that are inclusive and generous, especially for marginalized   PWD (persons with disabilities), the less fortunate, street children, widows, and orphans. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) engages these groups and establishes a foundation of support.

Integrity and Stewardship: Ethical business practices, fair treatment of workers, and responsible use of resources reflect biblical stewardship.

Evangelism through Action: Hospitality can be a subtle form of ministry. By creating environments of peace and care, Christians can share their faith through example. They can join attendees during employees' town hall meetings or at every conference to express their beliefs effectively.

In a world driven by profit and efficiency, the Christian perspective on hospitality emphasizes the need for intentionality, warmth, and grace. Whether it's a five-star hotel or a humble Airbnb, the heart of hospitality remains the same: welcoming others as Christ welcomed us.

Invitation: A Short Prayer

May we receive the grace and welcome Christ before proceeding further; say with me:

Dear Lord Jesus Christ, please come into my heart. Forgive me of my sin. Wash me and cleanse me. Set me free, Lord Jesus. Thank you for dying for me. I believe you have risen from the dead and that you are coming back for me. Fill me with the Holy Spirit. Give me passion and hunger for things of God and boldness to speak and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am saved, I’m born again, I’m forgiven, and I have Jesus Christ in my heart at this juncture, going forth in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen. After praying the above prayer, you should join a Bible-believing church, grow in your faith, and nourish your spirit.

LET’S DIVE INTO CULINARY AND DRINKS

Culinary

Culinary is a discipline that involves creativity, technical skills, and understanding of various cuisines, culinary traditions, and food science principles.

In the culinary arts, various countries and their people have established foundational practices, as many view this discipline as an art rather than merely a way to satisfy hunger. Culinary artists invest significant time in preparation, which includes assembling a variety of ingredients, pairing different meals, and adhering to various preparation timelines that can range from hours to days or even years. Some cuisines, such as French cuisine, are among the earliest innovators of culinary arts, influencing the entire world to learn about their culture and cooking techniques.

This is deeply ingrained in the industry, to the extent that only specific methods are acceptable at work, and anything outside of those methods is considered an error. This limits chefs and others from growing and exploring different methods of creativity. Then I asked myself whether it's possible to change that. We should encourage current chefs to accept each other's ideas and creations, without dismissing the founders of different cuisines. Instead, we should respect and appreciate their courage in exposing and teaching us their methods, without imposing them as the final word in such a broad industry. Instead of rejecting other forms of creativity from different places, we should strive to elevate the culinary arts to new heights. I hope we can learn from each other and let the Holy Spirit inspire creativity. Learn the power in food and, more so, discern what is in our pot!

God gave food as a gift

• Genesis 1:29–30 states that God gave humans every plant and fruit for food and extended that gift to all creatures with breath.

• Ecclesiastes 3:13 encourages enjoyment of food and drink, recognizing them as God's gift: that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor; it is the gift of God.

The Bible often depicts meals as times of fellowship and celebration, including weddings, feasts, and the Last Supper. However, Proverbs 25:27 warns against excessive eating, emphasizing that overindulgence can lead to discontent. And we should do it all for the Glory of God: 1 Corinthians 10:31 states that whether one eats, drinks, or does anything else, they should do it all for God's glory. Also, Jesus fed the five thousand with five loaves and two small fish. Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.

They worshiped together regularly at the Temple each day, met in small groups in homes for Communion, and shared their meals with enormous joy and thankfulness. Acts 2:46   Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. These acts highlighted the abundance, generosity, and importance of sharing with those in need. Despite God's nature and the gift of natural plants and animals, we have seen the rise of GMO products. In Leviticus 19, God instructed us to keep his statutes, which require us to maintain livestock of the same breed and not sow our fields with mixed seed. Additionally, Deuteronomy warns that our vineyard will be defiled if we sow different seeds. GMO and processed foods pose a risk to our health by raising levels of potentially carcinogenic substances in the body.

There have been concerns that DNA found in these foods could affect the immune system, as the small fragments of DNA from food can and do enter the bloodstream and body organs.

Food is a gift of God, a source of nourishment, and a means of connection   both with others and with the divine. Just as we need physical food to stay alive, we need spiritual food to sustain us. However, we have seen people with evil intent using food to poison human beings, but we need to live in consciousness of God’s work; we shall drink poison, and it will not harm us. Remember the sons of prophets indicating there is poison in the pot!

DRINKS

Alcohol impairs judgment and movement, reduces inhibitions, and increases health risks.

We have seen in the book of Esther where a king in stupor makes a decree that would have eliminated a whole tribe while being tricked by Haman.

Isaiah 5:11–12   “Woe (judgment is coming) to those who rise early in the morning to pursue intoxicating drink, they stay up late in the night until wine inflames them! They have lyre and harp, tambourine and flute, and wine at their feasts; But they do not regard nor even pay attention to the deeds of the Lord. Nor do they consider the work of His hands.”

Proverbs 20:1   “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.”
Luke 21:34   “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.”
Ephesians 5:18   "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit."

Call for Action

Christians must advocate for change in food systems that prioritize people and planet over profit, ensuring people have access to healthy and affordable food.

We need to care for the environment to ensure sustainable agriculture with ethical practices   i.e., farming God's way.

Christians must make conscious choices of the food they consume and how they align to their values; hence advocate change in the food system.

A generation must arise that will work with integrity in their area of influence, and we know two spirits cannot live in the same body. As legislators, we must rise and dominate and ensure on the territories there is no existence of alcohol. There should be no dining spaces or restaurants that fail to uphold family values.

Highlight the importance of spiritual health over physical indulgence and effects.

Proverbs 23:29–33   “Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? 30 Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. 31 Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, or when it goes down smoothly! 32 Overall it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. 33 Your eyes will see strange sights, and your mind will imagine confusing things.”

Recognizing that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, we must promote physical and mental well-being in both our communities and workplaces. With alcohol abuse in society triggering violence and family conflicts, there is need to legislate alcohol control and help individuals overcome addictions to restore family units by offering support groups and counselling services to the marketplace and community.

HUMAN-CENTRIC HOSPITALITY AND EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY

Since the Covid pandemic, traveling solo is currently on the rise, especially for the younger generations. According to global travel trends, millennials and Gen Z travel alone to meet new people. Various hotel concepts specifically cater to digital nomads, freelancers, solo travelers, and remote workers by creating a communal environment. Some tourists also travel solo to clear their minds from stressful situations. Such travel presents an opportunity for the tour guide or reservationist to impart hope, instill values, and integrate activities with Christians, all while delivering empathetic guest experiences.

The hotel industry faces intense competition, with many hotels appearing indistinguishable from one another, making it difficult for them to stand out. However, through personalization, hotels can enhance the guest experience and differentiate themselves in a crowded market. Whether utilizing artificial intelligence-driven technology or developing a clear profile of their guests’ needs, hotels can tap into the era of personalization to create lasting impressions on their customers. Hotels can leverage data analytics, guest profiles, and artificial intelligence-driven technologies to deliver personalized recommendations for dining, activities, church service, and local attractions based on guests’ interests and past behaviors. Personalized communication, like sending pre-arrival emails with tailored packages, amplifies guests' sense of value and understanding.

This gives one a chance to share a Bible verse that would communicate hope, love, or a virtual tour video inscribed on email or television in the room; the Gospel must be preached in all forms. We must also incorporate a wellness program that speaks to the spiritual well-being of the tourists and the solo travelers. Churches are also renting halls in hotels for their services, creating a divine opportunity to evangelize to the stakeholders involved.

LUXURY MEETS HOSPITALITY EXCELLENCE

We have observed that the collaboration between hospitality and luxury brands holds enormous potential and leads to mutually beneficial experiences. A hotel can create unique, personalized experiences for guests by partnering with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel, as well as various airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Kenya Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Jambo Jet. When a hotel collaborates with a luxury brand, a unique, personalized experience can be created for guests, and at the same time the branding and the hotel's offerings are refined, benefiting everyone involved: guests enjoy a unique experience, the hotel enhances its branding, and the luxury brand gains from the hotel's hospitality and service expertise.

A significant increase in high-end hotel construction, which surpasses all other chain scales, shows strong investor confidence and optimistic long-term growth prospects in the luxury hospitality market. Experiential branding can involve curating bespoke cultural events, offering wellness programs, or organizing exclusive culinary experiences.

Our Call

During this collaboration discussion in the boardroom, we should focus on articulating our values. We must bring a distinct blend of ethical leadership, spiritual conviction, and service-oriented values that can deeply influence corporate culture and decision-making. Two cannot walk together if they do not agree; we must also be careful of our associations.

RISE OF AIRBNBs

Airbnb may have revolutionized travel, but it’s not without serious criticisms. The most troubling concerns people have raised revolve around safety & crime: assaults and break-ins where intruders accessed homes using duplicate keys, hidden cameras, and unsafe conditions. Rape, murder cases, and even violent incidents have been reported, raising questions about vetting and accountability. Airbnb has been accused of disrupting housing markets, driving up rents, and displacing locals by converting residential homes into short-term rentals; in a shared common area, it becomes a security concern. Globally I think it’s time we embrace apps like Faith Stay, a faith-based travel platform connecting faith-filled travelers, or have entrepreneurs rise who will invest in Airbnbs or be in governance to regulate Airbnbs for security reasons.

SEX TOURISM AND CHILD SEX TOURISM

Within the luxury hospitality industry, one could assume that there is higher reputational damage that can occur, especially depending on geographical location and cultural differences. Nevertheless, it is not unusual to hear stories about prostitutes who use luxury hotels or even cruise ships as a means of attracting clients due to the wealth and disposable income that most guests find themselves with. Coastal beaches have become hotspots for sex tourism and exploitation; foreign tourists have been linked to exploitative relationships with young locals, often under the guise of romance or sponsorship.

We have also observed the exploitation of minors in coastal districts, where underage girls are involved in transactional sex and face harrowing experiences of being coerced into sex work, often occurring in guesthouses near the beaches due to poverty and a lack of opportunities. Many beach boys also find themselves drawn into sexual relationships with older tourists, which can sometimes result in trafficking overseas.

This is due to:

• Economic desperation   Many youths turn to sex work to support their families or escape poverty.

• Weak enforcement   Despite laws against child exploitation, enforcement is inconsistent, and some perpetrators operate with impunity.

• Social stigma and denial   Often prevent communities from acknowledging or addressing the problem; hence, there is cultural silence. The issue remains deeply entrenched, requiring coordinated efforts from government, civil society, local community leaders, and the church to raise awareness and protection.

The principles are clear throughout Scripture:

• Matthew 18:6   “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck…” This verse underscores the seriousness of harming vulnerable individuals.

• Proverbs 6:32–33   Sexual sin is described as self-destructive and shameful, with warnings of lasting consequences.

• Psalm 82:3   “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.”

• Isaiah 1:17   “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed…”.

• James 1:27   True religion involves caring for those in distress, like orphans and widows.

• 1 Thessalonians 4:3–5   Urges believers to avoid sexual immorality and treat their bodies with holiness and honor.

• Leviticus 18 lists unlawful sexual relationships, emphasizing boundaries and consent.

The Bible consistently calls for justice and warns against exploiting others for personal gain. 2 Peter 2:3 warns of those who exploit with false words, assuring that their judgment is not idle.

Our Call 

This is a call from your brother and sister. What are we doing about it? The Lord Almighty is searching for a man to stand in the gap. For Christian entrepreneurs, we need to:

• Build with excellence: Go the extra mile, exceed expectations, and reflect Christ in our work ethic.

• Bring in the faith-based hospitality industry:Blend traditional service excellence with spiritual principles, creating environments that reflect compassion, integrity, purpose, humility, and stewardship.

• View hospitality as ministry: Guest care as a form of spiritual service, not just business.

• Emphasize quality over quantity: choosing excellence over expansion.

• Focus on community impact: Faith-based hospitality businesses often stand out for their warmth and trustworthiness, and the focus should be on community impact rather than merely selling a room or a meal; we aim to provide a space where people feel seen, safe, and valued.

1 Peter 4:7–10: “But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves, for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

In this end time we must live faithfully as Christians, and therefore we need to have:

• Urgency in service: Every guest interaction becomes a chance to reflect Christ’s love and possibly plant seeds of faith.

• Moral integrity: In an industry sometimes driven by profit and appearances, a Christian needs to prioritize honesty, compassion, and justice. Victims need to be helped to stand up, heal, and be given back their stolen rights and human dignity.

• Spiritual hospitality: In addition to providing physical comfort, we should extend emotional support, engage in prayer, or simply listen to weary travelers.

• Workplace witness: Whether managing a hotel or serving in a restaurant, our behaviors must testify and glorify Christ; we must bear fruits of the Holy Spirit: patience, kindness, and ethical choices.

• Creating sacred altars for Christ: We must design environments that promote peace, reflection, or even spiritual renewal, enabling Christians to gather and worship together. Given that this is a 24/7 industry, management should permit worship within the facilities to nurture employees spiritually.

• Supporting missions: We must have Christian-run resorts or retreat centers host missionaries, pastors, or retreat groups, and Christians attending spiritual conferences blending business with ministry.

Welcome others to Christ as He welcomed us. Show love to a stranger today and draw them to Christ Jesus!