The Hospitality Revolution: Charting a Course Through Uncharted Waters

In my three decades navigating the ever-changing seas of hospitality, I've weathered many storms. But none quite like this.

Several years later, the COVID-19 tempest has left our industry reeling, gasping for air in choppy waters we've never before encountered. As I reflect on the journey from the halcyon days of the '90s and ‘00s led by iconic hoteliers and restaurateurs such as Ramon Pajares, Joel Robuchon and the likes of Anthony Bourdain to our current turbulent times, I'm struck by the sheer magnitude of change we've endured.

Today, we're grappling with a perfect storm of skyrocketing operating costs and a talent drought that's left many of us feeling like we're bailing water with a teacup. The young, bright-eyed staff who once clamoured to join our ranks now seem to have set sail for digital horizons, leaving us to wonder: have we lost our allure, or has the world simply changed course?

And let's talk about luxury, shall we? Once a beacon of aspiration, it's now become an island unto itself, mirroring the widening chasm in our society.

I worry that we've unintentionally created a world where there's a huge gap between our staff and the guests we serve. It's a disconnect that strikes at the very heart of what we do.

But it's not all stormy skies and rough seas. Technology, that double-edged sword, has brought us tools we could scarcely have imagined in my early days. Yet, as I've long maintained, no amount of artificial intelligence can replicate the warmth of a genuine smile or the attentiveness of a passionate staff member. Our challenge lies in harnessing this technological tide without losing sight of our human harbour.

So, where do we go from here?

First, we must be the captains our crews deserve – authentic leaders with a sense of meaningful purpose who connect genuinely with both staff and guests.

We need to plot a course not just for the next quarter, but for the decades ahead.

And yes, while the bottom-line matters, it shouldn't overshadow our true purpose: elevating the human experience.

We must innovate in how we train, manage and retain talent, offering clear paths for growth that resonate with a new generation. And let's not forget our local communities – they're not just our neighbours, they're our lifeline.

Amidst the storm, I see glimmers of hope. The perpetual rise of character-rich bistros and unique boutique hotels proves that authenticity still resonates. These havens of hospitality show us that when we prioritize genuine connection, we create experiences that both staff and guests treasure.

As industry leaders, our mission is clear : We must redefine hospitality not as a mere service, but as a calling – a means to enrich lives and foster genuine human connection in an increasingly disconnected world.

It's a delicate balance we must strike – honouring tradition while embracing innovation, offering quality experiences while remaining accessible, pursuing profit without losing our ethical purpose. But I believe it's in navigating these paradoxes that we'll find our true north.

It's with this spirit of innovation and unwavering commitment to our craft that I'm thrilled to announce my partnership with Tutoreca (www.tutoreca.fr). This remarkable team shares my vision for progressive, purpose-driven hospitality training.

Tutoreca’s team have masterfully blended cutting-edge technology with a profound understanding of hospitality's human element. The result? Training that not only engages but inspires – speaking directly to the hearts and minds of our modern workforce.

Together, let's reshape the future of hospitality education and training, ensuring that our industry not only weathers this storm but emerges stronger, more resilient, and more human-centred than ever before.

The future of hospitality is in our hands – let's make it transformative!!!

Jean-Michel Dixte

Hospitality Visionary & Innovator

Thank you for joining me on this journey to redefine the future of our beloved industry.

For more info, Visit:  www.tutoreca.fr