Hospitality deserves renewed boldness, vision and confidence

The hospitality sector has taken more than its share of hits in recent years. Corona exposed weaknesses, staff shortages became glaringly visible and the image of inhuman hours and heavy workloads stubbornly lingered. But anyone today who still thinks hospitality is stuck in that old narrative is looking backwards while the sector is moving forward.

From the education sector, we see it every day: young people consciously opting for craftsmanship, experience and people-oriented work. Not in spite of the sector, but precisely because they are reinventing themselves. Working hours are reconsidered, working conditions improve and room is once again created for a healthy balance between work, family and leisure. This is not a luxury, but a necessary condition to attract and keep talent.

The future of hospitality does not lie in nostalgia, but in professionalisation. In thorough talent development, strong internship guidance and a clear flow from education to the workplace. Students should be able to discover where their passion lies: catering, hotel, restaurant and kitchen, butchery, bakery or tourism. That freedom of choice makes the difference between dropping out and excelling.

What is often forgotten in the public debate is the power of vocational education. Hotel schools do not train dreamers, but specialists. Young people who know what work is, who take responsibility and who understand that hospitality is more than just service. It is creating quality in moments of relaxation, connection and experience. And let that be precisely what our society increasingly needs.

The sector will not disappear, quite the contrary. It will transform, become more sustainable, more human and more attractive. That will take time, but the movement is on. Those who invest in training and guidance today will tomorrow harvest professionals who are proud of their profession and become ambassadors of their sector. The gigantic community of former apprentices - in all but the heights - proves this every day.

Hospitality and hospitality need not pity, but confidence. Not lamentation, but ambition. And above all: the recognition that this is a wonderful profession, in which you can build something. For yourself and for others.

Geert Vanhove 
Director Hotel School Hasselt GO!Next