In the European culture, hospitality is a common denominator
By Georges Panayotis, President & Founder of MKG Group & Hospitality ON

Is our planet universal? What factors have led to the birth of so many different civilizations? Have not climates, topographies, fauna and flora contributed to the shaping of cultures with very specific rites, identities and references? If the soil is universal, Earth may be less so. Humans, meanwhile, aspire to universality and globalization but will always feel the need to refocus. In our sector as well as elsewhere, our world is constantly regenerating itself in an infinite succession of cycles. We are constantly retracing our steps, certainly, with a better vision than on our previous trip thanks to the progress we have made, but we continue to return to our starting point, to our roots. History shows us that we are seeking universality, but we inevitably return to our origins.
The concepts that are currently working and being developed all have a very rich corporate culture such as Citizen M. Where employees are considered brand ambassadors and will in turn welcome, serve and advise their guests. A different way of conceiving reception professions that places less emphasis on competence than on interpersonal skills, proactivity and a sense of service. The hospitality industry has always been a great global family where you can start your career on one side of the globe and end it on the other. This assertion is even more true today with the digital tools that are transforming work and globalizing the world. All job offers are just a click away and everyone can become their own ambassador and work on their brand image.
Universities and schools must take these profound changes into account and be able to train global citizens by developing their skills and their interpersonal skills in particular.
Tourism is one of Europe's flagships, the majority of international tourists come to Europe, so let us act and implement a truly unifying, ambitious and effective European policy. Because danger looms. The Gafa suck up our customers' data and gradually steal our added value by dispossessing hotel groups of their levers of action. Europe is a continent with a thousand-year history, with many facets. Our heritage, cultural and even geographical resources are almost inexhaustible. There is nothing like it to seduce and satisfy a traveller in on a quest for meaning and local colour. On a global level, the Old Continent, through its genes and history, is deeply rooted in hospitality.