HOSPITALITY, CULTURE AND DIVERSITY: EXPERIENCES OF THE INTERNATIONAL TOURIST IN THE USA

Resumen

This study analyzed the relationship between hospitality, culture, and diversity in the experiences of international tourists in the United States, highlighting how practices of welcoming and service impacted visitors’ perceptions in various contexts. The main objective was to understand how hospitality, understood as a social and cultural practice, influenced the satisfaction of international tourists, considering the diversity of profiles and expectations present in high-traffic destinations. The research employed a qualitative and exploratory methodology, based on a literature review of classical and contemporary authors in the field, as well as the analysis of studies applied to the North American context. The investigation revealed that hospitality, when exercised strategically and with cultural sensitivity, played a decisive role in creating positive experiences, directly influencing tourist satisfaction and loyalty. It was found that cultural factors shaped how tourism services were evaluated and that adapting hospitality practices to different international audiences represented a competitive advantage. The study also highlighted that cities such as New York, Orlando, and Los Angeles exemplified the diversity of services, cultural plurality, and welcoming capacity present in the United States, establishing themselves as global references in international tourism. The results further indicated that although American hospitality was characterized by efficiency and standardization, tourists valued personalized experiences that respected their cultural identity. The analysis concluded that hospitality, when associated with the recognition of diversity, extended beyond service provision and became a tool for intercultural dialogue and the strengthening of inclusive practices in tourism.