2020 was a challenging year for the tourism and hospitality industry. As a result of the pandemic, travel came to a near halt, jobs were either lost or put at risk and tourism revenue plummeted. As the pandemic lets loose on its grip and the public returns to dining out, traveling and becoming more active, the industry is faced with a new challenge, a shortage of workers. To add another layer of complication to an already volatile situation, customer service expectations are at an all-time high. We have become a society filled with warm bodies who are easily frustrated, short-tempered and less empathetic.

Today, you could be talking to someone who is trying their best not to fall apart. This is where something as simple as kindness should come in to play. Everyone has a story to tell, and unless we take the time to listen and hear what is being said and what is not being said, we don’t know what a person is experiencing behind the scenes, behind closed doors, behind the forced smile.

Here in North Alabama, we care.  We care about the many workers who show up day in and day out to do their jobs to the best of their abilities, and we care about the many visitors who travel to the cities and towns across the North Alabama region who come here to escape or to be entertained.

The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association has put together a short video of real people in the tourism and hospitality industry who have a story to tell, but the tragedies and difficult times surrounding these individuals may not always show in their eyes or on their faces. It is my hope this video will remind everyone to show a little kindness.

Watch:

Showing kindness is something easy that we can all do as we navigate these unprecedented times. It is as simple as listening, being friendly and being considerate to those in which we come in contact. It costs nothing to be kind, yet reaps valuable rewards for the giver and for the recipient.

Whatever you do today, do it with kindness in your heart.

Tami Reist is the President & CEO of Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association