The above words by Prof David Foskett MBE, stand true in today's world as one of the basic elements of human nature is to be hospitable.
To celebrate and recognize this aspect of human nature, the International Hospitality Council (IHC), London and Dr Suborno Bose, hospitality evangelist, Chief Mentor of International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) and CEO and Convenor of IHC, London initiated International Hospitality Day on 24th April in 2016. The objective was to dedicate one day in the year to the hospitality industry and Celebrate, Promote and Educate in Hospitality. Hospitality professionals across the world celebrate this day every year with felicitations and discussions on the growth and changes of the hospitality industry. International Hospitality Day brings together all the professionals who work or are associate with this industry throughout the world under one umbrella of the International Hospitality Council (IHC) and celebrates the success and achievements in this industry.
The world needs to embrace hospitality in all its forms, to understand and include different cultures, our traditions and ideas. Hospitality brings people together, through sharing and social interaction. It helps to promote and develop a civilised society. The concept of hospitality trade goes back hundreds of years when travellers would be given food and shelter by strangers on their journey and that was believed to be a blessing from God. The Indian version of the history of Hospitality is not any different as we in India treat our guests as God...thus the famous quote, “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guest is God).
From 2017 onwards, International Hospitality Council also introduced the "HALL OF FAME” award where the contribution of Industry stalwarts is recognized . The inductees are personalities who have not only achieved phenomenal entrepreneurial success, but have also mentored, inspired and shaped those around them. One such extraordinary leader of the hospitality industry is inducted in the International Hospitality Council’s "HALL OF FAME" every year. Those who have been inducted to the Hall of Fame are- Mr Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons( 2017). Padmashree Chef Sanjeev Kapoor (2019) and Chef Raymond Blanc (2020)
The pandemic year 2020 landed a severe blow on the Hospitality industry. However, despite the grim circumstances, the 5th International Hospitality Day was celebrated with much vigour and enthusiasm in over 80 countries with a special e-conclave organized on the virtual platform. Members of the hospitality industry from across the world joined in this celebration on the virtual platform that had the theme of ‘Build Back Better’, expressing hope and positivity in the time of despair and distress.
Late Rajen Bali, Editor 'Windows On Travel' magazine
Concurrently, IIHM also flagged off a Hospitality Goodwill tour from Pune to London whereby 3 cars carried the message of Hospitality by road. This convoy moved from India to the United Kingdom, crossing 13 countries en route in around two months. The countries that these cars covered during the journey included Nepal, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, France and UK.