History of Hospitality
HISTORY OF HOSPITALITY
Overview
The history of the hospitality industry dates all the way back to the Colonial Period in the late 1700s. Things have changed quite a bit since then; the hospitality industry has experienced significant development over the years as it has faced World Wars, The Depression and various social changes. The industry as we know it today began to take form in the early 1950s and 60s, leading the way for growth into the dynamic industry we know today.(1)
Origins
Caring for travelers has been a fundamental element of civilized societies since long before the birth of the hospitality company or the Holiday Inn Express. In ancient Greece, guest rights were one of the few established sets of conventions that were universally accepted amongst diverse cultures within the Greek world. Likewise, stewardship towards guests can be seen extensively in biblical passages. Hospitality did not begin in the Bible or in Greece; it has existed since man first established permanent settlements. Before then, the concept of hospitality could not exist as everyone was nomadic. Ever since, hospitality has become more than an isolated cultural establishment-- but a worldwide occurrence reflective of basic humanity. (2)
In the Dark Ages travelers had little choice except to stay in monasteries that offered food and shelter. Throughout the Middle Ages, local lords would take turns hosting the king and his royal court as they traveled. The idea of hosting travelers was taken even further when trade and commerce began to boom, prompting taverns and inns to arise, especially in ports cities.(2)
Meaning
The word hospitality is derived from the French word “hospice”, which means to provide for the weary or to take care of those who travelling. (1)
Early Hospitality
During the Greek and Roman era people began to travel. Romans were famous for an extensive network of organized travel routes (highways). This lead to a development of business travel. Once
Overview
The history of the hospitality industry dates all the way back to the Colonial Period in the late 1700s. Things have changed quite a bit since then; the hospitality industry has experienced significant development over the years as it has faced World Wars, The Depression and various social changes. The industry as we know it today began to take form in the early 1950s and 60s, leading the way for growth into the dynamic industry we know today.(1)
Origins
Caring for travelers has been a fundamental element of civilized societies since long before the birth of the hospitality company or the Holiday Inn Express. In ancient Greece, guest rights were one of the few established sets of conventions that were universally accepted amongst diverse cultures within the Greek world. Likewise, stewardship towards guests can be seen extensively in biblical passages. Hospitality did not begin in the Bible or in Greece; it has existed since man first established permanent settlements. Before then, the concept of hospitality could not exist as everyone was nomadic. Ever since, hospitality has become more than an isolated cultural establishment-- but a worldwide occurrence reflective of basic humanity. (2)
In the Dark Ages travelers had little choice except to stay in monasteries that offered food and shelter. Throughout the Middle Ages, local lords would take turns hosting the king and his royal court as they traveled. The idea of hosting travelers was taken even further when trade and commerce began to boom, prompting taverns and inns to arise, especially in ports cities.(2)
Meaning
The word hospitality is derived from the French word “hospice”, which means to provide for the weary or to take care of those who travelling. (1)
Early Hospitality
During the Greek and Roman era people began to travel. Romans were famous for an extensive network of organized travel routes (highways). This lead to a development of business travel. Once