Hospitality Industry History
This discussion is intended as a starting point for gathering references for the Historical and Philosophical Foundations assignment. The goal is to locate current references related to the Hospitality industry/ restaurant setting (books, peer-reviewed journal articles, trade publication articles, conference proceeding articles, theses/dissertations).
Look for current information and sources (published within the last 10 years), to assure the information is relevant and reflects contemporary knowledge and research. Credible references are unbiased and backed up by evidence.
Conduct a search for current, credible references specific to the field you selected. Use different combinations of key words/terms like research article, hospitality, hotel, philosophy, values, principles, history, mission, vision, and code of conduct.
Write a summary of what you found. About 500 words so pick a historical aspect or philosophical foundation to explore
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Hospitality Industry History
Historical Evolution of Hospitality
The hospitality industry traces back to ancient civilizations—Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome—where inns and basic guest accommodations served travelers. Over time, simple shelters evolved into sophisticated hospitality enterprises like luxury resorts and international hotel chains shms.comU7Y Academic Journal, ISSN30424399 VBNN. This historical progression reveals how hospitality adapted to cultural shifts, economic change, and technological innovation. Tracing these origins helps us understand why modern hospitality values service, comfort, and welcome so deeply.
Historical Research Methods in Hospitality
Scholars emphasize the value of using historical methodologies to enrich hospitality and tourism research. Approaches such as archival study, oral histories, and biographical analyses help scholars uncover how industry norms and philosophies have evolved. These methods align with the 5Cs framework—context, change over time, causality, complexity, and contingency—to provide deeper theoretical insights grounded in real-world developments Enlighten Publications. Through historical research, one can connect past patterns to current practices and emerging challenges.
Mission, Vision, and Philosophical Foundations
In the modern hospitality industry, mission and vision statements aim to reflect organizational purpose and values. However, research indicates mixed outcomes regarding their impact on performance. For example, studies on hotel chains found that mission statements frequently include philosophy yet often neglect elements like technology or employee focus ertr-ojs-tamu.tdl.orgResearchGate. This suggests that while philosophical foundations are acknowledged, their articulation may be incomplete—highlighting a gap between ideals and strategic clarity.
Philosophy and Inclusivity in Contemporary Hospitality
Recent discussions underscore how hospitality philosophy has become entwined with inclusivity and ethical approaches. Philosophical thought on hospitality now addresses diversity, accessibility, and social justice. The industry is increasingly embracing inclusive practices—welcoming guests of all backgrounds and ensuring equitable experiences. These trends align hospitality’s foundational values with broader societal shifts toward inclusivity and ethical responsibility Hospitality & Catering News.
