HPC 1202

• The recorded history of the hospitality industry begins with the Sumerians, who inhabited Mesopotamia around 4000 BC
• Sumerians were skilled farmers and cattle breeders due to the fertile land in the area
• Sumerians had a surplus of grain available for trade
• Sumerians are credited with inventing money and writing
• The Sumerians were skilled at converting grain to alcoholic beverages, primarily beer
• Local Sumerian taverns were among the first hospitality businesses, serving various beers and providing a gathering place for locals
• The lodging industry developed to provide accommodations for travelers due to the need created by trading between cultures
• Lodging facilities were needed at journey segments along trade and caravan routes
• In ancient Greece, hospitality was provided by missionaries, priests, and pilgrims, with meager accommodations
• In ancient Rome, inns were large mansions, and guests needed a "letter of eviction" to stay
• Caravans crossing deserts stopped at caravansaries for accommodations and protection
• The development of post houses along caravan routes was a high point in hospitality during this era
• In the Middle Ages, the history of the hotel in its present form began, with frequent references to the "inn" in German and English literature
• The development of inns in the late medieval period was due to improvements in security in European societies
• During the Industrial Revolution, there was a great demand for accommodation as people migrated to cities to work
• The emerging middle class could afford accommodations when traveling away from home
• The development of spas during the Industrial Revolution helped the growth of the hotel industry
• America's first hotels were seaport inns, such as Manhattan's Fraunces Tavern
• Lodging refers to the renting of a short-term dwelling for people who travel and stay away from home for more than a day
• People need lodging for sleep, rest, shower, food, safety, shelter from cold temperatures or rain, storage of luggage, and access to common household functions
• Accommodation is a group of rooms where someone may live or stay, important for tourists traveling to another destination
• Types of accommodations:

  • Serviced accommodation: e.g. hotels, guesthouses, youth hostels, where services like room cleaners, changing beds, towels, serving food and drink are provided
  • Non-Serviced accommodation: e.g. cottages, camping holidays, where tourists cater for themselves by cooking, cleaning, and catering
• Hotel Management Structure:

  • A hotel organizational structure defines departmental activities and responsibilities
  • It brings order to every aspect of hotel operation from the front desk and room service to the human resources department
• Small Hotel Organizational Structure

  Large Hotel Organizational Structure

  • Full-service hotels are mid-price, upscale, or luxury hotels with restaurant, lounge facilities, meeting space, bell service, room service, and report food-and-beverage revenue
  • Full-service hotels offer a variety of services included in the price such as bar, breakfast, lunch, dinner, SPA, laundry, turn-down service, shuttle service, room service, equipped meeting areas
• • Limited Service Hotel: budget-friendly hotels without a food and beverage component like a restaurant, may have amenities like a business center, fitness room, pool, guest laundry facilities
• 7. Professionalism: remain highly professional to uphold the reputation of the brand

  8. Teamwork skills: work well with others in a team

  9. Problem-solving skills: ability to think on your feet and solve problems quickly

  10. Attention to detail: noticing small details that can make a big difference
• Skills needed for Hospitality Management Professionals:

  1. Customer service skills: meet customer expectations and ensure they have a great experience

  2. Cultural awareness: adapt to different attitudes and norms

  3. Communication Skills: important for dealing with people from various backgrounds

  4. Multitasking skills: ability to handle several tasks at once

  5. Work ethic: working hard, being on feet for long shifts, maintaining a cheerful demeanor

  6. Language skills: useful for communicating with a wider range of clients