History of the Hospitality Industry
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.

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.
History of the Hospitality Industry
History of the Hospitality Industry
Hospitality has since evolved into a highly competitive industry. The word itself has taken on a whole new meaning now that leisure time and travel are available to the masses. Hospitality is no longer just about getting from point A to point B, but also how you get there and how much you enjoy your stay. Tourism has fueled incredible growth throughout the history of the hospitality industry because people love to travel and need a place to stay. Intelligent economic planners have begun to realize the vast potential of the hospitality industry and are keen to take advantage. This means providing for all the wants and needs of potential guests. Accordingly, hospitality has expanded to include entertainment, luxury lodging, dining, etc. It is also beginning to include an activity referred to as "medical tourism." Beyond just traveling to a destination to receive medical treatment, people now choose to include dining options, entertainment, and other activities in their trip.

At one time travel agents almost controlled the hospitality industry. They were largely responsible for creating consumer's travel plans and offering specified rates. Now, with the invention of the internet and other electronic channels, new media is able to offer an avenue for hospitality companies to gain an edge. While large chains and big time destinations can afford traditional marketing channels, smaller, independent entities can gain an advantage through new hospitality concepts. Companies such as Expedia, Tripadvisor, and TravelCLICK help level the playing field and empower the host as well as the traveler more than ever before in the history of the hospitality industry.

History of the Hospitality Industry
Why do we care?
As many scholars begin to look for jobs in a market economy that seems to shrink every day, it is good to see a glimmer of hope. As many top corporations in every sector struggle to make a profit, the hospitality industry actually shows a sizeable amount of growth. Between 2009 and 2014, this trend is supposed to continue; the industry has been adding 17 percent more wage and salary jobs each year. The hospitality industry has also been providing many young people with their first jobs- more than 21 percent of the workers in these establishments were between 16 and 19 years old. This is about 5 times the proportion in any other industry. With so much growth, the hospitality industry is a business sector worth keeping an eye on, both for those looks for jobs and those looking to invest. We cannot get ahead of ourselves though! Before really understanding the whole picture, we must first look at where the hospitality industry originated.

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