New Delhi, 4th May 2018: The third International Hospitality Day was celebrated across India and the world by hoteliers and hospitality professionals on 24th April 2018. Delighted to have a day dedicated to their passion and dedication, hospitality professionals celebrated the day with recognitions and discussions about the education and the business of hospitality. International Hospitality Day was initiated in 2016 by 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. The objective was to dedicate one day in the year to the Hospitality industry and Celebrate, Promote and Educate in Hospitality. “International Hospitality Day brings together all the professionals who work in this industry throughout the world under one umbrella of the International Hospitality Council (IHC) and celebrate the success of this industry. This year over 50 countries around the world are celebrating this amazing day,” said Dr Suborno Bose on the occasion. Iconic Chef, Padma Shri Sanjeev Kapoor said on the occasion, “IIHM has set a new benchmark in hospitality on International Hospitality Day.”
The day was celebrated through various interesting and inspiring programmes organised by IIHM at eight of its centres, pan-India. Panel discussions were organised by the centres in collaboration with five-star hotel addresses in Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Goa and Guwahati. Stalwarts from the hospitality industry came together at panel discussions held at these prestigious addresses to impart motivating ideas and experiences and to discuss the future of the industry. The discussions also inspired the younger generation to join this wonderful industry. “I am pleased that IIHM in coordination with the IHC, London has initiated this International Hospitality Day on 24th of April,” said Ranju Alex, General Manager, JW Marriot, Kolkata. Samrat Datta, the General Manager of Taj Bengal, Kolkata also felt proud about this day, “It’s great to have a day dedicated to us hoteliers.”
“We must tell the world about the opportunities, the jobs, learning and studying together and getting to understand one another through the medium of food and hospitality,” said Prof David Foskett, the Chairman of the IHC.
Representatives of various nations congratulated the IHC and IIHM on this unique initiative. Damiano Francovigh, Italian Consul-General said, “I wish all success to this initiative launched by IIHM and the IHC. It’s great to have 50 countries come together to celebrate this initiative in Kolkata and across the world.” Bruce Bucknell, the Hon’ble British Deputy High Commissioner, said, “I am delighted to see that this initiative by IHC and IIHM is taking place.” The Ambassador of Thailand to India, Chutintorn Sam Gongsakdi took the opportunity to remind everyone of the core Indian value of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ – which means ‘Guest is God’ and International Hospitality Day is a reminder of this value.”
Roll of Honours:
Like previous years, the highlight of International Hospitality Day 2018 was the recognition of contributions and hard work by hospitality professionals around the world. The leading hotel brands around India identified one hardworking and dedicated staffs who has contributed outstandingly to the hotel and to the industry in keeping with principle of ‘Service with a Smile’. The awards were presented jointly by the IHC and IIHM.
The stalwarts of the industry are also awarded for their outstanding contributions on this day. This year, Ritesh Agarwal, the Founder of OYO Rooms was awarded ‘Entrepreneur of The Year’. Rajen Bali, Editor of ‘Windows On Travel’ magazine, was presented the Award of Excellence this year.
The Hall of Fame Award will also be given away in a few days. The recipient’s name will be announced at the time of the award. Last year this award was presented to Mr Ratan Tata, former Chairman, Tata Sons.
Hospitality Goodwill Tour:
The third International Hospitality Day was marked by another landmark event. Three families set off from Pune, Delhi and Ahmedabad on the Hospitality Goodwill Tour. The families set off on a road trip from India to London. The trip will take over two months and the hospitality ambassadors will cross 13 different countries on the way including Nepal, China, Tibet, Turkmenistan, Iran, Turkey, Greece, Italy, France and the UK.
