The origins of the hospitality industry can be traced back to ancient Greece, Rome, and biblical times
when people believed that showing hospitality to strangers was crucial for their religious well-being.
Missionaries, priests, and pilgrims were significant travelers during ancient Greece.
In medieval times, English people were referred to as travelers, utilizing inns as their private lodgings,
while nobility often stayed in monasteries, and stagecoaches were the primary mode of transportation.
In ancient Persia, khans were constructed for accommodation, and posthouses along caravan routes
became prominent. During the later years of the Roman Empire, they provided taverns and inns as
shelters for travelers, merchants, actors, and scholars.
The first official hotel, Hotel de Henry, was built in 1788 during the Renaissance period, costing $17,500
and offering 60 beds. Coffee houses also emerged during this time.
In the 18th century, taverns became popular in New York and New England, inns thrived in Pennsylvania,
and coffee houses were in high demand.
The French Revolution introduced the brigade system through Escoffer, while M. Boulanger, considered
the father of the modern restaurant, referred to the soup he sold as "resorantes."
In the latter part of the 19th century, hotels began to be built without dining facilities as public dining
waned, and people preferred taking their meals in their own rooms. Nevertheless, various innovations
continued to shape the hospitality industry.
In the 20th century, travel persisted after the end of World War II, marked by the introduction of cross-
continental flights in 1958 and the development of trans-Atlantic flights. Motels in California started to
emerge, and interest in cruises grew.
During the evolution of the tourism and hospitality industry, numerous distinguished individuals made
substantial contributions. These esteemed figures encompass Cesar Ritz, who served as the general
manager of the renowned Savoy Hotel in London, widely acclaimed as one of the world's most opulent
establishments.
Ellsworth Milton Statler, recognized as the foremost hotelier of all time.
Conrad Hilton, acknowledged as the preeminent figure in the global hotel industry.
Thomas Cook, renowned as the inaugural professional travel agent.
Howard Dearing Johnson, a trailblazer in brand leveraging.
On a different note, J. Willard Marriott, the visionary behind the Marriott Corporation, which has
become a vital asset in the hospitality field.
Ray Kroc, the most financially successful among all hospitality entrepreneurs.
Isadore Sharp, a co-founder of Four Seasons Regent Hotels, the world's largest hotel chain and a
multimillion-dollar global hotel empire.
Lastly, Ruth Fertel, another co-founder, this time of Chris Steak House, the largest upscale restaurant
chain in the United States.
