Historical Background of the Hospitality Industry

Hospitality Industry Student’s Name Institutional Affiliation Table of Contents TOC \o "1-3" \h \z \u 1.0 Introduction PAGEREF _Toc15636087 \h 32.0 Historical Background of the Hospitality Industry PAGEREF _Toc15636088 \h 33.0 Corporate Stakeholders and Response to Their Issues PAGEREF _Toc15636089 \h 54.0 The Role of the Industry in Its Social, Economic, and Political Setting PAGEREF _Toc15636090 \h 75.0 Domestic and International Ethics PAGEREF _Toc15636091 \h 86.0 Ecological and Natural Resources PAGEREF _Toc15636092 \h 97.0 Social Issues PAGEREF _Toc15636093 \h 118.0 Overall Social Responsiveness and Accomplishments in this Area PAGEREF _Toc15636094 \h 119.0 Core Values of Responsible Stewardship, Excellence, and Integrity PAGEREF _Toc15636095 \h 1210.0 Conclusion PAGEREF _Toc15636096 \h 13References PAGEREF _Toc15636097 \h 14 Hospitality Industry 1.0 Introduction The hospitality industry has taken gradual but steady steps to reach its contemporary state. Even though it may appear ordinary, it is best to define hospitality industry. The term ‘hospitality’ comes is adapted from the French term ‘hospice’ to mean caring for the travelers. Hospitality industry refers to a variety of fields in the service industry that comprise of event planning, conveyance, theme parks, cruise lines, and lodging among other services intended at comforting and serving others. Today, the industry is a multitrillion-dollar industry that primarily depends on availability of leisure time and disposable income. An analysis of this industry demands that its historical background is taken into account, the corporate stakeholders and response to their issues, its importance to the social, economic, and political setting, its related ethics including its core values and social responsiveness, and ultimately, the core values of the industry, which include responsible stewardship, excellence, and integrity. 2.0 Historical Background of the Hospitality Industry A brief historical background of this industry dates back to the ancient Greek times although it extends beyond that period. Hoteliers believed that hospitality was part of taking care of their well-being and others too. In most circumstances, the service was majorly connected to social and religious gatherings. Thermal baths (modern day Spa) were also designed in this era as customers sought more recuperation and relaxation ()’Gorman, 2009). In the medieval period, the English built inns while the noble would reside in monasteries. The Middle Eastern region became prominent as merchants became familiar with this region in their trade. Persians who were greatly involved in this trade constructed inns and post house where they would offer accommodations and nourishment to couriers and soldiers. The great Marco Polo lived in this period and his reviews of the place advanced its popularity. Marco’s memoirs initiated the modern-day customer services. The transformation of the industry to a prominent business begun in 1282 in Florence, Italy (Jobs, 2019). They introduced the culture of wine in these accommodation centers and culture spread to other places. The renaissance and French Revolution, which was in the 16th century, paved way for the new world of hospitality. During this phase, demand of inns and taverns soared multiple folds. Besides, the first hospitality establishment, Hotel de Salm, was constructed around 1788. However, it should never be mistaken for the first hotel to be built as that honor belongs to Koshu Nishiyama Hotel in Japan (Jobs, 2019). This hotel is a Japanese family business to date and is over 1300 years old. The fact these hotels were trendy imposed the much desired customer appeal. Hotel owners realized that this model appeased many customers leading to the construction of many of them. Eateries and places to sleep were included in the new hotel designs. The historic French Revolution established the change in culinary culture and more importantly, the future of the hospitality industry. Soon chefs became a core part of the institution. Luxury hotels and resorts can be linked to the 19th and 20th Centuries. Hotels in London and New York in particular provided exemplary luxury and service standards. This phase marked the beginning of the rise in great hotels that were constantly setting new standards of hospitality. Since then, the industry has undergone massive transformation considering that there were two world wars that affected its growth. The industrial revolution in the Western countries was central to the construction of many more hotels. Modern hospitality has improved significantly. The contemporary environment allows for the combination of various skills including those of architects, engineers, designers, developers, and managers and consequently, the best fit for the guests can be found conveniently. Also, hoteliers are in a better position to analyze trends so that they can articulate an approach where they improve the quality of life in hotels. In the process, there has been the development in the chain of hotels as well as the growth in casual dining. Globalization for instance, international travel that has become more rampant has improved the hospitality industry significantly. The role of the tourism to this cause can never be undermined. Enterprises in the business are guaranteeing that their employees work in the best conditions ever as they are the ultimate determinants to exceptional services. After all, employees are the internal customers. 3.0 Corporate Stakeholders and Response to Their Issues Stakeholders are entities or parties that are greatly concerned about the operations of the industry because they can be affected or influence decisions to be made as they surge towards the organization’s objectives. Organizations understand and respond to stakeholders’ needs and demands. Stakeholder management protects the firm from any damaging impacts from its activities to the stakeholders through necessary techniques such as formal contracts or agreement, strategic communications, issue analysis, and consultation (Yilmaz & Gunel, 2008). The hospitality industry and concerned parties are keen to guarantee corporate citizenship, environmental stewardship, and responsible investment ensuring expectations and interests related to environmental and social issues are met sufficiently. Owners are the first batch of corporate stakeholders. In this regard, owners are the investors who have invested a significant amount of their money into the business with the hope that it will result in great financial returns. A publicly listed firm will incorporate shareholders as vital parties whose opinion would be regarded. Shareholders are adept to the firm making profit from its business activities. Also, they are mandated to oversee that the firm is acting ethically and responsibly. For instance, the shareholders would be happy to accept expansion programs to coastline regions depending on variables such as the value of the services in the region, the cost outlay, and how quick the investments can be recouped. Further, mitigation measures for environmental and wildlife impact have been considered. Owners influence the strategy of the organization because they influence substantial decisions for the growth of the firm. The management is another aspect of corporate stakeholders. Managers’ contributions in formulating organizational strategy is always fundamental particularly those that lie in operations. Moreover, these are the individuals that shoulder the highest level of accountability based on the results achieved. Managers are stakeholders because they are the ones that want project to run on time and within the pre-set budget. Moreover, they are mindful of the implications of public relations to the firm. Besides the owners and management, internal corporate clients joins the group of corporate stakeholders. It is evident that the hospitality industry is growing at a relatively progressive rates and in these circumstances, the demand for quality services has risen higher. The costs are also rising astronomically justifying the essence of internal clients promoting their business. These type of customers directly impacts the quality and services that the external customer is bound to receive. In that connection, the client can provide feedback on whether the level of service meets the expectations. The goal of such a procedure is to guarantee the external client of stellar customer experience. On the other hand, the firm is positioned to create a better competitive advantage for itself in the market. An internal client is important because many firms might render more of their efforts on business objectives and forget to assess the nature of their real impact to the customers. The board of directors needs assurance that every project being undertaken in the company is being conducted on time, by the book, and producing exceptional results. Even though they make critical decisions, they have to access how the decision affects the shareholders, communities, suppliers, customers, and employees. The board of directors do not engage in the micromanagement of the managers nor are they involved in the daily operations of the firm. Their primary role lies in oversight and planning. They can also delegate some of the duties and responsibilities to the chief executive officer (CEO) or board committees. 4.0 The Role of the Industry in Its Social, Economic, and Political Setting Socially conscious consumerism is gradually taking place leading to the change in tactics among players in the hospitality industry. In the contemporary business world, change is the only constant and only the firm that abides by this rule survive. Similarly, the hospitality industries has adapted to these changes to attract more clients as the public is keener to appreciate companies that are a doing a commendable job. Most of the travelers are attracted to residences that are partaking in eco-friendly initiatives. Resorts that have integrated this system are using renewable materials in their construction purposes and even better is that their menu is comprised of locally sourced ingredients. They also boast of grey water recycling, advanced water catchment systems, and on-site composting. Community service is also a vital social responsibility because a great locality invites more people to visit. Community programs that promote health and prosperity have been a highly inclusive agenda in most firms. Charitable contributions serve the surrounding community in dif...