New Delhi, April 25, 2017: “To be human is to be hospitable”
The above words by Prof. David Foskett ring true, more so in today’s world. It means that to be a good person, one must be hospitable. In the year 2016, the International Hospitality Council in association with International Institute of Hotel Management, took a path-breaking initiative in establishing April 24th as ‘International Hospitality Day.’
The world needs to embrace hospitality in its many different forms – to understand different cultures as well as differences and sharing of ideas. Hospitality brings people together through sharing and social interaction. It helps to promote and develop a civilised society. The concept of hospitality trade goes to hundreds of years back where travellers would be given food and shelter by strangers in their travel routes and it was believed to be a blessing from God. The Indian version of the history of Hospitality is not different and Indians would treat the guests as God and hence the famous quote of ‘Atithi Devo Bhave’ emerged which literally means ‘The Guest is God.’
Hospitality is possibly one of the most humane, warmest and passionate industry and the level of guest satisfaction now has created newer benchmarks. To all of them who are part of this wonderful industry, the International HospitalityDay is an attempt to celebrate the industry and its people – whose untiring and smiling efforts over the years have created memories.
Today on 24th April, in over 40 countries around the World, the spirit of hospitality will be celebrated with India leading the celebrations by awarding the best hospitality stalwarts in across 6 cities of Kolkata, Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Pune and Hyderabad.
International Hospitality Council is most honoured and privileged that the ‘Hall of Fame’ Honoree Mr. Ratan N. Tata agreed to accept the Hall of Fame award as one of the most distinguished leaders in the field of hospitality and business throughout the world. Indeed the international community recognises the work Mr. Tata has done to promote ethical business standards which benefit all stakeholders and in turn helps to create a fair and just society. Mr. Anjan Chatterjee of Speciality Restaurants of the Mainland China fame and many more with over 74 outlets in 25 cities across three countries with its head office in Mumbai has been awarded as the ‘Best Hospitality Entrepreneur Award’ amongst many others.
Mr. PRS Oberoi, Executive Chairman, The Oberoi Group remarked, “I am very happy that you will be celebrating the spirit of hospitality on 24th April and recognising contribution of industry stalwarts who have raised the bar in the hospitality industry.”
“Our dream was to get the entire hospitality fraternity to celebrate together a day that belongs to all of us. Hospitality is the core of our everyday lives. Today, over 40 Nations are celebrating Hospitality Day and that’s absolutely wonderful,” said Dr. Suborno Bose, CEO and Convenor, International Hospitality Council and CEO IIHM.
“To be Human is to be Hospitable. Congratulations to Dr. Bose and his team for evangelising the cause of hospitality on such a global scale. Best Wishes to all,” said Prof. David Foskett, Chairman International Hospitality Council.
“I am pleased to know there is a day dedicated to us hospitality professionals. I am so proud to be part of this Industry,” said Ranju Alex VP – East, JW Marriott.
“While hospitality is a fine art it is also a science, and it is this combination that makes hospitality industry a very exciting place to be in. Congratulations,” said Samrat Datta, GM Taj Bengal, Kolkata.
“I salute Dr. Bose’s enthusiasm to make a difference to the hospitality industry,” said Varun Chhibber, GM, The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata.
“If you have the passion and discipline hospitality as a career option is brilliant,” said Atul Bhalla, GM ITC Sonar, Kolkata.
“Excellent initiative for the 1st International Hospitality Day and a great pleasure to get a view of the most influential persons of Kolkata,” said Sujit Nair, Director of Human Resources, Hyatt Regency, Kolkata.
“What an initiative , This is a celebration everyone will look forward to every year,” said Sharad Dewan, Executive Chef, The Park, Kolkata.
“Fantastic Event. Thank you International Hospitality Council,” said Kaushik Shah, HR manager, Jet Airways Kolkata.
Corporate Comm India(CCI Newswire)
