Website: ih-ra.com
The International Hotel & Restaurant Association (IH&RA) is one of the most influential international business organizations in the global hotel and catering industry. Since its founding in 1946, IH&RA has been committed to promoting sustainable development in the global hotel and catering industry, fostering exchange and cooperation within the industry, and providing its members with services in policy support, industry research, education and training, and more. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, IH&RA plays a vital role in international affairs as a special advisory body to the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
I. History and Background of the International Hotel Association
The International Hotel & Hotel Association (IH&RA) was founded in 1946, during the global economic reconstruction following World War II. At that time, the global hotel industry faced challenges such as infrastructure rebuilding, changing market demands, and internationalization. To address these challenges, hotel industry leaders from around the world decided to establish an international organization to promote cooperation and development within the global hotel industry. After years of development, IH&RA has become a leading authority in the global hotel and catering industry, with members in over 100 countries and regions worldwide.
II. Mission and Vision of the International Hotel & Hotel Association
IH&RA's mission is to drive sustainable development in the global hospitality and food service industry through advocacy, research, and collaboration. The association's vision is to be a global leader in the hospitality and food service industry, providing its members with the highest quality service and support, and driving innovation and progress within the industry.
To achieve this mission, IH&RA has set the following core objectives:
- Representing the interests of the hotel and catering industry globally, engaging in dialogue with governments, international organizations, and other stakeholders.
- We provide policy support and industry research to our members to help them cope with the complex and ever-changing market environment.
- Promote communication and cooperation within the industry, and facilitate the sharing and dissemination of best practices.
- Provide education, training, and career development opportunities to enhance the professional skills of industry practitioners.
III. Main Activities and Services of the International Hotel Association
As a leading authority in the global hotel and restaurant industry, IH&RA supports its members through a variety of activities and services.
1. Global Summits and Industry Forums
IH&RA hosts a global summit and industry forum annually, inviting industry leaders, experts, academics, and policymakers from around the world. These events provide members with opportunities to exchange ideas and share experiences, while also offering important insights into industry trends and policy development.
2. Policy advocacy and industry research
IH&RA actively advocates for policies that benefit the hotel and catering industry through collaborations with governments and international organizations. The association also regularly publishes industry research reports to help its members understand market dynamics and industry trends.
3. Education, Training, and Career Development
IH&RA offers a variety of educational and professional development opportunities, including online courses, seminars, and certification programs. These programs aim to enhance the professional competence of industry practitioners and drive innovation and progress within the industry.
4. Membership Services and Support
IH&RA provides its members with comprehensive services and support, including policy advice, marketing, technical support, and legal services. The association also helps members expand their businesses and partnerships through its member network and collaboration platforms.
IV. Membership Structure of the International Hotel Association
IH&RA's members include hotels, restaurants, industry associations, and related organizations worldwide. Members are categorized as follows:
- Corporate members include globally renowned hotel groups, restaurant chains, and independent hotels.
- Association members include hotel and catering industry associations from various countries and regions.
- Partners include technology providers, consulting firms, and other service providers related to the hotel and catering industry.
V. The Global Influence of the International Hotel Association
As a special advisory body to the United Nations Economic and Social Council, IH&RA plays a vital role in international affairs. Through collaboration with governments and international organizations, the association actively promotes sustainable development in the global hotel and catering industry. IH&RA has also participated in the development of numerous international standards, making significant contributions to the standardization of the industry.
VI. Future Development Direction of the International Hotel Association
In response to the rapid development of the global hotel and catering industry, IH&RA will continue its commitment to driving innovation and progress within the sector. The association's future development directions include:
- Strengthen digital transformation and promote technological innovation in the industry.
- Promote sustainable development and foster the development of green hotels and green catering.
- Strengthen international cooperation to promote the common development of the global hotel and catering industry.
- We will enhance membership services and provide members with more comprehensive support.
VII. How to join the International Hotel Association
Joining IH&RA can bring numerous benefits to hotel and restaurant businesses, including policy support, marketing opportunities, and international collaborations. Here are the steps to join IH&RA:
- Visit the official IH&RA website (ih-ra.com) to learn about membership types and application requirements.
- Fill out the membership application form and submit the relevant materials.
- Wait for the association's review; once approved, you will become a full member.
VIII. Success Stories of the International Hotel Association
IH&RA has successfully driven numerous industry initiatives and projects globally. Here are a few typical success stories:
1. Green Hotel Initiative
The Green Hotel Initiative, launched by IH&RA, aims to promote sustainable development in the hotel industry. Through this initiative, thousands of hotels worldwide have implemented energy-saving and emission-reduction measures, making significant contributions to environmental protection.
2. Global Hotel Talent Development Program
IH&RA has partnered with several international educational institutions to launch a global hotel talent development program. This program has cultivated a large number of highly qualified professionals for the industry, driving innovation and progress.
3. Establishment of international hotel standards
IH&RA has participated in the development of numerous international hotel standards, including service quality standards, safety standards, and environmental standards. These standards have provided important guidance for the standardized development of the industry.
IX. Cooperation between the International Hotel Association and China
China is one of the most important markets for the global hotel and catering industry. IH&RA maintains close cooperation with the Chinese government and industry associations to promote the development of China's hotel and catering industry. The following are the main areas of IH&RA's cooperation with China:
- Policy advocacy: IH&RA collaborates with the Chinese government to promote policies that benefit the hotel and catering industry.
- Industry Research: IH&RA, in collaboration with Chinese industry associations, has released a market research report on China's hotel and catering industry.
- Education and Training: IH&RA partners with Chinese educational institutions to provide education and training programs for the hotel and catering industry.
- International Exchange: IH&RA provides international exchange and cooperation opportunities for Chinese hotel and catering companies.
10. Social Responsibility of the International Hotel Association
IH&RA consistently prioritizes social responsibility as one of its core missions. The association promotes social responsibility practices in the hospitality and catering industry through various activities. Below are IH&RA's key initiatives in the field of social responsibility:
- Driving Sustainable Development: IH&RA promotes sustainable development in the industry through initiatives such as the Green Hotel Initiative.
- Supporting community development: IH&RA encourages member companies to participate in community development projects and contribute to their local communities.
- Promoting Fair Employment: IH&RA promotes fair employment policies within the industry to protect the legitimate rights and interests of employees.
In conclusion, the International Hospitality & Restaurant Association (IH&RA), as the world's leading authority in the hotel and catering industry, plays a vital role in driving industry development, fostering international cooperation, and fulfilling social responsibility. Whether you are a large hotel group or a small catering business, joining IH&RA will bring tremendous value and opportunities for your growth.
