Institute of Hospitality Charters New Branch in The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Hotel and Tourism Management / September 2007

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Institute of Hospitality Charters New Branch in The Hong Kong Polytechnic
University School of Hotel and Tourism Management

20 September 2007 - The Institute of Hospitality (IoH), a UK-based international professional body representing a worldwide membership from hotel, catering and tourism industries, has chartered its new Hong Kong Branch in The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 19 September 2007.

At the recent Annual General Meeting of the IoH Hong Kong Branch held in PolyU, Mr Edward Theobold, General Manager of The Park Lane Hong Kong, has been elected Chairman of the Branch and Ms Cynthia Leung, Assistant General Manager-General Catering Division of LSC Catering Hong Kong Ltd, has been elected Vice Chairman. Prof Kaye Chon, Chair Professor and Director of PolyU�s School of Hotel and Tourism Management, is Advisor to the Branch.

�The setting up of a Hong Kong Branch adds greatly to the value of the Institute for the Hong Kong members who will be able to better network with their peers within the region to everyone�s mutual benefit,� explained Mr Theobold. In concurrence, Ms Leung noted that, �the association with PolyU adds greatly to the communication of the academic efforts which are essential within the region during a period of such dramatic growth providing opportunities for everyone involved.�

This marks yet another recognition of the world-class standing of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management as well as the rising importance of hospitality education in Asia. With the establishment of the IoH Hong Kong Branch, a Secretariat of the Branch will be set up in the School. �Through this platform,� Prof Kaye Chon remarked, �the School will further contribute to the effort in facilitating the education and professional development of hospitality practitioners and, in turn, help enhance the service standard for related industries."
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The unveiling of "Institute of Hospitality Hong Kong" signage by Mr Edward Theobold, Ms Cynthia Leung
and Prof Kaye Chon at the institute's inauguration in PolyU .
The Institute of Hospitality was launched on 2 April 2007 and is the new name for the Hotel & Catering International Management Association (HCIMA). The introduction of a fresh name marks the beginning of a new era for the industry�s professional body which is proud to trace its roots back to the 1930s. The primary purpose of IoH is to promote the highest professional standards of management and education in the international hospitality, leisure and tourism industries.

PolyU�s School of Hotel and Tourism Management was ranked fourth among the world�s top hotel and tourism schools based on research and scholarship, according to a study published in the Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research in August 2005. With more than 50 academic staff drawn from 18 countries, it is also the only training centre in Asia recognized by the Education and Training Network of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

History of the Institute of Hospitality ( http://www.hcima.org.uk/ )

The Institute of Hospitality was launched on 2 April 2007 and is the new name for the Hotel & Catering International Management Association (HCIMA). The Institute of Hospitality represents professional managers in the hospitality, leisure and tourism industries and has a worldwide membership with members represented in all sectors of the industry including hotels, contract catering , restaurants, pubs and clubs, as well as leisure outlets, theme parks and sports venues. The Institute of Hospitality is managed as an educational charity, and exists to benefit its members in their career and professional development, as well as continuing to improve industry sector standards. The primary purpose of the Institute of Hospitality is to:

�promote the highest professional standards of management and education
in the international hospitality, leisure and tourism industries�

Background

Prior to 1971 there were two professional bodies in the catering industry - the Hotel and Catering Institute (HCI, created 1949) and the Institutional Management Association (IMA created 1938). The HCI's membership was predominantly drawn from the commercial sector of the industry while the IMA's were largely from the non profit making 'welfare sector' - schools, hospitals and residential establishments. It was obvious that the industry needed a strong professional body to represent its interests as a whole. In 1970 a joint commission - PACT (Partnership Action Committee) was set up to consider the strategy of bringing together the HCI and the IMA to form a single, professional organisation for the entire industry. PACT prepared a proposal document 'Towards Unity', which detailed the aims and objectives of the new single professional body. After a series of meetings and a vote by members of both organisations a decision was finally reached.

In 1971 the HCIMA was formed with Nat Abrahams (president of the HCI) and Doris Hatfield (chairman of IMA) becoming the first joint national presidents. Once established the HCIMA set out to accomplish its objectives, to improve its image, promote standards and to attain recognition as a profession. Today with a new name reflecting its membership the Institute of Hospitality spans the entire hospitality, leisure and tourism industry, reflecting issues, views and needs across all sector interests.

Contact:

Ms Pauline Ngan
Tel: +852 3400-2634
Marketing Manager
School of Hotel & Tourism Management

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Also See:

PolyU Staged First Forum on China Hotel and Tourism Development in New York / May 2007

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