EVOLUTION AND GROWTH OF THE HOTEL INDUSTRY IN THE WORLD 🏨
The invention of currency and the wheel sometime in the fifth century BC are regarded as the two main factors that led to the emergence of inn-keeping and hospitality as a commercial activity. While Europe can safely be regarded as the cradle of organized hotel business, it is in the American continent that one sees the evolution of the modern hotel industry over the past century. From the rudimentary ancient inns to the present day state-of-the-art establishments that provide everything under the sun to the modern traveller, the hotel industry has come a long way. The origin and growth of the hotel industry in the world can be broadly studied under the following periode
• Ancient Era
• Grand Tour
• Modern Era
Ancient Era
The earliest recorded evidence of the hospitality facilities in Europe dates back to 500 BC. Ancient cities, like Corinth in Greece, had a substantial number of establishments that offered food and drink as well as beds to travellers. The inns of the biblical era were of primitive type, offering a cot or bench in the corner of a room and, at times, even a stable, Travellers used to stay in a large hall. Privacy and personal sanitation were non-existent. In the third century AD, numerous lodging premises mushroomed along the extensive network of brick-paved roads throughout Europe and minor Asia (part of Asia adjoining Europe). The lodging houses were known as mazuions during that time.
These conditions prevailed for several hundred years, till the Industrial Revolution in England led to the development of railways and steamships, making travelling more efficient, comfortable, and faster. The Industrial Revolution also brought about a shift in the focus of travel that became more business oriented than educational or social. The lead in organized hotel keeping, as we see today, was taken by the emerging countries of Europe, especially Switzerland. The early estab lishments were mainly patronized by the aristoc racy and took shape in chalets (small cottages) (see Fig. 1.10) and small hotels that provided a variety of services. Between 1750 and 1825, inns in Britain gained their reputation of being the finest hospitality establishments.
Grand Tour
The second half of the 18th century, prior to the French Revolution (1789-99), is referred as the 'golden era of travel' as the popularity of the 'Grand Tour' gave a big push to the hotel industry. In those days, a Grand Tour of the European continent constituted an indispensable element of the education of scions of wealthy families in Britain. As this tour often lasted several years, it was a good business opportunity for people in the prominent cities of France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Ireland to establish lodging, transportation, and recreation facilities. Far-sighted entrepreneurs, who smelt money in the exercise, developed the skills of hospitality and pioneered the modern hotel industry.
Prominent among the hotels that emerged during this period were Dolder Grand in Zurich (see Fig. 1.11), the Imperial in Vien- na, the Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg, and Des Bergues in Gene- va. In 1841, a simple cabinet maker, Thomas Cook (see Fig. 1.12), organized a rail tour from Leicester to Loughborough and immor talized himself as the world's first tour operator.
Modern Era
The improvisation in modes of transport made journeys safer, easier, and faster, enabling economical as well as frequent maas movement. The introduction of Funiculars (the ropeway) made high-altitude mountains accessible, leading to the growth of many hotels in the Alpine ranges. Bürgenstock and Giesbach are among the hotels in Switzerland that owe their existence to the development of the ropeways.
The two world warns, especially the second (1939-45), took their toll on the booqutality industry. The massive destruction caused by the war and the resulting economic depression proved to be a major sethack for the travel business. The 19yos witnessed slow and strady growth of travel in the European continent. The development of aircraft and commercial pasenger flights across the Atlantic cumulated travel across the globe and in the process accelerated the growth of the hotel industry.
However, it is the American entrepreneurs who are credited for literally changing the face of the hospitality industry with their innovations and aggressive marketing The inauguration of the City Hotel in New York in 1794 marked the beginning of the present-day hotel industry. It was a giant building at that time, with 73 rooms, and it went on to become a favourite meeting ground for socialites.
Prior to the establishment of the City Hotel, lodging facilities in the American continent were patterned on European style taverns or inns. The City Hotel, however, triggered a race of sorts among American hoteliers, resulting in the construction of large hotels such as the Exchange Coffee House in Boston, the Second City Hotel in Baltimore, and the Mansion House in Philadelphia. The opening of the Tremont House (see Fig. 1.13) in Boston is another landmark in the evolution of the hotel industry. Regarded as a forerunner of luxury hotels, the 170-room hotel had many firsts to its credit. For example, it was the first to provide locks, indoor plumbing, running water, and bathing facilities, besides providing a bowl, pitcher, and free soaps in its rooms. It was also the first to provide front office services such as bellboys and a reception, as well as to serve French cuisine in the US.
Throughout the 19th century, the contest among hoteliers to build better, larger, and most luxurious hotels contin- ned. Several luxury hotels, such as the Grand Pacific, The Palmer House (see Fig. 1.14), and The Sherman House in Chicago, as well as The Palace (with Soo rooms) in San Francisco were built. The year 1908 saw the emergence of the first business hotel, the Statler Hotel in Buffalo, New York (see Fig. 1.15). This magnificent 450-room multi-storey build- ing was a pioneer in many ways. Some of the innovations included an attached bathroom with hot and cold water in each room, an electric lamp on the desk, and a radio in each room.
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