History of Hospitality Hospitality is one of the oldest businesses First records of travel are recorded on cave walls about 6000 years ago Money, writings, and the wheel had just been invented. These inventions made it easier to travel and conduct business

Early History The hospitality business probably began with the Sumerians. In 4000 B.C. the Sumerians lived near the Persian Gulf and grew grains that they turned into alcoholic beverages They built taverns and served beer ----these taverns were some of the first hospitality businesses

Early traders traveled from region to region to trade their spices, gold, and other exotic goods. They needed places to sleep and eat while traveling. People built inns and taverns along the trade routes. These inns and taverns served tired, hungry, and thirsty travelers.

Egypt, Greece, and the Roman Empire 3 countries played an important role in the early days of the hospitality business Ancient Egypt began the tourism trade About 2700 B.C. the pharaohs built the pyramids The beauty and majesty attracted visitors They needed places to eat and sleep

Ancient Greece had a role in the hospitality business. 2 important contributions 1. the Greek language became the universally accepted language of international trade 2. Greek money became the standard of exchange

Greeks defeated the Romans In 146 B.C. the Greeks defeated the Romans They developed roads throughout their empire This road system made travel easier and quicker

After fall of the Roman Empire: After the fall of the Roman Empire, there were many wars and invasions. Travel became dangerous Travel and tourism came to a stop. During the Middle Ages, the churches offered food and a place for travelers to rest. The Renaissance followed and there was a rebirth of travel Taverns and inns were once again open

Development in the United States Our country has made great contributions to the hospitality business. Grand hotels, motels, restaurant chains, fast-food businesses, and franchises all originated in the U. S. As each new mode of transportation developed, hospitality businesses opened up along the route or at the stations.

Inns for Stage Coach Travelers In the 1600s, stagecoach routes were established in the U. S. Inns soon were built along the routes Travelers ate and slept at these inns Stages usually arrived at set times. The innkeeper would have everything prepared when passengers arrived. The innkeeper tried very hard to take care the travelers needs.

Grand Hotels for Railroad travelers During the 1800s railroad travel developed and spread. This was much more comfortable than stagecoach travel It also decreased the length of travel time A 110 mile trip would take 11 hours by stage coach; only took 2 ½ hours by train Inns, saloons, and restaurants were built close to the railway stations

Tremont House Hotel in Boston During the railroad boom-the first grand hotel was built in America Grand hotel offered luxury accommodations The Tremont House in Boston was built in 1828 A hotelier was the manager or owner of a hotel

The Tremont was 4 stories tall. Elevators had not been invented. This caused problems for the guests. Tremont’s hotelier created a new position: bellhop When he heard a bell ring, he had to hop to it to help guests. His job was to carry heavy luggage upstairs

Luxury Hotels in Europe Cesar Ritz was raising the standard of luxury hotels in Europe. The Savoy in London, England had high standards of excellence and luxury The Ritz in Paris, France was the 1st to have a private bath, built in closets, and telephones

Back in the United States Back in the U. S., hotel industry pioneers were developing the hotel chain. In the early 1900s Ellsworth Statler developed his chain of Statler hotels. His rooms had telephones in each room, full-size closets, modern plumbing, radios, and free morning papers.

Motels for Automobile Travelers A motel combines basic hotel services with the convenience for the automobile traveler. Early days was called a tourist court or motor court. It was located near a highway. Parking was free and usually located right outside the door. Had to carry in your own luggage

Holiday Inn developed by Kemmons Wilson Mr. Wilson was disappointed by the accommodations he found on a trip to Washington, D. C. He could either stay at an expensive downtown hotel or at a small motor court that charged extra for his children and was often not air conditioned, small, and often dirty He decided to develop his own chain that would meet the needs of a family This was the beginning of the Holiday Inn