Our History - IOH Store : IOH Store

1938

Founded as the Institutional Management Association (IMA).
1943

The IMA’s first publication was produced, a report on ‘Hospital Domestic Administration.’ The publication was significant as it kickstarted what would later become the Institute of Hospitality (IoH)’s research drive. From this point, the Institute’s ambition for producing significant, thought-leadership material grew quickly, helping to guide and advance the hospitality sector throughout its history.
1944

The IMA’s first nutrition course was organised jointly with the Industrial Catering Association and Industrial Welfare Society. As with its first publication, this course began the Institute’s commitment to education and training, which has since been revolutionised and consistently developed to ensure it continues to move with the demands of the industry.
1946

The IMA became the national examining body for Institutional Management. Later in 1950, the Hotel and Catering Institute (HCI) took over the educational work of the National Council for Hotel and Catering Education. The IoH has continued to be the leading force for regulating and advising the hospitality sector.
1951

Lord Horder was appointed the first President of the IMA. This illustrates the support and historic connection the Institute has with the UK Government.
1959

The HCI, Ministry of Education, and teaching institutions, collaborate to start the National Diplomas in Hotelkeeping and Catering. Its continued dedication to education and desire for collaboration with other crucial institutions, continue to help create a more professional hospitality industry.
1971

Overwhelming support was given by members of both the IMA and the HCI for the creation of a new single professional body, the Hotel and Catering Institutional Management Association (HCIMA) at an extraordinary general meeting held at the Waldorf Hotel, on the 27 November 1971.
1977

The HCIMA, under the leadership of Director Elizabeth Gadsby, was asked to put forward detailed proposals to the Worshipful Company of Innholders (granted Royal Charter in 1514), for the launch of the Master Innholders award. This led to the formation of The Master Innholders, a prestigious body within the industry which influences standards and extends professionalism in the management of hotels. The Master Innholders remain in operation to this day.
1982

Tony Speller MP, agreed to act as UK parliamentary representative for the HCIMA. This was an important milestone as it stood to demonstrate the importance of the Institute. Its representation in government gave the Institute sufficient opportunity to voice its opinion and help influence national policy.
1987

The HCIMA is among the top twenty UK professional bodies for size, and is recognised as the only professional body in the world for the food and accommodation services industry. An important year for the Institute as it demonstrated the significance of the Institute not only on a national but international scale. From 1994, the Institute hosted conferences throughout the world, beginning with the first HCIMA Pan-European conference in Amsterdam, acquiring membership from over a hundred countries the following year.
1998

The Hospitality Assured (HA) Scheme is set up as the leading customer service standard for the hospitality industry. HA still operates today and is an established global brand, celebrating its 25-year anniversary in 2023.
2007

The HCIMA was relaunched as the Institute of Hospitality.
2011

Completion of the Digital Library and Knowledge Centre Resource. The introduction of this online resource has led to the establishment of an ever-growing database. Since its inception, members and non-members can rely on the IoH as a source of advice and insight for the hospitality industry. This resource has become an unprecedented provision of industry information providing both historic and contemporary guidance.
2014

Launch of the Institute’s world-class mentoring programme for recent graduates and young managers. Focusing on career development and access to both experienced and early-career individuals, the mentoring programme connects industry talent across the world. In 2021 the online mentoring platform ‘Mentor Me’ was upgraded and expanded. In 2023, the Master Innholders and Institute collaborate to provide ‘Mentor Me’ access to all Master Innholder professionals.
2017

The IoH formed a strategic alliance with the Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality (CTH). The consecration of this partnership reinforced the IoH’s ambition of continually expanding the education capacity and rigour of the hospitality industry. With CTH offering several highly valued training programmes to IoH members, the alliance has developed a global community within the sector. Launch of IoH-online. Providing training and member access 24/7 through its website, it continued to demonstrate the IoH’s commitment to providing education and training across boundaries. Allowing greater access and opportunities for its members to help expand their professional knowledge, skills, and expertise.
2018

IoH acquired the Academy of Food and Wine Service to strengthen its presence in the sector, and to gain the intellectual property associated with leading industry competitions – the Restaurant Manager of the Year and Sommelier of the Year. The IoH acquired Hospitality and Leisure Manpower and continues to administer and manage the prestigious Gold Service Scholarship, and The Roux Scholarship.
2021

IoH launches its first Youth Council to support entry-level talent into the industry. The IoH launches a bursary fund to provide disadvantaged hospitality individuals with fully-funded IoH memberships, enabling them to access personal and professional development resources to develop their careers. The IoH won the UK & Ireland Chartered Governance Institute awards – ‘Diversity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year 2021’ and Gold Award – ‘Best Membership Organisation’ at the National Association Awards 2021, and retained the award in 2022, for a second consecutive year.
2023

The Institute of Hospitality celebrates it’s 85 year anniversary and applies for Chartered Status. The IoH appoints its first Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion specialist, to lead on global EDI strategy for the Institute and advise the hospitality industry.