The Institute of Hospitality (IoH) is the internationally recognized professional body for current and aspiring leaders and managers in the hospitality, leisure, and tourism industries. Based in London, United Kingdom, the Institute has been supporting professionals for over 85 years through membership, accreditation, learning resources, and thought leadership.
Core Business
The Institute of Hospitality functions as a membership-driven professional body committed to promoting the highest standards of management and education within the hospitality industry. It serves professionals across all sectors, including hotels, restaurants, catering, tourism, and event management, offering career development opportunities and professional recognition.
Product and Service Offerings
1. Membership Services
The Institute offers tiered membership levels based on qualifications and experience:
- Student Member: For hospitality students beginning their careers.
- Associate (AIH): Entry-level professionals or those transitioning into hospitality.
- Member (MIH): Mid-level professionals demonstrating industry experience.
- Fellow (FIH): Senior leaders and experienced professionals in hospitality.
2. Professional Development
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD): A structured programme for skills enhancement.
- Mentoring Scheme: Peer-to-peer guidance for career development.
- Learning Resources: Webinars, management guides, case studies, and toolkits.
- Online Learning Zone: Over 200 courses across business, management, and soft skills.
3. Accreditation Services
- Academic Accreditation: Accreditation for universities and colleges offering hospitality-related courses.
- Training Programme Endorsement: Recognizes training programs that meet industry standards.
- Hospitality Assured: A business improvement tool created by the Institute and managed by the Hospitality Assured team to assess service excellence.
4. Publications & Research
- IoH Magazine: A quarterly publication covering trends, interviews, and research.
- Management Guides: Covering leadership, finance, HR, marketing, and operations.
- Sector Reports & Case Studies: Insightful resources for academic and industry use.
5. Events & Networking
- Annual Fellows’ Dinner and Awards: Recognizes outstanding contributions to the industry.
- Virtual and In-person Events: Including career fairs, masterclasses, and leadership panels.
- Global Membership Network: Spanning more than 100 countries.
Specialization and Core USP
The Institute of Hospitality’s unique value lies in its ability to connect education, training, and real-world management practice under one global umbrella. Its standards and certifications are recognized internationally, making it a central figure in benchmarking professionalism in hospitality.
Financials and Scale
As a not-for-profit organization, the Institute reinvests revenue from membership, events, and training services back into educational programmes and member support initiatives. According to its most recent financial filings with the UK’s Charity Commission, IoH reported annual revenues exceeding £1 million, primarily driven by memberships and service accreditations.
Membership and Global Reach
- Over 10,000 active members spanning more than 100 countries.
- Accredited with dozens of global academic institutions and leading hospitality businesses.
- Partnerships with governmental bodies, accreditation councils, and tourism boards for strategic industry development.
Capabilities
- Custom-built e-learning and CPD platform
- Accreditation framework for academic and professional development institutions
- Advocacy and policy engagement with industry regulators
- Peer-reviewed publications and research tools
- Cross-industry mentorship and networking initiatives
Certifications and Compliance
- Recognized by the UK Government and international academic bodies as a certified professional membership and accreditation institution.
- Partnered with the European Council on Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Education (EuroCHRIE) and other global accreditation entities.
Customer Testimonials
“Becoming a Member of the Institute of Hospitality has helped me secure managerial roles and grow within the industry. The professional recognition and CPD tracking have made a real impact on my career.”
— MIH Member, UK
“IoH’s global network has opened doors to collaborations and learning opportunities I wouldn't have accessed otherwise.”
— FIH Member, Middle East
Major Achievements
- Launch of the IoH Learning Zone, providing 24/7 access to CPD-approved courses
- Initiation of the Youth Council and Future Forum to shape young leadership in hospitality
- Multiple recognitions and awards including the Best Membership Organisation (Association Excellence Awards)
- Hosting the Annual Fellows’ Dinner, one of the most prestigious networking events in the UK hospitality calendar
The Institute of Hospitality continues to be a pillar of professionalism and learning for the hospitality sector worldwide, setting benchmarks and nurturing talent through every stage of a professional’s career.