Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers

Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers is a professional organization that brings together Hilton Worldwide, Marriott International, and InterContinental Hotels Group to promote excellence in hospitality training. The council's mission is to provide a platform for American Hotel and Lodging Association, National Restaurant Association, and other industry stakeholders to share best practices and develop innovative training solutions. By collaborating with Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and other renowned institutions, the council aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of hospitality professionals. This, in turn, contributes to the growth and success of the hospitality industry, which includes major players like Expedia Group, Booking.com, and Airbnb.

● History

The Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers was established in response to the growing need for standardized training programs in the hospitality industry, which employs millions of people worldwide, including those working for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, Carnival Corporation & plc, and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.. The council's founding members, including Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, and Choice Hotels International, recognized the importance of providing hospitality professionals with the skills and knowledge required to deliver exceptional customer service, as emphasized by industry leaders like Arne Sorensen, Christopher Nassetta, and Mark Hoplamazian. Over the years, the council has worked closely with International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education, Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International, and other organizations to develop training programs that address the evolving needs of the hospitality industry, including the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on tourism, travel, and hospitality management.

● Organization

The Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers is a non-profit organization that operates independently, with a board of directors comprising representatives from Accor Hotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and other leading hospitality companies. The council's headquarters are located in the United States, with regional offices in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, allowing it to collaborate with organizations like European Hotel and Restaurant Association, Asia Pacific Tourism Organization, and Latin American Hotel and Tourism Association. The council's staff includes experienced hospitality professionals, trainers, and educators from institutions like University of Central Florida, Michigan State University, and Purdue University, who work together to develop and implement training programs, conferences, and workshops, often in partnership with International Association of Hospitality Management, Hospitality Technology Forum, and Food Marketing Institute.

● Membership

Membership in the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers is open to hospitality professionals, including those working in hotels, restaurants, cruise lines, and other related industries, such as theme park operators like Universal Parks & Resorts and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. Members include general managers, department heads, trainers, and educators from organizations like Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, and Wynn Resorts, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises like Motel 6 and Red Roof Inn. The council also offers membership to hospitality students and faculty members from institutions like University of Surrey, Oxford Brookes University, and Hong Kong Polytechnic University, providing them with access to training resources, networking opportunities, and industry events, such as the Annual Hotel Conference and International Hospitality Industry Forum.

● Training and Certification

The Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers offers a range of training programs and certification courses, developed in collaboration with industry experts from Airlines for America, International Air Transport Association, and Cruise Lines International Association. These programs cover topics like customer service, leadership development, revenue management, and sustainability, and are designed to meet the needs of hospitality professionals at all levels, from entry-level to executive-level, working in companies like Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines. The council's certification programs, such as the Certified Hospitality Trainer and Certified Hospitality Manager designations, are recognized industry-wide, and are often required by employers like Hilton Worldwide, Marriott International, and InterContinental Hotels Group.

● Industry Impact

The Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers has a significant impact on the hospitality industry, with its training programs and certification courses contributing to improved customer satisfaction, employee retention, and revenue growth for companies like Expedia Group, Booking.com, and Airbnb. The council's work also helps to promote industry standards and best practices, as recognized by organizations like American Hotel and Lodging Association, National Restaurant Association, and International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education. By providing hospitality professionals with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the industry, the council plays a critical role in shaping the future of hospitality, which is influenced by factors like technology, sustainability, and globalization, and involves companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.

● Governance and Leadership

The Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers is governed by a board of directors, which includes representatives from Accor Hotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and other leading hospitality companies, as well as industry experts from Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and other renowned institutions. The council's leadership team, comprising experienced hospitality professionals and educators, is responsible for developing and implementing the organization's strategic plan, which is guided by input from advisory boards and industry partners, including International Association of Hospitality Management, Hospitality Technology Forum, and Food Marketing Institute. The council's leadership is committed to promoting excellence in hospitality training and education, and to supporting the growth and development of the hospitality industry, which involves companies like Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, Carnival Corporation & plc, and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.. Category:Hospitality industry