International Hotels and Restaurants Association

What is the International Hotel & Restaurant Association?

The IH&RA is the only international trade association exclusively devoted to promoting and defending the interests of the hotel and restaurant industry worldwide. It is a non-profit organization and is officially recognized by the United Nations. IH&RA monitors and lobbies all international agencies on behalf of the hospitality industry.

WHO ARE ITS MEMBERS?

• International, National and Regional Hotel and/or Restaurant Associations

• International and National Hotel and/or Restaurant Chains

• Owners, Developers and Investors

• Individual Hotels and Restaurants

• Institutions of the Industry (hotel schools, educational centres, universities)

• Students / Independent Hoteliers and Restaurateurs

WHAT DOES MEMBERSHIP OF THE IH&RA MEAN?

• Industry Watchdog. Protecting your business interests

• High profile events. Building your business network

• Timely Newsletters. Keeping you informed

• Strong representation. Unite and reinforce the industry worldwide

WHAT DOES IH&RA DO?

• Monitor issues that are raised by major international organizations involved in tourism.

• Represent the collective industry interests before policy makers.

• Lobby for better recognition of the hospitality industry worldwide.

• Lobby against damaging or costly attempts to regulate the industry.

• Create Global Councils around industry issues to debate positions & create solutions.

• Listen to its members to ensure that all issues are addressed.

• Plan a series of informative Council and Board meetings and an annual Congress.

• Provide support where requested to lend weight to local and regional issue.

WITH WHICH ORGANIZATIONS DOES IH&RA WORK?

IH&RA HOT TOPICS AND ISSUES

Hotel & Restaurant Industry Issues and Battles that are being addressed!!

Issues currently on the IH&RA radar screen:

• Online Distribution. Distribution channels change constantly and the industry has to take more influence if not the lead in the distribution of their products.

• Environment & Sustainable Tourism. The promotion and recognition of innovative operating & development practices designed to make the industry more sustainable.

• Private accommodation. The increasing, partially “unfair” competition from private accommodation offers (e.g. Airbnb, flipkey, couchsurfer etc.).

• International Standards. Opposition to the ISO move to establish international standards for Hotel & Restaurant Services without industry support.

• Skills and Worker Shortages. The shortage of millions of qualified workers.

• Corporate Social Responsibility. Are we truly credited with the work we do ? Are there opportunities for improvement?

• Travel and Visa Restrictions. Help implementing modern forms of visas worldwide.

• Fees, Taxes and VAT. Lobby to reduce charges for the industry.