The council is the brainchild of chief executive Robert Richardson and will comprise students, young professionals at the start of their hospitality careers and budding leaders drawn from the institute’s associate membership.
Their role will be to provide insight, advice and recommendations to assist the institute; specifically, the council will serve as a ‘powerful resource’ for it in tackling the hospitality industry’s need to develop a strong image and culture of professionalism.
Members of the council, to be known as the Aspiring in Hospitality Group, will also act as ambassadors for the institute in its efforts to appeal to ‘Gen Z’ and younger millennials, the hospitality industry’s dominant age demographic.
Richardson said: “More than a name, ‘Aspiring in Hospitality’ is a mission statement. The formation of a youth council breaks new ground for the Institute of Hospitality.
“We are drawing on the talent and enthusiasm of our next generation of hospitality professionals and decision makers who will play a key role in driving associate-level membership activity and continuous professional development.
“Members of the institute’s executive team and supervisory board, not least myself, have already been impressed by the council members’ passion and determination.
“I am excited to work with them as the Institute supports its members in resetting, rebuilding, and moving forward.”