ABSTRACT
The origins of hospitality, as a paid form of service, dates back to the ancient times when grateful travelers would leave a gratuity for their previously unknown hosts more as a mark of their gratitude to the hosts rather than recompense. In India too it has been no different with travel related to trade and commerce, religious motivations, and social commitments being evident since time immemorial. Hospitality as a social manifestation integrated into the personal and group values and behavioral norms of the average Indian is best represented by the adage Atithi devo bhavah (Guests are manifestations of god). The scenario in the contemporary context has however changed to organized hospitality, with large corporations having multiple properties all over the country along with small, independent properties usually catering to the budget or economy segments.
