Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world after water. Like water, tea is a principal ingredient of major hospitality rituals and traditions. In today's busy world, hotels and restaurants continue to search for new ways to add value to the overall guest experience.
Tea has had numerous purposes as a beverage throughout history, such as a biscuit-washer-downer, a status symbol, a tool for resistance, and a love potion. However, tea's social acceptance began with the promise of its medicinal benefits, which, oddly enough, are still part of what appeals to people today.
History of tea and hospitality
Nearly as old as recorded history, the tradition of communicating who we are has included providing tea to guests. The Taoists of China are the source of our oldest knowledge of tea being served by a host to a distinguished guest. Surely, something vital occurs when we come together with others to prepare and serve tea. Our attention naturally turns to the welfare of our visitors and through the time spent conversing over tea, we might feel connected to one another during this process - and that is when the sense of hospitality and being hospitable is born.
Tea in hospitality nowadays
Supplying higher-quality tea products can improve the experience for customers at hotels and restaurants. Restaurateurs and hoteliers are working on designing comprehensive tea programs that would make tea the focal point of the dining experience. Tea service can grow into a successful business, and guests will delight in the special delights of teatime.
High tea and afternoon tea
Around 1840, Anna, 7th Duchess of Bedford, popularized the idea of high tea, which entails drinking tea while eating pastries, scones, and sandwiches. Even while afternoon tea dates back to the middle of the 1800s, it is currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity as both hotels and restaurants look for new methods to attract customers and offer new mealtimes with the potential to increase revenue. Afternoon tea is also expected to replace happy hour as one of Pinterest's greatest food and beverage predictions. These forecasts were based on the preferences of millions of active Pinterest users worldwide, many of whom in an online poll preferred "tea with a friend" over "drinks after work."
We believe there is a fundamental human connection created when people gather for food, conversation and entertainment - this is what makes hospitality special. Placement International can help strengthen your relationship with hospitality by offering you unique opportunities for cultural exchange and professional development. Curious to know more about our Global Leadership Program and the possibilities of working abroad, in the luxury hospitality industry? Send us an email at info@placement-int.com and we’ll help you get started!
