The Irish Hotel and Catering Institute, more than 30 years a force in the hospitality industry, is the professional body for managers in the industry. Its stated mission is "to lead and encourage hospitality professionals to generate knowledge, to take responsibility for their own professional development and to provide world-class service."

To this end the IHCI has established links with hotel and catering colleges throughout Ireland. It also has links with training organisations dealing with management development.

The IHCI provides seminars and events for members and organises awards of excellence for individuals in the industry. In the years between now and the end of the millennium, the IHCI intends establishing strategic alliances and joint ventures with education and training establishments, developing its structure on a regional basis and co-ordinating funding for research by colleges and individuals.

The IHCI is also interested looking at gaps in available certified courses for the hospitality industry and in working to see that they are filled.