The Master Innholders is a leading force within the hotel industry – publicly recognised as a standard bearer for the industry offering career-changing training and support.
It aims to influence standards and extend professionalism within the industry; to promote consideration, study, discussion and research in the areas affecting hotel management including management development, training, education and recruitment.
Our three main objectives are to:
- Provide Education and Personal Development to young industry professionals
- Facilitate Discussion and Learning amongst the hotel profession.
- To support our industry’s charities.
There are currently over 160 Master Innholders, all of whom are, or have been, prominent hoteliers, dedicated and committed to promoting best practice in the industry.
In 1978, the Worshipful Company of Innholders took the first step towards renewing its connections with innholding and, together with some of the leading hoteliers in the country, established the Master Innholders, membership of which acknowledges the attainment of the highest international standards in hotel management.
With the full support of the Worshipful Company of Innholders and the Institute of Hospitality, the Master Innholders have gradually increased in number and have grown their influence and charitable activities within the hotel industry.
To read more about the history of the Master Innholders, click here to download The Master Innholders – A History e-book.
The Trust is registered as a charity whose purpose is the advancement of management education. The Master Innholders Charitable Trust receives any surplus from the annual trading of Master Innholders Ltd. It provides grants to support additional scholarships to augment the funds provided by the main donors. It also provides funds from time to time to support other industry initiatives.
Registered Charity No: 1003371
The Charitable Trust was created by Deed on 10th May 1991 and registered with the Charity Commissioners for England and Wales on 20th July 1991.
The trustees are: Lord Thurso MI, Mr Terence Holmes MI, Mr Derek Picot MI.
Zoe Jenkins MI announced as new Master Innholders chair
Zoe Jenkins MI, General Manager at Coworth Park, has been appointed as the new chair of the Master Innholders for 2026-2028.
Innholder Scholars Autumn Meeting Programme Announced
Innholder Scholars will come together at The Cumberland Hotel on Friday 6 November for the Innholder Scholars Autumn Meeting, with a programme that brings together some of the big issues currently shaping the hotel industry.
Shortlist announced for IoH Fellows’ Outstanding Contribution Award 2026
Seven leading hospitality professionals have been shortlisted for the IoH Fellows’ Outstanding Contribution Award 2026, recognising their contribution to the Institute and the wider hospitality profession.
Master Innholders Feedback Survey – The Results
Earlier this year, we launched our Master Innholders feedback survey, asking our members for their thoughts and views on what we’re doing well and what could be improved. Read on for a summary of our key findings.
Paul Milsom MI appointed Honorary Catering Adviser to Defence
Leading East Anglian hotelier Paul Milsom has been appointed Honorary Catering Adviser to Defence, a prestigious role providing independent hospitality industry advice to the senior leadership of the UK Armed Forces.
Master Innholders Community Spotlight - Raoul de Souza MI
In our next community spotlight, we speak to Raoul de Souza MI, General Manager at Hilton London Bankside, who shares his journey to becoming a Master Innholder.
Master Innholders Community Spotlight - Pedro da Silva IS
In our next community spotlight, we speak to Pedro da Silva IS, General Manager at The Cumberland Hotel, who reflects on his experience of receiving an Innholder Scholarship.
Walk for Wellbeing expands into new UK locations to strengthen connection in hospitality
UK charity Hospitality Action’s annual fundraising event, Walk for Wellbeing, will return in October 2026 for its biggest year yet expanding into two new UK locations and bringing together hospitality professionals in support of wellbeing across the industry.
Master Innholders Community Spotlight - Sabine Altschaeffl MI
In our next community spotlight, we spoke to Sabine Altschaeffl MI, one of this year’s newly appointed Master Innholders and General Manager at Charlotte Street Hotel.