The original and primary purpose of the ITHF is to facilitate "connections" between its members in the course of their travel. In fact, our original name was IHRF for International Hosting Rotarians Fellowship.

  In 1993, however, then President Ron Pearce arranged a very comprehensive tour of his homeland, Australia, for the members, including visits to Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne for the convention, Adelaide, Alice Springs and Cairns, and including many special features such as the overnight ride on the Ghan Train, tours of the cities and attractions, dinner out on the Outback, and highlighted by most members being accommodated by the locals each of the twenty one nights there. It was an extraordinary beginning to a new phase of the IHRF.

  In fact it was so successful and exciting, the leaders decided immediately to change the name of the organization to ITHF for the International Travel and Hosting Fellowship. While "connecting" remains the primary focus and function, ITHF tours have certainly added a unique flavor and enrichment to membership experience for now over 2800 members.