Les Roche campus in Bluche, Switzerland. Les Roche campus in Bluche, Switzerland.

Les Roches International School of Hotel Management has launched a new specialisation in spa and health management focused on the business and operational aspects of spa management, spa medicine, and hotel spa services.

The hospitality school has collaborated with Genoliar Swiss Medical Network and ESPA to offer hands on experience and internships for students.

The Bachelor of Business Administration in International Hotel Management with a specialisation in Spa and Health Management is a seven-semester programme and will be offered at Les Roches’ campus in Bluche, Switzerland.

During the course, students will visit ESPA-branded spas in London, experience best practices in the industry, and work on a business project.

Students will also spend two days visiting one of the GSMN’s clinics in Genolier to learn about working in a health management company.

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The course will focus on current and future trends, sustainability and environmental issues, retail spa operations, history and philosophy, as well as the business and leadership aspects of the industry.

Les Roches CEO Sonia Tatar said: “Building a unique academic program paired with focused experiential learning and strong partners such as Genolier Swiss Medical Network and ESPA will set students on a solid career path.

"Graduates will benefit from the extensive expertise and knowledge of two renowned leaders in the industry. We are very proud to embark on this partnership with them.”

According to the Global Wellness Tourism Economy 2013 report, during the next five years, the spa and wellness sector is expected to grow at almost double the rate of global tourism, totalling US $678.5 billion in 2017, while Euromonitor International estimates that the retail value of the spa industry in the UAE is expected to rach $440.1 million in 2017.

Tatar added: “The hospitality industry is not only about hotels; it includes spa and health management as well. Our students graduate with the business acumen, hospitality mindset and 5-star service approach which forms the very core of this sector.”