Top 30 hotel management schools in the world 2015
For plenty of hoteliers, or those looking to enter the hospitality profession, the possession of a hotel management qualification can be an invaluable tool to climbing the career ladder.
However, with so many options to choose from, finding the right college or university can be tricky.
That’s why, over the following pages, Hotelier Middle East has put together a selection of some of the world’s finest hotel management schools, from across Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, Australia and the Middle East.
This is by no means intended to be a comprehensive list, nor is it in any particular order, and we would recommend that all prospective studets do their own thorough research into where they intend to study.
If you are already a hospitality graduate, be sure to see if your school made it onto our list; if it didn’t, feel free to leave a comment below on why you think it should have been.
Please click below to find out the next hotel school to make our 2015 list.
Glion Institute of Higher Education, Switzerland
Created in 1962 by Walter Hunziker and Frédéric Tissot, Glion combines a sense traditional Swiss hospitality with programs and courses which adapt to an ever-changing industry.
It has two campuses in Switzerland, one campus in London, and a set of online and multi-campus programs which offer flexible options and full immersion in the international hospitality management and events management fields.
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Notable alumnus: Kamal Chaoui, general manager, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi
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Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, Switzerland
Established in 1893, Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) has produced 25,000 global industry executives and offers university-level studies to over 2100 talented and ambitious students from more than 90 countries.
It offers three university-level study programs for students targeting an international career in hospitality:
- Bachelor of Science (University of Applied Sciences of Western Switzerland) in international hospitality management
- Master of Science (University of Applied Sciences of Western Switzerland) in global hospitality business
- Executive MBA in Hospitality Administration
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Notable Alumnus: Wolfgang M. Neumann, president & CEO The Rezidor Hotel Group
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The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management (EAHM)
Established by Jumeirah Group in academic association with Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management provides university-level hospitality business education in the Middle East, with both undergraduate and post-graduate degrees designed to develop the hospitality leaders of the future.
All programmes of study are fully accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education in the United Arab Emirates, the Institute of Hospitality (UK) and THE-ICE (International Centre of Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality Education) in Australia.
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Les Roches International School of Hotel Management, Bluche - Switzerland
Accredited by the Commission on Institutes of Higher Education (CIHE) of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Les Roches’ roots go back to 1954.
Programmes offered include Bachelor of Business Administration in International Hotel Management, Postgraduate Higher Diploma in Hospitality Management, and MS in Hospitality Leadership.
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Notable alumnus: Yannis Anagnostakis, chief executive officer, RAK Hospitality Holding LLC
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European International College, Abu Dhabi
The European International College was established in 2006 as a higher educational institution in the UAE and offers courses in hospitality, business management and business administration.
Among the courses offered are the BBA in Hotel and Tourism Management and Diploma in Hotel Management and Tourism, with the academic programme accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research in U.A.E.
The institution is affiliated to César Ritz Colleges Switzerland, with graduates able to transfer to Switzerland to complete a BA at César Ritz Colleges.
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Penn State School of Hospitality Management, USA
Penn State initiated its hospitality management programme in 1937 and combining a broad educational foundation with specific courses designed to build strong leadership, business, and communication skills.
More than 100 firms visit each year to recruit students enrolled in its programmes and Penn State claims the employment rate for our graduates is nearly 100%.
Among those programmes offered are a BS in Hospitality Management, Master of Science in Hospitality Management, and PhD in Hospitality Management.
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Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, USA
Founded in 1922, Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration is claimed to have been the first collegiate program in hospitality management.
It has 60 full-time faculty members dedicated to teaching, research and service, and learning takes place in state of-the-art classrooms, in the on campus Statler hotel, and in varied industry settings around the world.
The school offers four programmes:
- Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration
- Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH)
- MS and PhD Degrees in Hotel Administration
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Notable alumnus: Antoine M. Lhuguenot, general manager, Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach
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Hotelschool The Hague, Netherlands
Founded in 1929 and funded by the hotel industry, Hotelschool The Hague was originally intended as a central place where industry partners could gain and share new insight, skills and knowledge.
Since its foundation, the Hotelschool has become an international school specialised in hospitality management offering a four-year Bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Hospitality Management. This degree course is also available as the accelerated International Fast Track programme.
The school offers bachelor and master programmes and also has a Research Centre which looks into innovations in the hospitality industry,
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Notable alumnus: Marcel Oostenbrink, resort manager, Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh
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University of Nevada William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration, Las Vegas, USA
The William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration Hospitality Management Major offers a broad educational approach to a career in the hospitality industry, with a varied course of study preparing students with both the management theories and operational competencies necessary to enter any segment of the industry upon graduation.
In addition to the university’s general education requirements, students take classes specific to the industry, including an introduction to hospitality, human resources management, organisational behaviour, facilities management, hospitality law and a course in leadership, management and ethics.
Students also study food sanitation, food service operations, cost control, career development, financial and managerial accounting, financial management, hospitality service management, and operations and strategic management.
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Notable alumnus: Bill Hornbuckle, chief marketing officer, MGM Grand Resorts International
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Les Roches International School of Hotel Management, Marbella – Spain
Les Roches Marbella is a branch campus of Les Roches Switzerland and is accredited by the Commission on Institutes of Higher Education (CIHE) of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
The institution exposes students to a broad range of hospitality management courses covering the travel & tourism industry, through a combination of theoretical and practical work within the school, as well as internships in recognised hotels, restaurants or related institutions.
Programmes offered include a BBA in Business Administration in International Hotel Management.
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Oxford Brookes University - Oxford School of Hospitality Management, United Kingdom
The Oxford School of Hospitality Management, run by Oxford Brookes University, aims to focus on stimulating students’ intellectual curiosity and enhancing their professional knowledge and skills.
One of the ways in which it does this is through a series of guest lectures delivered by visiting speakers from a wide range of external organisations.
Among the courses offered are the BSc (Hons) International Hospitality Management and MSc International Hotel and Tourism Management.
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Notable alumnus: Slim Zaiane, resident manager, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates
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Vatel International Business School Hotel Tourism & Management
Vatel Group has 31 schools around the world, offering Bachelor's Degree in International Hotel Management and a Postgraduate Degree in International Hotel Management.
The organisation has 31 years’ experience and aims to prepare students for middle and higher management positions in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
The programmes can be completed in a choice of five languages and feature paid internships.
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Ecole Hôtelière de Genève, Switzerland
Ecole Hôtelière de Genève’s mission is to ensure its students can find high-level positions of responsibility in the hospitality, catering and service industries.
Founded in 1914, it offers Higher Diplomas in hotel management, certified by the Ministry of Education of the Canton of Geneva and recognised officially by the Swiss Government.
The school became the Hotel School of Geneva in 1996 and has since made great strides to offer a premium education in hospitality management.
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Hotel Institute Montreux, Switzerland
Hotel Institute Montreux offers a combination of business programmes which blend Swiss hospitality practices with contemporary American management expertise.
Students specialise in finance, marketing, or human resources, opening a wide range of career options in the hospitality and business industries upon graduation.
The school is located in the heart of Montreux, on the shores of Lake Geneva with the Alps providing a spectacular backdrop.
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César Ritz Colleges, Le Bouveret, Brig – Switzerland
The programmes offered at César Ritz Colleges are based on the philosophy of César Ritz, founder of the famous Ritz-Paris hotel.
Its experienced faculty supports students to develop their career path and provides the education and leadership skills needed to succeed in a competitive world.
Students at the international Swiss hotel management school have the opportunity to explore the world of hospitality on guided international career trips and graduate with a real-life business plan, ready to implement.
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University of Surrey, UK
The University of Surrey offers International Hospitality and Tourism Management BSc and International Hospitality Management BSc (Hons) or MBus courses at its Guilford campus.
The programmes aim to educate the next generation of industry leaders and feature the latest insights on the major issues facing the industry, alongside practical learning that builds in-depth knowledge and skills.
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Notable alumnus: Ayman Gharib, general manager, Raffles Dubai
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Business and Hotel Management School – Luzern, Switzerland
The Business and Hotel Management School (BHMS) is located in the heart of Luzern and offers a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Hotel and Hospitality Management which can be completed with 18 months of study plus an 18-month paid internship period.
During every academic year, students are required to carry out a 4-6 month industry training period in a hotel or a restaurant approved by BHMS.
In addition, BHMS works with numerous international placement agencies that specialize in placing graduate students in Europe, Asia and North America.
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Swiss School of Tourism and Hospitality
Operating for the last 40 years now, Swiss School of Tourism and Hospitality puts its emphasis on current trends and developments in the continuous improvement of its study programs to adapt to the ever-changing market requirements.
It offers a practical-orientated education, with a student-centred approach that focuses on the competencies needed to be a professional in the hospitality industry.
The main programmes offered is the Swiss Professional Degree in Hospitality Management
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Georgia State University - Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality Administration, USA
Located in the J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University, the Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality Administration claims to be the oldest and largest program of its kind in Georgia.
Named after the late founder of the Days Inn Hotel Company, it builds on his legacy of excellence, preparing the next generation of hospitality leaders in a global society.
Among the programmes offered are the Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality and Master of Global Hospitality Management.
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IHTTI School of Hotel Management, Switzerland
IHTTI has been going since 1984, sharing the best industry practices and preparing students for management careers in the international hospitality sector.
An intimate, boutique-style hotel school, it focuses on hotel and design management, enhancing its programme with professional partnerships with LesConcierges, a provider of global concierge services and solutions, and interior design firm HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates.
Courses on offer include the Bachelor of Arts in International Hospitality and Design Management and Master of International Business in Hotel and Design Management.
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Notable alumnus: Melik Kizilcan, general manager, Izmir, Turkey
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Swiss Hotel Management School
The Swiss Hotel Management School offers a range of programmes which focus on global trends, business strategy and operational leadership.
Students who join the international hotel school learn the art of Swiss Hospitality Management and develop the principles of the Swiss Hospitality Touch.
They also gain hands-on experience in operational facilities including a restaurant open to the public, a spa with a public section, a culinary arts studio and an events gallery.
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Notable alumnus: Rainer Wiegand, area director operational innovation, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Abu Dhabi
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London School of Hospitality and Tourism, University of West London, UK
With over six decades of teaching experience, the school offers a range of expert courses designed to put students at the centre of the hospitality service sector.
Its professional range of hospitality courses feature a combination of practical learning and academic study, focusing on the skills needed to become a successful manager in the worldwide hospitality industry and the luxury sector.
Courses offered include a BA (Hons) Hospitality Management and Food Studies and an MA Luxury Hospitality Management.
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IMI University Centre Switzerland
IMI University Centre Switzerland welcomed its first students in 1991 and now has a 60-strong faculty which welcomes around 200 students per semester from all over the world to its Luzern campus.
It offers courses in hospitality, tourism and events management at undergraduate level, all validated by Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK, as well as an MBA in International Hospitality Management.
All programmes are in English, but students can also learn French, Spanish and German as part of the syllabus.
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Kendall College School of Hospitality Management, Chicago, USA
Kendall is part of Laureate International Universities, a network of more than 75 institutions in 29 countries. Students from more than 80 countries have enrolled at Kendall and more than 1,200 students participate in Kendall Culinary Certificate programs at 19 affiliate campuses throughout the world.
Its School of Hospitality Management offers a Bachelor of Arts degree which blends traditional classroom learning with immersive, practical and hands-on projects and internships.
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Boston University School of Hospitality Administration, USA
The academic program at Boston University School of Hospitality Administration immerses students in the hospitality field, with teaching by world-class industry professionals, respected researchers, and seasoned veterans from around the world.
As part of the degree, students must acquire a minimum of 800 hours of work experience.
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University of Derby
According to The Guardian University Guide 2015, The University of Derby’s courses were ranked number one in the ‘Hospitality, Event Management & Tourism' subject category in the UK.
One of those courses offered, the BA (Hons) International Hospitality Management, aims to produce graduates with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in the hospitality industry.
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Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School, Australia
The Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School (BMIHMS) has been providing hospitality education since 1991 and claims to have been the first of its kind in Australia when it opened.
Its Leura campus offers hospitality degree courses where students live and study in a simulated hotel environment, reflecting the Swiss hotel school model of teaching and learning.
Among the courses offered at the International Hotel and Resort Management Degree and the Global Business Management Masters Degree.
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Les Roches Jin Jiang, China
Les Roches Jin Jiang International Hotel Management College (LRJJ) was born out of a partnership between established hotel school Les Roches and in Jiang, the largest hotel management group in China.
It aims to provide the quality of a Swiss hotel management education with guided exposure to Chinese culture, equipping students with the professional skills, business knowledge and cultural expertise to start a hospitality management career anywhere in the world.
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The International Hotel School, South Africa
The International Hotel School’s mission is to create hospitality excellence through education and training, providing world-class knowledge and skills.
Its focus is on practical as well as theoretical training, with an emphasis on traditional values of service and hospitality.
Among the courses offered is a three-year Hospitality Management Programme, commencing each year in January and July.
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L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, San Diego State University, USA
Offering programmes which include a four-year interdisciplinary degree, a research institute, and continuing professional development, the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is tailored to meet both industry needs and student expectations.
The school also features the newly-endowed J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation Student Center for Professional Development
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