Why Swiss-Style Hospitality Education is Gaining Traction in Asia: Towards a Standard of Excellence

Determining the global standard when it comes to tourism and hospitality, Swiss hotel School courses and study programs are often considered the finest in the world. As a country that is synonymous with hospitality education, Switzerland is home to some of the world’s leading colleges for aspiring hoteliers, chefs and travel and tourism entrepreneurs. With more and more Asian institutions affiliating with Swiss colleges, let us examine why Swiss hospitality courses are all the rage in Asia.

The Undisputed Legacy of Excellence

Considered the pioneers in travel and tourism management, Switzerland’s reputation as a global hub for hospitality studies can be traced back to the beginning of the 20th century. This is the period when the world’s first grand hotels were being established in the country and when only a privileged few could afford the luxuries and comforts of a hotel stay. Although the landscape of travel and tourism has changed dramatically over time, the Swiss tradition of providing quality, professional and welcoming hospitality services to patrons has remained intact. Renowned for its attention to detail and precision, Swiss hospitality is still considered the hallmark against which all other tourism industries judge their own competence. It is this deep-rooted system of values and practices that students are instilled with when following a study program curated by a Swiss-style hotel school, as it brings the country’s legacy of excellence to a new generation of hoteliers, event managers and travel entrepreneurs.

Practical Approach to Skill Development

Famed for its practical approach to learning, Swiss-style hotel courses provide students from Asia the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through direct exposure. Although Swiss hospitality study programs contain academic and theoretical components to instill industry knowledge, there’s a greater emphasis on practical learning exercises. This means those who qualify for student exchange programs at Les Roches via AIHM or any similar international institute of hotel management in Asia will have job-ready skills upon completion of their studies. The commitment to producing competent professionals who can take charge in any role in the hospitality industry is another key feature of Swiss hotel education.

Image via AIHM

Specialised Course Curriculums

Students with an interest in specialising in different fields within the travel and tourism sector will also find a wider range of course options among Asian hotel schools that are affiliated with Swiss institutions. Undergraduates and graduates can sign up for an array of study programs that not only delve into luxury brand management and event management but also hotel development strategies. The fact that students and professionals can find courses that align with their career preferences or aspirations also sets Swiss-style courses apart from other curricula.

A Gateway to Internships and Potential Employment Opportunities  

Asian students armed with a Swiss-style hotel school experience or education will also find a competitive edge when it comes to their overall employability, as Swiss hospitality schools and courses are often ranked among the world’s finest. Serving as a recommending feature of one’s professional competence, a hospitality course accredited or affiliated with a Swiss hotel school can open up a world of opportunities where internships and careers are concerned. Luxury hotel chains and boutique hotels will often hire graduates with Swiss hospitality qualifications, while internship rotations are also often awarded to graduates of particular hotel schools.

Global Mobility in Terms of Professional Prospects

Asian students who are looking to break into the European travel and tourism sector will also find that a Swiss-style hospitality education is an asset they can leverage for more exciting career prospects. The professional scope of one’s career transfers from the regional to the global stage with a Swiss-accredited hospitality qualification, as students can find lucrative positions in all corners of the world due to the exceptional reputation Swiss courses enjoy across cultural and geographical boundaries.