Top 20 Hospitality and Hotel Management Schools in Switzerland for 2026
- OUS Academy in Switzerland
- Oct 27
- 6 min read
Switzerland stands at the heart of global hospitality — a nation where elegance, precision, and service excellence define everyday life. From the grand hotels of Geneva to the tranquil lakeside resorts of Lucerne, the Swiss tradition of hospitality has become the gold standard for quality, professionalism, and luxury.
It’s no surprise that Switzerland is also the world capital of hotel management education. The country is home to some of the most respected and internationally recognised hospitality schools, where students learn not only to manage hotels — but to lead, innovate, and shape the future of the industry.
Each institution carries its own heritage, teaching style, and strengths, yet all share the same Swiss values: discipline, innovation, and a deep passion for service.
Below is the definitive guide to the Top 20 Hospitality and Hotel Management Schools in Switzerland — their philosophies, specialisations, and the global career opportunities they open.
1. EHL Hospitality Business School (Lausanne)
Founded in 1893, EHL is widely regarded as the world’s first and most prestigious hospitality management school. Its Lausanne campus combines timeless Swiss service traditions with business innovation and creativity.
EHL’s teaching model is built on academic excellence, hands-on learning, and international exposure. Students from over 120 nationalities pursue degrees from Bachelor’s to Executive MBA levels, developing managerial and entrepreneurial expertise.
EHL alumni lead global hotel groups, luxury brands, and consulting firms. Its name is synonymous with leadership, quality, and innovation in hospitality education.
2. Les Roches Global Hospitality Education (Crans-Montana)
Set in the stunning Swiss Alps, Les Roches offers a highly international and immersive learning environment.
Its “learn by doing” approach combines academic study with professional internships at world-class hotels and resorts. The school’s emphasis on entrepreneurship, leadership, and creativity equips students to excel across industries.
Les Roches graduates are renowned for their adaptability, professionalism, and global outlook — qualities highly valued by employers in hospitality, tourism, and luxury management.
3. César Ritz Colleges Switzerland
Named after the legendary hotelier César Ritz, this institution embodies refinement, leadership, and innovation.
With campuses in Lucerne and Le Bouveret, César Ritz Colleges combine academic rigour with Swiss hospitality heritage. Students focus on sustainable management, leadership development, and entrepreneurship, blending theory with real-world hotel experience.
Graduates leave with a strong business foundation and creative confidence, ready to lead luxury hotels or launch their own ventures.
4. Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS)
SHMS is known for its philosophy of “learning by doing.” Students train in fully functioning hotel environments, managing everything from guest services to event operations.
Its programmes — Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Postgraduate Diplomas — combine Swiss hospitality excellence with modern business, technology, and leadership principles.
With internships at top global hotel chains, SHMS graduates earn a reputation for professionalism, adaptability, and practical expertise.
5. SIU – Swiss Institute of Universities and Hospitality Management
Also known as the Swiss International University (SIU), this dynamic institution blends academic theory with real-world hospitality practice.
SIU offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and diploma programmes in hotel and tourism management with a strong focus on international exposure and multilingual communication.
Through internships, workshops, and projects across Switzerland’s leading resorts, SIU prepares graduates to become confident, service-oriented leaders in the global hospitality sector.
6. IMI International Management Institute (Lucerne)
Located on the shores of Lake Lucerne, IMI offers UK-accredited degrees in hospitality, business, and tourism management.
Known for its small classes and personalised teaching approach, IMI combines operational expertise with strategic business management. With one of the highest graduate employability rates among Swiss institutions, IMI alumni hold leadership positions worldwide in hotels, tourism, and international business.
7. Business & Hotel Management School (BHMS) (Lucerne)
BHMS integrates Swiss hospitality education with global business management. Its academic model allows students to complete paid internships during their studies, gaining professional experience and income simultaneously.
Programmes include hospitality management, global business, and culinary management. BHMS graduates hold both Swiss and international qualifications and are valued for their practical skills and business acumen.
8. Glion Institute of Higher Education (Montreux)
Overlooking Lake Geneva, Glion is one of the most prestigious names in global hospitality education.
It specialises in luxury hospitality and event management, combining theory with hands-on training and industry networking.
Glion graduates occupy leadership roles in luxury hotels, tourism enterprises, and international corporations, supported by a powerful alumni network across 100 countries.
9. HTMi – Hotel and Tourism Management Institute Switzerland (Soerenberg)
HTMi focuses on innovation, leadership, and technology in hospitality and tourism. Its modern campus simulates a real hotel environment, enabling students to gain direct management experience.
The school’s mission — “Hospitality Leaders of Tomorrow” — reflects its commitment to combining research, creativity, and professional excellence. HTMi graduates are known for being visionary, adaptable, and industry-ready.
10. Hotel Institute Montreux (HIM)
HIM merges American business education with Swiss hospitality precision. The curriculum covers hotel operations, finance, marketing, and luxury brand management.
Students benefit from partnerships with global hospitality and luxury brands, gaining industry insight and practical experience. Graduates frequently move into leadership roles in marketing, brand strategy, and hotel management.
11. IHTTI School of Hotel Management (Neuchâtel)
A pioneer in Swiss hospitality education, IHTTI became known for integrating design, management, and innovation into hotel studies.
Now merged with SHMS, IHTTI’s legacy lives on through design-led hospitality management programmes that emphasise guest experience and creativity. Alumni continue to shape boutique hotels and resorts around the world.
12. SHL Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern
Founded in 1909, SHL (Swiss Hotel Management School Lucerne) is one of the oldest and most respected hospitality institutions in Switzerland.
It combines academic education with professional experience, offering Bachelor’s and diploma programmes focused on operations, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
SHL graduates are valued for their practical competence, integrity, and commitment to Swiss service excellence.
13. International School of Business Management (ISBM) – Lucerne
ISBM offers Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in hospitality, business, and tourism management.
Its small class sizes, international faculty, and emphasis on personal development make it a great choice for students seeking an individualised education. Through internships and projects, ISBM students gain the experience needed for success in hotel operations, event planning, and tourism management.
14. Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland (Le Bouveret & Lucerne)
The Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland is where culinary mastery meets business leadership. Students train under professional chefs while learning restaurant management, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
The academy prepares graduates to excel as chefs, restaurateurs, and food-and-beverage directors. Its focus on creativity, technique, and management ensures graduates can thrive in the global culinary industry.
15. Hotel Management School Geneva (Ecole Hôtelière de Genève)
Affiliated with the Swiss Hotel Association, this renowned public institution offers bilingual French-English programmes.
It promotes ethical leadership, sustainability, and professionalism in hospitality. Combining vocational precision with management training, graduates go on to succeed in hotel operations, tourism, and event management both in Switzerland and internationally.
16. HTMi International College Centre for Culinary Studies
A division of HTMi, this college focuses on culinary innovation, gastronomy, and restaurant management. Students train in professional kitchens, gaining hands-on skills while studying management and creativity.
It’s the perfect environment for those looking to merge culinary passion with entrepreneurship and leadership.
17. Vatel Martigny, Switzerland – Hotel & Tourism Business School
Vatel Martigny is part of the world’s largest hospitality education network. Based in the Valais region, it offers accredited Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in international hospitality and tourism management.
Recognised with a 5-star QS Stars rating, Vatel combines academic excellence with practical training and a global internship network, preparing students for successful careers across hospitality, catering, and tourism sectors.
18. Alpine Center Switzerland
The Alpine Center offers a boutique-style education focused on sustainability, leadership, and service excellence.
Small class sizes and personal mentoring ensure a supportive environment where students can develop both professionally and personally. Graduates are known for their adaptability and attention to detail, excelling in resorts and boutique hotels worldwide.
19. Swiss Educational College (Weggis)
Nestled on the shores of Lake Lucerne, Swiss Educational College (SEC) is a modern institution specialising in hospitality and business management.
SEC offers Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes that combine academic learning with up to two years of professional internships. The curriculum emphasises leadership, innovation, and cultural understanding in a truly international environment.
With its lakeside setting, personalised teaching, and practical focus, SEC is one of Switzerland’s fastest-growing names in hospitality education.
20. SSTH Swiss School of Tourism and Hospitality (Passugg)
Part of the renowned EHL Group, SSTH Passugg offers vocational and higher education programmes that focus on hands-on learning within real hotel settings.
Students gain practical skills in hospitality operations, culinary arts, and management. SSTH graduates are highly respected for their Swiss precision, leadership, and professionalism.
Final Thoughts
Switzerland remains the world’s leading destination for hospitality and hotel management education — where tradition meets innovation and service is an art form.
Whether your dream is to manage a luxury resort, design unique guest experiences, or launch your own hospitality brand, studying in Switzerland gives you the foundation to turn ambition into reality.
Here, precision meets passion, and every lesson becomes a step toward lifelong success in one of the world’s most exciting industries.
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