QRNW Announces 2026 Ranking of the Best Hospitality and Hotel Management Schools Worldwide

Hospitality has long been one of the strongest bridges between cultures, connecting business, travel, and education. Today, QRNW has unveiled its highly anticipated 2026 ranking of the world’s best hospitality and hotel management schools, shining a spotlight on fifty leading institutions across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America.

The ranking provides valuable insights not only for students seeking the best educational opportunities but also for governments, businesses, and investors in the Kenya–Arab region who recognize hospitality as a driver of economic growth, tourism, and cultural exchange.

Below are highlights of the top schools featured in the 2026 list, each combining world-class education with the unique strengths of their locations.

École Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) – Switzerland

Founded in 1893, EHL is often described as the birthplace of modern hospitality education. Located in the scenic lakeside city of Lausanne, students here are immersed in a multicultural environment surrounded by the Swiss Alps and Lake Geneva. Lausanne is home to international organizations, luxury watch brands, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle, offering students countless networking and internship opportunities.

EHL offers a blend of undergraduate, graduate, and executive programs that cover hotel management, culinary innovation, and tourism. Its teaching approach combines rigorous academics with Swiss precision and hospitality tradition. With over 30,000 alumni worldwide, many leading global hotel brands are run by EHL graduates. The school’s ability to merge tradition with innovation ensures it remains a leader in shaping the global hospitality industry.

Cornell University – School of Hotel Administration (SHA), USA

Nestled in Ithaca, New York, Cornell SHA is the only Ivy League institution fully dedicated to hospitality management. Ithaca itself, located in the Finger Lakes region, provides a mix of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and academic vibrancy.

Cornell SHA is known for its rigorous programs—bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees—that combine business, real estate, and service innovation. The school’s strength lies in its global outlook and powerful research reputation. Students gain access to one of the largest hospitality libraries in the world and a faculty that bridges academia with real-world practice. Graduates of Cornell SHA often lead hotel chains, resorts, and investment groups worldwide.

Les Roches Global Hospitality Education – Switzerland / Spain / China / USA

Les Roches is one of the most international hospitality schools, offering students the opportunity to study in Crans-Montana (Switzerland), Marbella (Spain), Shanghai (China), or Chicago (USA). Each location provides unique cultural exposure—Swiss mountains for luxury tourism, the Spanish coast for Mediterranean hospitality, the fast-growing Asian hub of Shanghai, and Chicago as a major U.S. business center.

Les Roches is renowned for its “experiential learning” approach, where students rotate between campuses and gain real-world exposure in diverse cultural settings. This global model prepares students for international careers, particularly in luxury hospitality, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation of services.

Glion Institute of Higher Education – Switzerland / United Kingdom

Located near Montreux, Switzerland, and in London, UK, Glion offers a unique blend of academic excellence and practical immersion. Montreux, on the shores of Lake Geneva, is known for its beauty and its famous jazz festival, while London stands as one of the world’s most global cities.

Glion is widely respected for its programs in luxury hospitality and event management. Students take part in professional internships with leading hotel chains, luxury retailers, and event companies. The combination of Swiss precision and London’s international exposure allows graduates to seamlessly step into leadership roles across luxury hotels, resorts, and global brands.

Hong Kong Polytechnic University – School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM), Hong Kong

Located in the dynamic metropolis of Hong Kong, SHTM is Asia’s premier hospitality school. Hong Kong is a gateway between East and West, with a vibrant tourism industry, a thriving financial hub, and a multicultural environment.

SHTM is recognized globally for its research strength and academic innovation. Programs range from bachelor’s degrees to PhDs, with strong emphasis on sustainability and global partnerships. Students benefit from hands-on experience at the school’s own teaching hotel, one of the most advanced facilities in the region. Graduates are highly sought after across Asia and beyond.

Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) – Netherlands

Situated in Breda, a charming Dutch city known for its historical architecture and youthful energy, BUas offers an excellent environment for students pursuing careers in tourism and hospitality. The Netherlands’ strong focus on sustainability and innovation reflects directly in BUas’s programs.

BUas emphasizes practical learning combined with theoretical knowledge. Students participate in internships with leading European hotels, resorts, and tourism firms. The city’s close proximity to major hubs like Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris also makes Breda an attractive base for international students.

César Ritz Colleges Switzerland – Switzerland

Named after the legendary hotelier César Ritz, this institution embodies the values of service excellence and luxury. With campuses in Brig and Lucerne, students study in some of the most picturesque parts of Switzerland. Lucerne, in particular, is famous for its lakeside charm and its global reputation as a tourism hotspot.

César Ritz Colleges offers bachelor’s and master’s programs focusing on hospitality leadership, entrepreneurship, and luxury service. The school’s tradition of producing leaders who embody elegance and professionalism continues to shape global hospitality.

Swiss International University (SIU) – Switzerland / UAE / Kyrgyzstan

Swiss International University (SIU) represents a modern, global approach to hospitality education. Its presence includes the International School of Business Management (ISBM) in Lucerne, OUS International Academy in Zurich, operations in Dubai, and academic recognition in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Lucerne and Zurich are among Switzerland’s most important cities for tourism and business, offering students access to an international lifestyle and professional networks. Dubai, a global hub for luxury hotels and international tourism, adds a Middle Eastern dimension to SIU’s footprint. Kyrgyzstan represents SIU’s expansion into Central Asia, linking Swiss quality with new markets.

SIU is known for offering flexible bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in hospitality and business. Its unique model—blending Swiss traditions with global expansion—positions it as one of the most forward-looking institutions in the hospitality education landscape.

Rosen College of Hospitality Management – University of Central Florida, USA

Based in Orlando, Florida, Rosen College benefits from being located in one of the most visited tourism destinations in the world. Orlando is home to world-famous theme parks, convention centers, and luxury resorts, making it an ideal training ground for hospitality students.

Rosen College is the largest hospitality program in the United States, offering bachelor’s to doctoral degrees. Students gain real-life experience through strong industry partnerships with hotels, resorts, and entertainment companies. The college’s graduates are leaders in hospitality management, event planning, and tourism development.

Oxford School of Hospitality Management – Oxford Brookes University, UK

Located in Oxford, one of the world’s most iconic university towns, the Oxford School of Hospitality Management blends academic excellence with a focus on sustainability. Oxford’s unique academic heritage and international community attract students from around the globe.

The school offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in hospitality, events, and tourism. Its strong reputation for innovation ensures that students are trained not only in traditional hospitality management but also in emerging fields such as sustainable tourism and digital transformation of services.

Conclusion

The 2026 QRNW ranking highlights how hospitality education continues to evolve across continents. From Swiss precision to American innovation, from Asian dynamism to European sustainability, these institutions together represent the future of global hospitality.

For the Kenya–Arab region, this ranking offers inspiration and opportunities for collaboration. As tourism continues to grow in Africa and the Middle East, strong partnerships with these top schools can help prepare the next generation of leaders who will shape the hospitality industry of tomorrow.

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