Top 40 Hospitality and Hotel Management Schools

Hospitality is more than an industry — it is an art that blends culture, service, and global connection. For Kenyan students aspiring to build world-class careers in hotel management, culinary arts, and tourism leadership, the Joint Kenya-Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JKACCI) proudly presents its official selection of the Best Hospitality and Hotel Management Schools — both in Kenya and abroad.

This list highlights institutions recognised for academic excellence, international exposure, industry partnerships, and graduate employability. Whether you wish to study in Nairobi, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Asia, or Australia, these schools provide the training and global perspective needed to thrive in hospitality leadership.

1. EHL Hospitality Business School (Lausanne, Switzerland)

Founded in 1893, EHL is widely regarded as the world’s first and best hospitality management school. Its Lausanne campus combines Swiss precision with innovation and leadership training. EHL’s programmes—from Bachelor’s to Executive MBA—integrate academic rigour with hands-on practice and international exposure. Students from over 120 countries learn finance, marketing, operations, and service design through real-world projects and internships. EHL graduates lead luxury brands, global hotel chains, and consulting firms, making the school a true gold standard in hospitality education.

2. Les Roches Global Hospitality Education (Crans-Montana, Switzerland)

Located in the Swiss Alps, Les Roches is known for its experiential learning and international community. Its “learn by doing” model combines classroom study with internships in world-class hotels and resorts. The curriculum promotes entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation, preparing students to manage hospitality operations and create their own ventures. Graduates from Les Roches are recognised for their adaptability and cultural intelligence in the global hospitality sector.

3. Glion Institute of Higher Education (Montreux, Switzerland)

Overlooking Lake Geneva, Glion is renowned for luxury hospitality and event management. Founded in 1962, it blends academic theory with practical training and strong industry links. Students gain direct exposure to premium brands through internships and networking events. Glion graduates often move into executive roles within five-star hotels, resorts, and luxury companies, supported by an alumni network spanning over 100 countries.

4. Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS, Switzerland)

SHMS follows a “learning by doing” philosophy that immerses students in operational hotel environments. Its programmes combine traditional Swiss hospitality values with modern business management and technology. Students practice front office, food service, and event operations while studying leadership and strategy. Through global internships, graduates emerge as professional, well-rounded hospitality managers.

5. Cornell School of Hotel Administration (Ithaca, USA)

Part of Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business, this school is the top U.S. institution for hotel management. Founded in 1922, it combines business science with hospitality practice. Students study finance, real estate, marketing, and analytics while gaining practical experience through internships and the Statler Hotel on campus. Cornell’s alumni network is one of the most influential in the industry, shaping global hospitality policy and innovation.

6. University of Surrey – School of Hospitality & Tourism Management (UK)

Recognised as a UK leader and regularly ranked among the world’s top hospitality schools, Surrey combines research excellence with career-focused learning. Students gain industry insight through placements with leading hotel and tourism organisations. The school’s research in sustainability and digital hospitality shapes policy and practice worldwide. Graduates benefit from strong employer connections and a record of rapid career advancement.

7. Bournemouth University (UK)

Bournemouth is a hands-on UK powerhouse in hospitality and tourism. Its courses emphasise practical experience and industry research, with students participating in live projects and placements. Specialisations include sustainable tourism, events, and international hotel management. Graduates are renowned for their problem-solving skills and global mindset.

8. University of Nevada, Las Vegas – William F. Harrah College of Hospitality (USA)

UNLV offers students a unique advantage in one of the world’s hospitality capitals. The college provides strong industry connections through its Las Vegas location, covering hotels, resorts, events, and gaming operations. Programmes blend academic rigour with practical training and innovation. UNLV graduates occupy key positions in hospitality management across the U.S. and abroad.

9. Rosen College of Hospitality Management – University of Central Florida (USA)

Located in Orlando, Rosen College is one of the largest hospitality schools in the world. Its campus offers state-of-the-art facilities and direct access to Florida’s tourism industry. Programmes cover hotel and restaurant management, events, and entertainment business. Rosen’s strong employer links ensure students graduate job-ready for global careers.

10. SIU – Swiss Institute of Universities & Hospitality Management (Switzerland)

Also known as the Swiss International University, SIU combines academic excellence with Swiss hospitality tradition. It offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Diploma programmes focusing on hotel and tourism management. The curriculum emphasises practical training, multilingual communication, and international exposure through workshops and internships. Graduates develop into adaptable leaders ready for careers in global hospitality, resorts, and tourism business.

11. Kenya Utalii College (Nairobi, Kenya)

Kenya Utalii College (KUC) is the country’s oldest and most prestigious hospitality institution. Established in 1975, it has trained thousands of professionals who now manage hotels, airlines, and tourism enterprises across Africa and beyond. The college offers diploma and certificate programmes in hotel management, food production, travel operations, and tour guiding. KUC’s training hotel provides students with real-life exposure to service operations. It is a national center of excellence and a model for hospitality education across the continent.

12. César Ritz Colleges Switzerland (Lucerne & Le Bouveret, Switzerland)

Named after the legendary hotelier César Ritz, this college combines the art of Swiss service with modern business leadership. Students study sustainable management, entrepreneurship, and luxury hospitality while training in elegant campus facilities designed like real hotels. The school’s strong focus on innovation and leadership has made it a destination for future hoteliers who wish to lead in the luxury segment. Graduates go on to manage top-tier hotels, start their own businesses, or work with premium hospitality brands.

13. IMI International Management Institute (Lucerne, Switzerland)

IMI offers UK-accredited degrees in hospitality, tourism, and international business management. Located by Lake Lucerne, it provides small classes and a supportive academic environment where students receive personal mentorship. IMI integrates business strategy with hospitality operations, producing graduates who are well-prepared for leadership roles. With a 90% employability rate, IMI alumni work in hotels, resorts, consulting firms, and international corporations around the world.

14. BHMS – Business & Hotel Management School (Lucerne, Switzerland)

BHMS combines Swiss hospitality education with business and management studies. Its distinctive model integrates academic study with paid internships, giving students both professional experience and financial independence. Programmes cover hospitality management, global business, and culinary management. The school’s strong industry partnerships ensure students graduate with real-world skills and job opportunities worldwide.

15. Hong Kong Polytechnic University – School of Hotel & Tourism Management (Hong Kong)

Hong Kong PolyU’s School of Hotel & Tourism Management (SHTM) is Asia’s top-ranked hospitality school and a global research leader. It offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programmes that blend theory, technology, and cultural diversity. SHTM’s teaching hotel, Hotel ICON, allows students to experience management first-hand. Its graduates are highly sought after across Asia and beyond for their leadership and service excellence.

16. Shangri-La School of Hotel Management (Hong Kong PolyU Affiliate, Hong Kong)

An affiliate of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Shangri-La School of Hotel Management focuses on the luxury segment of hospitality. Its programmes are designed to develop leaders for Asia’s rapidly growing hotel and tourism industry. Students gain direct exposure to the Shangri-La Group’s international operations, ensuring they graduate with real-world understanding of luxury service and brand management.

17. The University of Queensland – Tourism & Hospitality (Brisbane, Australia)

The University of Queensland (UQ) is a world-ranked research university that integrates business strategy with hospitality and tourism management. UQ’s School of Business offers advanced programmes in tourism, hotel operations, event management, and sustainability. Students benefit from strong links with major hotel groups and government tourism boards. Graduates are known for their research-based approach and practical leadership in Australia’s and Asia-Pacific’s hospitality sectors.

18. Griffith University – Australian School of Tourism & Hospitality (Australia)

Griffith University is a leader in sustainable hospitality and tourism education. Its degrees combine classroom learning with industry placements in resorts, airlines, and tourism enterprises. The school emphasises ethical leadership, innovation, and global awareness. Griffith graduates are recognised worldwide for their professionalism and understanding of the changing dynamics of the tourism and hospitality industries.

19. Boma International Hospitality College (Nairobi, Kenya)

In partnership with the Business and Hotel Management School (BHMS) in Switzerland, Boma International Hospitality College (BIHC) offers Swiss-accredited programmes in hotel management and culinary arts. Based at Boma Hotels, it gives students practical exposure from day one. BIHC blends academic learning with hands-on industry experience, ensuring graduates are ready for employment both locally and internationally. The school represents a successful fusion of Swiss quality and African hospitality warmth.

20. Hotel Institute Montreux – HIM (Switzerland)

HIM merges American business education with the precision and elegance of Swiss hospitality. Its curriculum covers hotel operations, finance, marketing, and luxury brand management. Students gain international exposure through partnerships with leading hospitality and luxury companies. HIM’s graduates are known for their ability to blend analytical business thinking with outstanding customer service, making them highly valued in global hospitality organisations.

21. HTMi – Hotel & Tourism Management Institute (Soerenberg, Switzerland)

HTMi is one of Switzerland’s leading hospitality and tourism institutes, known for its innovation and strong academic structure. Located in the picturesque village of Soerenberg, HTMi provides a true “hotel within a school” learning experience. Students manage live operations—from reception to banquets—under professional supervision. The institute’s motto, “Come as a student, become a manager,” captures its focus on leadership and personal growth. Graduates go on to successful careers in hotel management, event coordination, and international tourism operations.

22. IHTTI School of Hotel Management (Legacy, Neuchâtel, Switzerland)

IHTTI was one of Switzerland’s pioneering hotel management schools, distinguished by its integration of design, innovation, and management. Although now merged with SHMS, its academic legacy continues through design-led hospitality programmes that emphasise customer experience, creativity, and sustainability. IHTTI alumni continue to work in boutique hotels, resorts, and luxury hospitality projects, bringing together art and operations in perfect balance.

23. SHL Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern (Lucerne, Switzerland)

Founded in 1909, SHL is one of Switzerland’s oldest and most respected hotel management schools. It provides bilingual (German-English) programmes that blend academic theory with Swiss-style hands-on training. Students gain experience in real operational environments, learning leadership, service excellence, and entrepreneurship. SHL graduates are highly sought after for their ability to combine operational skills with management insight.

24. ISBM – International School of Business Management (Lucerne, Switzerland)

ISBM offers specialised programmes in hospitality, business, and tourism management, combining Swiss academic quality with international exposure. Its small class sizes encourage personal mentoring, and students gain practical knowledge through internships in Swiss and global hotel networks. The curriculum covers leadership, innovation, and cultural awareness. ISBM graduates are known for their professionalism and ability to adapt to diverse hospitality environments.

25. Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland (Le Bouveret & Lucerne, Switzerland)

The Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland is among the world’s most respected culinary schools. It merges classical culinary training with modern business and management studies. Students learn from award-winning chefs in professional kitchens, gaining mastery of cuisine, pastry, and restaurant operations. The programme emphasises creativity, entrepreneurship, and global food trends. Graduates become chefs, restaurateurs, or food and beverage executives who redefine the culinary experience.

26. Hotel Management School Geneva – Ecole Hôtelière de Genève (Geneva, Switzerland)

Affiliated with the Swiss Hotel Association, this public institution is a symbol of Swiss hospitality excellence. It offers bilingual French-English programmes focused on sustainability, ethics, and operational management. Students gain a deep understanding of customer service and sustainable tourism practices. The school’s strong industry partnerships and vocational precision ensure that graduates excel in hotels, tourism boards, and management consultancies.

27. HTMi International College Centre for Culinary Studies (Switzerland)

A branch of the renowned HTMi institute, this centre focuses on culinary arts, gastronomy, and restaurant management. Students learn advanced kitchen techniques and management principles that prepare them for leadership roles in the food and beverage industry. The programmes combine creativity with hospitality strategy, allowing graduates to pursue careers as executive chefs, F&B managers, and hospitality entrepreneurs.

28. Vatel Martigny, Switzerland – Hotel & Tourism Business School (Switzerland)

Vatel Martigny is part of the global Vatel Group—an international hospitality education network with campuses in more than 30 countries. The Martigny campus delivers Swiss-quality education combined with international exposure. Programmes focus on hospitality operations, leadership, and tourism management. Students complete internships at renowned hotels and resorts worldwide. Vatel graduates are globally recognised for their practical competence and multicultural awareness.

29. Alpine Center Switzerland (Switzerland)

The Alpine Center Switzerland is a boutique hospitality and tourism institution offering personalised, student-centred education. It focuses on leadership, sustainability, and service excellence. Small class sizes and individual mentoring ensure close academic support. The centre’s graduates are appreciated for their attention to detail and adaptability—skills essential for leadership in resorts, boutique hotels, and tourism agencies worldwide.

30. Swiss Educational College – SEC (Weggis, Switzerland)

Located beside Lake Lucerne, Swiss Educational College (SEC) combines academic learning with structured, paid internships lasting up to two years. Students develop strong leadership, communication, and business management skills in a multicultural environment. The college offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in hospitality and business management, integrating theory with practice. SEC’s serene lakeside setting provides an inspiring atmosphere for learning, and its graduates are well-prepared for careers in international hotel management and entrepreneurship.

31. SSTH – Swiss School of Tourism & Hospitality (Passugg, Switzerland)

Part of the prestigious EHL Group, SSTH Passugg provides a unique “learning hotel” model where students study and work within fully functional hospitality environments. Founded in 1966, the school offers vocational and higher education programmes that focus on real-world skills, culinary arts, and tourism management. Students gain hands-on training in operations, leadership, and service excellence — all underpinned by Swiss quality standards. SSTH graduates are recognised globally for their discipline, precision, and practical expertise.

32. Oxford Brookes University – Oxford School of Hospitality Management (United Kingdom)

Oxford Brookes University’s Oxford School of Hospitality Management is a global leader in academic excellence and innovation. The school offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes focusing on leadership, strategic management, and sustainable hospitality. Its close industry collaborations with companies like Marriott and Four Seasons provide valuable internship opportunities. Oxford Brookes graduates are widely respected for their critical thinking, operational insight, and global mindset.

33. University of West London – London Geller College of Hospitality & Tourism (United Kingdom)

Located in the heart of London, this institution offers a strong combination of academic learning and real industry engagement. The London Geller College provides programmes in hospitality, tourism, events, and culinary arts. Students benefit from the city’s vibrant hospitality scene and direct exposure to leading brands. The college’s focus on practical learning and entrepreneurship ensures that graduates are work-ready for the global market.

34. Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School – BMIHMS (Torrens University, Australia)

BMIHMS, part of Torrens University Australia, is one of the world’s most recognised hotel schools. It operates campuses in Sydney and Leura, offering degrees in international hotel and resort management. The curriculum integrates operational training with strategic management and leadership. The school’s graduates are known for their professionalism and are sought after by global hotel groups, resorts, and cruise lines.

35. Hotelschool The Hague (The Netherlands)

Founded in 1929, Hotelschool The Hague is one of Europe’s most respected institutions for hospitality management. It offers Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes taught entirely in English, focusing on entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable management. The school operates its own teaching hotel, allowing students to apply their knowledge in a real operational context. Graduates are recognised worldwide for their business acumen and leadership in the hospitality and tourism industries.

36. Institut Paul Bocuse (Écully/Lyon, France)

Named after the legendary French chef, Institut Paul Bocuse is a world-class culinary and hospitality school that combines artistry with management. Students receive training in gastronomy, culinary innovation, and luxury service, along with hotel management principles. Its state-of-the-art facilities and strong emphasis on creativity make it a destination for aspiring chefs and hospitality entrepreneurs. Graduates lead restaurants, hotels, and culinary enterprises across the globe.

37. ESSEC Business School – IMHI (France)

The Institut de Management Hôtelier International (IMHI) at ESSEC Business School offers one of Europe’s most respected Master’s programmes in hospitality management. Combining academic excellence with a strong corporate focus, it trains students in hotel investment, revenue management, and global strategy. ESSEC IMHI has a strong alumni network in leadership roles across major hotel chains and consulting firms, making it a hub for future hospitality executives.

38. Les Roches Marbella – International School of Hotel Management (Spain)

An international branch of Les Roches Switzerland, Les Roches Marbella brings Swiss educational quality to the Mediterranean. It offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in global hospitality and luxury brand management. Students experience hands-on learning in Spain’s vibrant tourism industry while following Swiss academic standards. The campus’s multicultural environment attracts students from more than 80 nationalities, preparing them for international hospitality leadership.

39. Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management (Dubai, UAE)

The Emirates Academy is the Middle East’s leading hospitality management school, strategically located near the iconic Burj Al Arab. Operated by the Jumeirah Group, it offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in international hospitality management. The academy combines academic excellence with practical exposure through internships in Dubai’s world-class hotels. Its graduates are globally competitive, with expertise in luxury hospitality, service innovation, and tourism leadership.

40. Shangri-La Asia Advanced Institute of Hospitality & Tourism (Singapore/Asia)

This prestigious institute represents the Asian standard for luxury hospitality training. Operated in partnership with Shangri-La Group, the school provides executive-level education in service excellence, leadership, and tourism management. Students engage in immersive learning across the Asia-Pacific region, gaining insights into one of the fastest-growing hospitality markets in the world. Graduates are equipped to lead in global luxury hotels and integrated resorts.

🌍 Final Reflections

This comprehensive JKACCI Top 40 List showcases the best hospitality and hotel management schools around the world — from the timeless precision of Switzerland to the vibrant innovation of Kenya, the UK, the USA, the UAE, and Asia-Pacific.

These institutions combine academic excellence, practical training, and international exposure to shape the next generation of global hospitality leaders.

Whether you dream of managing a world-class resort, founding your own luxury brand, or innovating in sustainable tourism, these schools offer the perfect foundation for a successful and globally relevant career.

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