The hospitality industry includes businesses such as hotels, restaurants and bars that offer guests food, drink or lodging, and is therefore, closely linked to tourism and international travel.
The United Nations World Travel Organisation (UNWTO) estimates the worldwide international tourist arrivals to have reached a record high of 1.4 billion in 2018, growing at nearly double the rate of the global economy. This, in turn, leads to a continued growth of the travel and tourism sector across the globe, and ultimately to job creation in hospitality. But, this industry is facing a shortage of skills and talent across the globe. In India alone, the travel and tourism sector is expected to create more than 10 million new jobs over the next decade, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
To deal with an influx of foreign travellers, it is vital for hospitality professionals to gain international exposure and offer the service standards they have come to expect. This will require institutions to create international synergies, a globally-focussed curriculum and innovative teaching methods. And, this is where schools like the Glion Institute step in to provide a platform for students to pursue a career in hospitality.
Emmanuel Jurczenko, Director of Graduate Studies, Glion Institute of Higher Education (Switzerland and the U.K.), elaborates on what the Institute offers to students to prepare them for the burgeoning travel and hospitality industry, “To ensure and maintain high employability of our students, we work closely with global hospitality brands, who visit our campuses.”
Programmes
Across campuses in Switzerland and London (the U.K.), the school offers a portfolio of Master of Science (MSc) programme, in addition to an existing MSc in International Hospitality Business. These include new degrees in hospitality, entrepreneurship and innovation; real estate, finance and hotel development; and luxury management and guest experience. In addition, the bachelor’s (BBA) in international hospitality business is adapted to best meet the changing needs of the industry and the market.
Duration and scholarships
Each master’s programme includes two taught semesters, followed by an internship or a capstone project. Glion provides a range of scholarships and financial aid packages on a case-by-case basis, varying in amount and duration. Merit-based scholarships include a 10-20% reduction of first semester tuition fees, and are awarded to outstanding students based on grades, motivation and recommendation.
Curriculum
All the specialist master’s degrees on offer have a strong business focus and application. The MSc programme in hospitality, entrepreneurship and innovation is designed specifically for aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals who already run or are looking to take over a family business. The teaching is all about enhancing their entrepreneurial knowledge; as such, it covers the most cutting-edge business models and innovations, including field trips to technology hotbeds Berlin, Germany and Silicon Valley in California. Additionally, a partner incubator will also allow entrepreneurs to test their concepts and routes to market.
Benefits
The programmes provide students with the necessary skill set for managing people, operations, business and investments in hospitality companies, luxury brands, family business, start-ups and real estate assets. The courses are taught by experienced faculty members, leading academics and external industry experts. The programmes conclude with hands-on experience and a chance to apply the newly acquired skills in a real working environment. Industry networking is another major component of the master’s degrees at Glion.
Hospitality management schools no longer only groom students for careers in hotels and restaurants. Related sectors such as luxury retail, finance, consulting and real estate are showing an increased interest in hospitality management graduates. So, the institute has developed these new programmes and prepare students specifically for these areas.
