Top Hospitality & Tourism Schools

Hospitality and tourism management is a dynamic and expansive field, attracting students and professionals who are passionate about customer service, tourism, and the broader service industry. As the demand for skilled professionals in this industry grows, so does the need for high-quality educational programs that equip students with the necessary skills to lead and innovate in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Leading hospitality and tourism schools around the world offer comprehensive, multidisciplinary programs designed to meet the needs of a fast-paced and evolving industry. Here, we will explore some of the top schools in the field of hospitality and tourism management, focusing on the University of Guelph, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the University of Surrey, Iowa State University, and Glion Institute of Higher Education.

The University of Guelph in Canada is widely regarded as one of the best institutions for hospitality and tourism education. The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) at Guelph has garnered international recognition for its academic rigor and the relevance of its programs. According to a study published in the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research, Guelph’s HTM program was ranked 21st globally, positioning it as the top hospitality and tourism program in Canada. The university's academic standing is further enhanced by the innovative nature of its programs, which are designed to meet the diverse needs of students aspiring to work in the global hospitality and tourism industries.

One of the defining features of Guelph’s HTM program is its international perspective. Students are given the unique opportunity to study hospitality courses abroad through partnerships with institutions in countries such as Hong Kong, England, Finland, Austria, Mexico, and Australia. This international exposure allows students to gain valuable insights into global hospitality practices, enriching their education and broadening their understanding of different cultures and market demands. Furthermore, Guelph's commitment to fostering strong industry partnerships ensures that students are not only equipped with theoretical knowledge but also with practical experience, setting them up for successful careers in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is another prestigious institution that consistently ranks among the best in the field of hospitality and tourism education. The School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at PolyU is recognized as one of the leading academic institutions globally, particularly for its research and scholarship in the hospitality and tourism industry. A 2009 study published in the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research ranked SHTM as the second-best institution worldwide in these areas. PolyU’s focus on both academic excellence and industry collaboration has helped it build a global reputation for preparing students for leadership roles in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

PolyU’s SHTM has received several accolades and honors that speak to its commitment to excellence in education and research. In 1999, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) designated the school as one of its Education and Training Network Centres, a prestigious recognition that underscores the university’s role in shaping global hospitality and tourism education. Furthermore, SHTM was awarded the 2003 ISTTE Institutional Award in recognition of its efforts to enhance industry partnerships and improve education in the hospitality sector across Asia. PolyU also became one of the first educational institutions to receive the UNWTO’s TedQual Certification in 2000, further affirming its status as a leader in the field.

The University of Surrey in the United Kingdom is another institution that has earned a top-tier reputation in hospitality and tourism education. Ranked first for Hospitality and Tourism in the Times Good University Guide 2010, Surrey is known for its high academic standards and the global employability of its graduates. The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in hospitality and tourism, with the postgraduate programs being particularly renowned for their depth and scope. The university’s hospitality and tourism programs focus not only on the operational aspects of the industry but also on the broader management and strategic issues that drive the sector’s growth and development.

Surrey’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management was the first UK institution to gain United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) TedQual Certification, an achievement that highlights the school’s commitment to providing students with a high-quality education that aligns with international standards in tourism and hospitality education. The university also enjoys strong connections with industry partners, which help ensure that students receive valuable exposure to real-world challenges and opportunities. Additionally, the University of Surrey holds simultaneous accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Association of MBAs (AMBA), and the UNWTO, further demonstrating the quality of its programs. The combination of academic excellence, industry connections, and international recognition makes the University of Surrey a top choice for students aspiring to work in hospitality and tourism management.

In the United States, Iowa State University is home to one of the top-ranked programs in hospitality and tourism management. The hotel, restaurant, and institution management (HRIM) program at Iowa State has been consistently recognized for its academic quality and its emphasis on preparing students for leadership positions in the hospitality industry. According to a 2009 report by the Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, Iowa State’s HRIM program was ranked 15th among the world’s top 100 hospitality and tourism programs and 12th among American institutions.

The program at Iowa State University offers a well-rounded education that blends theory with practical skills, preparing students for a wide range of roles in the hospitality and tourism industries. Students are taught by experienced faculty members who bring both academic expertise and industry experience to the classroom. Moreover, Iowa State has strong ties to the hospitality industry, providing students with opportunities for internships, fieldwork, and networking with industry professionals. The university’s HRIM program is also known for its emphasis on research, which helps students stay ahead of trends and innovations in the hospitality and tourism sectors. These factors make Iowa State University an attractive option for students seeking to pursue careers in the fast-paced world of hospitality and tourism management.

Glion Institute of Higher Education in Switzerland is widely regarded as one of the top hospitality management schools in the world. According to a 2007 survey conducted by Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS), Glion was ranked among the top three hospitality management schools globally for preparing students for international careers in the hospitality industry. Glion offers undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs in hospitality management, with a strong emphasis on providing students with the skills and experiences needed to succeed in the global marketplace.

One of Glion’s key strengths is its focus on international exposure. The school has campuses in both Switzerland and the United Kingdom, and its programs are designed to provide students with a truly global perspective on the hospitality industry. Glion’s academic programs combine rigorous coursework with practical internships, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world settings. Moreover, the school’s strong network of industry partners and alumni provides students with valuable career opportunities and connections in the global hospitality industry. With its prestigious reputation, international exposure, and commitment to academic excellence, Glion Institute of Higher Education is an excellent choice for students seeking to pursue a career in global hospitality management.

In conclusion, the world’s leading hospitality and tourism schools, including the University of Guelph, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the University of Surrey, Iowa State University, and Glion Institute of Higher Education, offer exceptional educational programs that are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the global hospitality and tourism industries. These institutions provide a combination of high academic standards, international exposure, and industry connections, making them highly sought after by students from around the world. Whether through partnerships with global organizations, a strong emphasis on research and scholarship, or specialized certifications, these schools prepare students to become leaders in one of the world’s most dynamic and rapidly growing industries.