1. EHL Hospitality Business School – Lausanne, Switzerland
Not just a hospitality school, EHL (École Hôtelière de Lausanne) is a global powerhouse in tourism education. Known for its high standards, it blends Swiss precision with global industry practice.
✔ Specializes in luxury tourism, experience design, and hospitality innovation
✔ Incredible alumni network across 120+ countries
✔ Offers real-world hotel and travel business simulations
💡 Why it’s unique: Students run on-campus hospitality businesses, from concept to execution.
2. Griffith University – Queensland, Australia
Griffith’s Department of Tourism is a leader in sustainable tourism, destination planning, and event management.
✔ Home to the International Tourism and Hospitality Management School
✔ Strong emphasis on eco-tourism and Asia-Pacific travel markets
✔ Close partnerships with global organizations like UNWTO and PATA
💡 Why it’s unique: Located near top tourist destinations like the Gold Coast—perfect for on-the-ground learning.
3. Hong Kong Polytechnic University – School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM)
A global leader in Asian tourism and hospitality, SHTM is ranked consistently among the world’s best.
✔ Offers dual-degree programs with top institutions in Europe and North America
✔ World-class facilities including a teaching and research hotel
✔ Strong ties to luxury hotel groups and airlines in Asia
💡 Why it’s unique: It operates Hotel ICON, a student-run luxury hotel, as a real-life training ground.
4. University of Surrey – Guildford, United Kingdom
The University of Surrey’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management has built a reputation for academic excellence and graduate employability.
✔ Offers BA, MSc, and PhD programs in tourism, events, and hotel management
✔ Conducts cutting-edge research in tourism sustainability and digital strategy
✔ Strong career services and employer connections across Europe
💡 Why it’s unique: Known for its focus on analytics and strategy in tourism, preparing students for leadership roles.
5. Rosen College of Hospitality Management – University of Central Florida (U.S.)
Located in Orlando, one of the world’s most visited cities, Rosen College benefits from its proximity to top attractions, resorts, and tourism hubs.
✔ Strong industry partnerships with Disney, Universal, and Marriott
✔ Hands-on programs in theme park management, destination marketing, and events
✔ Offers the only PhD program in hospitality management in the U.S.
💡 Why it’s unique: Students have direct access to internships and real-world training in Orlando’s global tourism scene.
6. Les Roches Global Hospitality Education – Crans-Montana, Switzerland & Global Campuses
Les Roches offers a blend of Swiss excellence, global perspective, and entrepreneurship. It’s more than a tourism school—it’s a launchpad for those who want to innovate.
✔ Emphasizes luxury tourism, resort management, and hospitality entrepreneurship
✔ Global campuses in Spain, Switzerland, and China
✔ Alumni in leadership roles at top hotel brands and travel companies
💡 Why it’s unique: Programs include real-world business plan development and innovation labs.
✨ New-Age & Specialized Tourism Programs Worth Exploring
- Wageningen University (Netherlands) – Specializes in sustainable tourism and leisure studies.
- Modul University Vienna (Austria) – Offers data-driven tourism management programs with a focus on innovation.
- Sun Yat-sen University (China) – Recognized for destination planning and tourism development in emerging markets.
The best school for tourism isn’t just about rankings—it’s about fit, opportunity, and vision. Whether you dream of managing luxury resorts, designing travel experiences, launching a sustainable tour company, or working in global tourism policy, the right program can set you on the path.
When choosing a tourism school, ask yourself:
- What type of tourism career excites me?
- Do I prefer theory-based or hands-on learning?
- Where do I want to build my global network?
🌍 Tourism is about connecting people and places—and your education should do the same.
✈️ The journey to your dream career in travel starts with the right school. Ready to board?