Rankings

Academic achievements

International Hotel and Tourism Management Institute stands out for how its graduates enter the profession — 94% find employment within two months, while 96% successfully complete their studies. These results stem from the fact that all internships take place in Swiss hotels with 4-5 stars, where students face real industry challenges. Bachelor’s and master’s programs, created together with British universities, regularly top the rankings: for instance, the bachelor’s program became #1 in the UK and Switzerland according to The Guardian in 2024, while the master’s program ranked seventh globally in 2023.

Institute accreditations

International Hotel and Tourism Management Institute was the first in Switzerland to receive EduQua — a government quality certificate approved in 2000. Oversight from the Canton of Lucerne ensures that this institution’s programs meet the highest standards for training specialists. Such recognition is also supported by accreditations from QS, IoH, and BAC. Worth noting separately are the culinary programs, which received approval from the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS), opening doors for students into the global chef community.

Global recognition

International Hotel and Tourism Management Institute’s position in world rankings only confirms its authority. In QS Global University Rankings, it took 12th place for employer reputation, while in 2023 it became #1 in Canton Lucerne. The institution’s innovative approach has also been recognized: #1 in Switzerland and #4 in Europe according to European EMCup. But the location matters too — the campus sits within a UNESCO biosphere reserve. This isn’t just beautiful scenery, but an environment that inspires creativity and shapes a distinctive approach to hospitality.

Education and innovation

The motto “Lead Don’t Follow, Create Don’t Copy” comes to life in every project. This institute actively supports research: over 1,000 scientific publications and two annual conferences strengthen its position as an academic leader. Joining the SHGI Group — Switzerland’s largest education group — gives students access to a network of thousands of professionals worldwide. As a result, 27% of graduates launch their own businesses, while the culinary program is overseen by a legendary chef who’s both a world champion in cake design and a Guinness World Records holder.

Distinctive academic environment

The combination of accessibility and training quality here has been refined into an ideal formula. This institute leads in price-to-quality ratio among Swiss hospitality schools, which is confirmed by the 94% employment rate of graduates worldwide. Beyond that, there’s a unique atmosphere: students from 50 countries create a truly multicultural environment where everyone finds inspiration and valuable professional connections.

Hotel and Tourism Management Institute partnerships

Collaboration with universities like Ulster (their bachelor’s program is #1 in the UK) and Edinburgh Napier University (seventh master’s program globally in 2023) provides education where British academic rigor meets the Swiss approach to hospitality. These alliances aren’t just formalities, but opportunities for students to earn diplomas recognized anywhere on the planet.