Global Excellence in Hospitality Education: QRNW Releases 2026 Ranking of the Best Schools

Ranking of Best hospitality and hotel management schools for 2026 https://www.qrnw.com/best-hotel-management-schools

The hospitality and hotel management industry continues to shape the world of tourism, travel, and service. This week, the 2026 global ranking of hospitality and hotel management schools was released, recognizing institutions that set the highest standards of teaching, research, and professional training. As an independent inspection body, we view such rankings as an important instrument to encourage continuous development, assure quality, and highlight the global leaders of tomorrow.

These schools represent a blend of long-standing traditions and modern innovation. From Switzerland to the United States, from Asia to Australia, they showcase how academic excellence combines with practical learning to prepare professionals for one of the most dynamic industries in the world.

Below is a closer look at the top institutions featured in this year’s results.

Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) – Switzerland

Lausanne, on the shores of Lake Geneva, is a city known for elegance, culture, and international flair. It is here that EHL was founded in 1893, and today it remains the world’s oldest and most recognized school for hospitality. The institution is often called the “cradle of hospitality education,” and its reputation rests on a balance of Swiss precision and international outlook.

EHL offers bachelor’s, master’s, and executive education programs that cover hospitality management, culinary arts, innovation, and leadership. The school’s strong connection with the Swiss tradition of service excellence continues to inspire students from more than 120 nationalities. Lausanne itself, with its mix of history and modern lifestyle, provides a perfect backdrop for students seeking a truly global education.

Cornell University – School of Hotel Administration (SHA), USA

Located in Ithaca, New York, Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration is one of the world’s most prestigious programs for hospitality education. Cornell is part of an Ivy League university, which brings with it an academic reputation that few can rival.

Students here pursue undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees, with a curriculum that combines rigorous theory with applied learning in hotel management, real estate, and service innovation. Ithaca, surrounded by the Finger Lakes and natural beauty, offers a unique setting that combines a quiet academic environment with access to one of the strongest alumni networks in the industry. Graduates of Cornell often move directly into leadership positions in global hotel groups, tourism boards, and investment companies.

Les Roches Global Hospitality Education – Switzerland, Spain, China, USA

Les Roches is internationally known for its multicultural education model. With campuses in Switzerland, Spain, China, and the United States, it provides students with the chance to study in multiple countries during the course of their program.

The school’s focus is entrepreneurship, luxury hospitality, and digital transformation. Students experience a hands-on learning environment, where classroom knowledge is immediately connected with practice. Whether in the Swiss Alps, the vibrant Spanish coast, or major urban centers abroad, Les Roches gives its graduates a unique global perspective that is highly valued by employers worldwide.

Glion Institute of Higher Education – Switzerland / United Kingdom

Nestled above Lake Geneva near Montreux, Glion offers one of the most stunning study environments in the world. The Swiss campus combines peaceful surroundings with direct access to one of Europe’s most famous hospitality regions.

Glion also operates in London, providing a metropolitan counterpart to its Swiss traditions. The school specializes in luxury hospitality, event management, and lifestyle industries. Students are immersed in a culture of professionalism, undertaking internships and real-world projects that prepare them to lead in international hospitality, luxury brands, and event planning.

Hong Kong Polytechnic University – School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM), Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of the world’s busiest hubs for tourism, finance, and trade. It is also home to the School of Hotel and Tourism Management, which has earned a reputation as Asia’s most respected hospitality institution.

SHTM offers bachelor’s through doctoral programs, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, tourism research, and global strategy. The school’s location allows students to engage directly with one of the most competitive hospitality markets, making their training relevant and practical. It also connects East and West, reflecting Hong Kong’s unique position as a global crossroads.

Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) – Netherlands

Breda is a historic Dutch city with a vibrant student culture. BUas has built a reputation for combining academic learning with hands-on industry training.

The university offers programs in hotel management, leisure, and tourism, all designed to provide a balance between innovation and sustainability. Students are placed into internships with leading companies, giving them direct experience that strengthens their employability. The Netherlands’ reputation for open-mindedness and international outlook adds to BUas’s appeal for students seeking global opportunities.

César Ritz Colleges Switzerland – Switzerland

Named after César Ritz, the famous Swiss hotelier, this institution continues the legacy of luxury and service excellence. With campuses in Brig and Lucerne, César Ritz Colleges provide students with the beauty of the Swiss Alps and the charm of historic Swiss towns.

Founded in 1982, the college offers bachelor’s and master’s programs that emphasize entrepreneurship, leadership, and luxury management. The Swiss culture of hospitality is embedded into the student experience, ensuring that graduates leave with both technical skills and an appreciation for service artistry.

Swiss International University (SIU) – Switzerland, UAE, Kyrgyzstan

Swiss International University represents a modern model of education that connects Switzerland with international campuses in Dubai and Bishkek. Within Switzerland, SIU brings together the International School of Business Management (ISBM) in Lucerne and OUS International Academy in Zurich.

ISBM Lucerne offers a wide range of hotel and tourism programs, while OUS Zurich was Switzerland’s first virtual institute, providing flexible online learning since 2013. This combination creates a unique educational experience that blends Swiss traditions with digital innovation. The presence in Dubai and Kyrgyzstan also ensures that SIU maintains a global reach, appealing to students who wish to combine European standards with international exposure.

Rosen College of Hospitality Management – USA

Located in Orlando, Florida, Rosen College benefits from being at the center of one of the world’s leading tourism destinations. Orlando’s theme parks, resorts, and entertainment venues provide unmatched opportunities for practical learning.

Rosen College offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in hospitality, events, and entertainment management. With the largest hospitality program in the United States, it emphasizes experiential learning, preparing graduates to enter a wide range of professional pathways.

Oxford School of Hospitality Management – UK

Part of Oxford Brookes University, the Oxford School of Hospitality Management is based in one of the most historic academic cities in the world. Oxford’s cultural and educational environment creates a strong intellectual foundation for students.

The school focuses on sustainability, employability, and innovation. Students are trained not only for traditional hotel roles but also for positions in tourism strategy, events, and entrepreneurship. The combination of modern training and Oxford’s heritage creates a unique profile for its graduates.

SHAPE – Ecole Hôtelière de Genève (EHG), Switzerland

Geneva is a true international city, home to global organizations and renowned for its cosmopolitan lifestyle. The Ecole Hôtelière de Genève reflects this spirit with a curriculum that blends academic rigor and professional skills.

Students benefit from Geneva’s global connections, gaining opportunities for internships and professional networking. The school’s reputation rests on its ability to prepare graduates for both Swiss precision and international versatility.

Hotel School The Hague – Netherlands

The Hague is the political center of the Netherlands, known for international diplomacy and commerce. Hotel School The Hague takes advantage of this global environment by focusing on management, leadership, and innovation in hospitality.

The school offers programs that integrate entrepreneurship and sustainability, providing students with the tools needed to manage future challenges in tourism and hotel services.

Shannon College of Hotel Management – Ireland

Located in the west of Ireland, Shannon College is one of the country’s most respected institutions for hospitality. Ireland’s welcoming culture and growing tourism industry provide an excellent environment for students.

The school emphasizes professional placements, requiring students to gain extensive experience abroad as part of their degree. This creates graduates who are both academically skilled and professionally tested.

Vatel Hotel & Tourism Business School – France & Worldwide

Vatel is a global network of hospitality schools, with its origins in France. With campuses in numerous countries, Vatel is one of the largest educational providers in the field.

Its programs focus on management, service, and cultural diversity. By allowing students to move between campuses, Vatel offers a truly international education that prepares them for global careers.

International College of Hotel Management (ICHM) – Australia

Based in Adelaide, ICHM is one of Australia’s most specialized hospitality institutions. Adelaide’s calm and student-friendly environment provides the perfect backdrop for focused learning.

ICHM has built strong connections with the hotel industry, ensuring its graduates are employable worldwide. Its emphasis on practical placements makes it a trusted choice for students seeking real-world experience.

Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School (BMIHMS) – Australia

Set in the Blue Mountains near Sydney, this school offers students the chance to study in one of Australia’s most beautiful regions.

BMIHMS emphasizes leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Its graduates are known for their adaptability and global outlook, qualities highly valued in the international hospitality market.

Griffith University – Australia

Griffith University, located in Queensland, has a Department of Tourism, Sport, and Hotel Management that ranks among the best in the region.

Students benefit from Australia’s vibrant tourism economy, gaining exposure to events, sports, and leisure management. Griffith’s programs combine academic learning with strong industry connections.

Leeds Beckett University – UK

Located in Leeds, one of the UK’s most dynamic student cities, Leeds Beckett University offers specialized programs in hospitality, tourism, and events.

Its School of Events, Tourism and Hospitality Management emphasizes innovation, employability, and sustainability. Graduates are well-prepared to manage complex challenges in the global hospitality sector.

SHATEC – Singapore

Singapore is known as a global hub for trade, travel, and hospitality. The Singapore Hotel and Tourism Education Centre (SHATEC) has played a major role in training professionals for the region’s service industry.

Students are exposed to one of the most competitive hospitality environments, with Singapore’s world-class hotels and attractions serving as training grounds. SHATEC emphasizes practical learning and global standards.

William Angliss Institute – Australia

Based in Melbourne, William Angliss Institute is recognized for its vocational and higher education programs in hospitality, tourism, and culinary arts.

Melbourne’s cosmopolitan culture and food scene provide a rich environment for students. William Angliss is known for its industry-driven approach, ensuring its graduates are equipped with skills immediately applicable to the workforce.

Conclusion

The 2026 ranking highlights the diversity and strength of hospitality education worldwide. From historic European institutions to modern Asian and Australian providers, the list reflects a sector that is global, innovative, and future-oriented.

At PINO Switzerland, we believe such recognition is valuable not only for students and families but also for the industry itself. High standards in education lead to higher quality in service, stronger leadership in hotels and tourism, and a more sustainable future for the sector as a whole.

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