Swiss - Hotel Management & Tourism Study

Articles

noreply@blogger.com (Harry) — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 05:54:00 +0000

1) Swiss Hotel Management Schools - Keeping pace with the growing hospitality industry...

According to the World Tourism Organization one new hospitality post is created every minute - qualified supervisory and management personnel with a willingness to gain international experience will literally be global stars. Opportunities are predicted to grow exponentially as the rapid increase in hospitality activities create new developments and new challenges.

By the year 2010 hospitality and tourism will be the largest global industry employing more than 328 million people. However, the demand for high calibre, well educated, intelligent, enthusiastic staff already outstrips supply….are hotel training schools meeting the needs?

Switzerland is in many contexts credited as the home of hospitality and hospitality training. Starting in the 19th century Swiss hotel schools developed specialised training programmes, focusing on preparing students for a career in hotel management. Today, the reputation of the Swiss institutes as they reach further into the global market.

In 2004 4,498 students were trained within ASEH accredited Swiss training schools. Whilst institutes vary in style, course content and size, they have several common points. Unlike other universities or colleges of further education, they specialise purely in training the next generation of hospitality professionals and primarily managers.

Students are recruited worldwide. They spend several months training in school, where the language of tuition is English, and then complete a minimum 5 month internship for each year studied. Most aim to spend their time in 4/5 star establishments, learning and using skills that will help them become supervisors and managers, one day.

Effort is made by hotel schools to benchmark against industry needs and standards as well as setting their own academic requirements and curricular. Courses are balanced with practical and theory. In-house restaurants and bars, banqueting functions and simulation workshops give the opportunity for real practice.

Living within the heart of Europe students are perfectly located for visiting wine caves, exposure to a full range of restaurant styles and cuisines as well as having the opportunity to use and learn languages.

Often students are living within the schools themselves. They are studying in a multicultural environment and experiencing the importance of tolerance, diversity and ethics as well as professionalism and business management.

Different countries have different expectations of their graduates. China, for example, is putting in place systems to manage bookings and customer service. Their expectations of graduates isn’t the same as central Europe or the US, China is happy that students are speaking English and have a good ability to communicate with guests and improve customer service. Further developed sectors of the hotel industry are focused on further developing competitive brand loyalty and revamping in-house bars and restaurants to be cutting edge outlets.

Given that hotel recruiters are looking at qualifications, particularly for their fast track management training courses, MBA’s, degrees and diplomas are of interest. In addition to the core subjects of F&B, Banqueting, wine & Spirits, cost control, accounting, management, housekeeping, front office and human resources, languages and communication skills, marketing and sales ability are sought.

In recruitment of staff there is the question of how much of a great GM is experience, personality, skill or Knowledge. The current generation of Hotel Managers have mixed backgrounds of qualifications and degrees and learnt-on-the-job experience and skill. The next generation of managers whilst entering a highly competitive and more sophisticated industry, still need to have a willingness to learn on-the-job and be people focused as well as business minded.

The first day within a hotel is the start of a life time of learning. Ambition has to be coupled with humility; everyone picks up a plate and wipes a table. An attitude of willingness to learn, take tasks on unguided, and be hands-on, is all part of the job. Starting salaries for graduates whilst are improving are not the same as other fields of work. Whilst degrees lay out good foundations, they need to be practical. The job of GM is not an academic one.

Whilst the theory and course content, level of education and number of graduates completing courses looks promising, the main criticisms of hospitality schools by leading hotel brands is the ‘reality’ element of training programmes. Subject content has to have a eye on current practice as well as timeless principals and future developments. It is appreciated that techniques and first level confidence, is learnt at a pace that allows for accuracy within school. Speed then comes with the practice of serving 100 guests a sitting, day after day. In this instance, the industry needs students that are prepared and able to hit the floor running.

Students that gain good academic grades on paper aren’t necessarily or automatically great people managers. They still have to have a natural ability and willingness to keep learning how to manage themselves day-in-day-out and manage staff and guests.

2)OECD gives Switzerland good education marks

Despite progress, the number of graduates remains below the OECD average

Switzerland's educational system has received a good report in a new international study, with young Swiss well equipped to join the workforce.

The latest study by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development says standards among member states are continuing to rise.

The Paris-based group says thanks to big efforts at the higher level of education in Switzerland, the percentage of graduates to the population had increased from 10.4 per cent to 25.9 per cent between 2000 and 2004.

The OECD notes the higher Swiss graduation rates are largely due to reforms under the Bologna process, which includes 45 countries.

This not only shortened the duration of the first degree but also created new higher education institutions in Switzerland.

But despite this progress, the figure is well below the OECD average of 34.8 per cent, according to the study, which presents an international comparison of education systems.

With the exception of Italy, Switzerland is the only OECD member country that has made such clear progress in higher education.

Six years ago, Switzerland trailed the rest of the field in higher education but has since overtaken Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria and Turkey.

When it comes to mathematics, 15-year-old Swiss students also receive high marks, with seven per cent reaching the highest level of proficiency in the OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) scale.

Other countries that feature high in this maths scale are Belgium, South Korea, Japan and the Netherlands.

But 15 per cent of Swiss 15-year-olds are not able to show routinely the most basic type of maths knowledge and skills that Pisa seeks to measure. This is, however, less than the OECD average of 21 per cent.

Upper secondary graduation rates in Switzerland are near 90 per cent, above the OECD mean of just over 80 per cent.

Reform

The Swiss voted overwhelmingly in May to reform Switzerland's education system, aimed at improving coordination among the country's different school structures and giving the federal authorities a bigger say.

The system had come in for increasing criticism since the 2003 Pisa study revealed what critics called serious shortcomings in reading, as well as considerable differences among the 26 cantons.

The planned reforms include streamlining the length of compulsory schooling and the school starting age, as well as the mutual recognition of diplomas.

A survey ahead of the vote revealed that the Swiss were more critical of their education system than ten years ago, with costs, discipline and the different cantonal school structures all coming under fire.

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Your Swiss Hospitality Degree

noreply@blogger.com (Harry) — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 13:45:00 +0000

Studying Hospitality from Switzerland is your passport to International Hotel Management & Tourism. Graduates with Swiss degree's are envied and admired by the Hospitality fraternity and are successful in their career. Equipped completely to face the challenges from this ever demanding Industry.
Come be a party to this elite group. "Study in HTMi- Switzerland"

Top Quality Hospitality Education in Beautiful Switzerland

HTMi is a quality International Hotel and Tourism School with over 300 students from 22 different nationalities worldwide, studying a Bachelor degree or MBA degree in International Hotel and Tourism Management.. Taught in English, all courses are fully accredited and the degrees are awarded in Switzerland by leading Universities from UK, University of Ulster (Bachelor) and Queen Margaret University (MBA). In addition HTMi will arrange final year University transfers to USA, UK or Canada.

HTMI is located in Soerenberg, one of Switzerland’s, most beautiful resorts in the Kanton Luzern. Students stay, study and train in two beautiful traditionally Swiss Hotels.

"Mission: Come as a student, leave as a Manager"

Student benefits are:

Start an excellent career in the International Hotel and Tourism Industry

Study hotel Management the world famous Swiss way in a real hotel environment

HTMi offers all students a real Management Training Programme before graduation

Top quality, internationally recognized Bachelor, Masters Degrees and MBA

Real highly paid work training each year in Switzerland

Students get excellent language skills in English and a foundation in German or French

International job placement service on graduation

Very competitive fees in Switzerland and internationally

Semesters starting in February and September, the study paths are

Undergraduate (for high school graduates)

2.5 years Swiss Higher Diploma in International hotel and Tourism Management (includes highly paid work placements) followed by

Half year University Bachelor Degree in Switzerland, UK or USA

Postgraduate (for Bachelor Degree Holders or equivalent)

1 Year Swiss Postgraduate Diploma (includes highly paid work placement) followed by

1 year MBA in Switzerland Or 1 year Masters Degree in UK or USA

DOWNLOADS

Application Form
College Handbook
HTMi Fact Sheet
MBA Document

Address & Location : HTMi, Hotel Campus Mariental Panorama, 6174 Soerenberg, Kanton Luzern, Central Switzerland.

Tel: +41 41 488 1125 Fax: +41 41 488 2344
Website: www.htmi.ch

for enrollments & information email at bopssinfo@gmail.com

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Students Comments

noreply@blogger.com (Harry) — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 12:54:00 +0000

In Switzerland and abroad, whether a graduate or a student, HTMi is a large international family. It is composed of students and graduates from more than 35 countries worldwide, our international teaching staff, our worldwide representative network and our partners in the international hotel and tourism industry. A warm welcome from our international family of students at HTMi �..

Anna Kleyner, Ukraine, MBA in Hospitality Management, 2006

The founders of HTMi have established a center of excellence in higher education and practice. HTMi has good study facilities for students including: 24 hour internet facility, access to online libraries, computerized classrooms. Teachers are very keen on dealing with students and I really appreciate it. The medium of instruction in the University is English, i.e. all verbal and written class work, assignments, and practical work is carried out in English. (The only exceptions to this are the language courses). Also, they reflect Swiss culture. By the way, I met a lot of friends from different cultures throughout the world and I experienced adopting inter-cultural practices. I recommend HTMi to everyone.

Cihan Soyhan, Turkey, Certificate in International Hotel and Tourism Operations, 2006

HTMi offers high quality academic programmes. The academic staff is really nice and helpful to students. They have an excellent theoretical background. Besides, concerning hospitality industry, practice is very important. During our studies, we practice all departments of the hotel. HTMi enables me to gain practical experience while learning theory. In addition, HTMi offers variety kinds of internship opportunities in Switzerland or abroad. There is a safe and clean environment to study and enjoy. Furthermore, HTMi has good leisure and relaxation facilities including swimming pool, sauna, student bar, gym/fitness centre, basketball, pool, TVs in all bedrooms. I really like being in Switzerland and in a place like HTMi.

Kutay Bezirci, Turkey, MBA in Hospitality Management, 2006

HTMi is located in one of the beautiful parts of Switzerland, the town of Soerenberg. It is really good to study in a safe and peaceful environment. The school has a good educational infrastructure, including computer facilities with 24 hour-wireless Internet connection. Besides, it has very good accommodation facilities to relax. In order to do sports, we have a swimming pool in one of the hotels; tennis courts, basketball fields, gym, and other areas for sports outside the hotels. Soerenberg is a ski resort that is why, during winter, there are excellent facilities and activities for skiing and snowboarding. I recommend HTMi.

Liao Shih Ting, Taiwan, Certificate in International Hotel and Tourism Operations, 2006

The first image when I arrived Switzerland, was beautiful white snow and then I saw how pretty this school is.

HTMi is a high quality study environment reflecting the best qualities of safe, beautiful and rich culture of Swiss life. This is the most impressive attraction for loving HTMi.

I am doing the certificate course this year. We learned about not only the theory of hospitality, but also service and kitchen practical experience.I learned a lot from it,including communication and professional attitude with people. I was surprised that when I went for my first try-out in

the hotel for my internship, I was able to use everything the school has been teaching us, for example, setting the tables and the way of serving.

The school has students from all over the world, it contains very rich cultural atmosphere. I learned a lot about other different cultures. I have very pleasant experiences to study and work with friends and the strong teamwork experience which is central to hospitality management.

Ting-Ting, Liao Shi Ting

Jenaro Samos Rojas, Bolivia, Certificate in International Hotel and Tourism Operations, 2006

I am so proud to study in HTMi School. I am doing the first course now that is certificate, and I want to express myself about this school. I arrived here at the end of January and a person encharged to pick up the students from the Zurich airport went to pick me up, then he took me to the school, since that time until now many events happened. The studies here are very hard in all the subjects that I have, but you can achieve a lot of knowledge in the hospitality industry. Also you are going to find friendly people in the HTMi School, teachers, students, etc. After the academic semester is finished, the school is going to find a place where you can do internship and improve your knowledge that you have learned before. Also in HTMi, students at certificate level have service and kitchen practical training to improve them to be better in the hospitality and tourism field. For all of those reasons is why that I want to say that I think HTMi School, is one of the best in Switzerland and around the world.

Vanessa Xing, China, Higher Diploma in International Hotel and Tourism Management 2006

I am the third year student in HTMi from China, and in this moment I am doing higher diploma course. I am glad to see our school become more and more nice, regarding for the staff in school, the facility in school, the quality about the student resource, the surrounding, everything is fantastic. For the following training, I will go to a restaurant where I was working before.

During the next semester I am very happy to hear about more and more improvements and I can enjoy these when I do my BA degree course. In the new HTMi in Soerenberg it should be Thanks for all the help for my higher diploma semester.

Best wishes to all.

Sincerely: Vanessa Xing

Yuwadee Charoensak, Thailand, MBA in Hospitality, Management 2006

I really like HTMi. The teachers are professional. I learn a lot from them. People here are so nice and friendly. The environment is so beautiful and is a good place to study. During my MBA course, I have met many good friends here so I feel like here is my home. I have a good room, good food, and good amenity and so on.

I am also amazed by the lovely environments around the school, amazing mountains views, skiing activities and much more. That makes me feel really comfortable to be in our school. I think HTMi is one of the greatest hotel schools in Switzerland. I am proud to be one of the students here.

Alina Belayeva, Latvia, Certificate in International Hotel and Tourism Operations, 2006

My name is Alina Belayeva. I am a student from Latvia. That is my first course in this school, the Certificate course. I’m studying here from January 28 2006 and I have only great impressions of HTMi School. For me it was really new to know, that in this school all students and teachers are like a family. The atmosphere here is very warm and friendly. The education system is very interesting, exciting and you can feel that you will have really good opportunity for future career. I can see that all students who are studying here know what to do, and what they want. They know exactly the goal of their life. I’m very happy that I’m here. HTMi School is the best thing what I have had in my life.

Stanislav Pererodin, Russia, Certificate in International Hotel and Tourism Operations, 2006

My name is Stanislav Pererodin. I am from Russia. I want to tell you briefly, what HTMi is. HTMi has a fine organisation, and a professional teacher’s structure. The school is in a wonderful place in the center of the Alps. Everyone here studies and trains in our hotels. You get many friends from different countries. Here training and practice, happen simultaneously. In my opinion this is the Moscow State University equivalent in Switzerland, very good! I know precisely that after graduation the diploma from HTMi opens doors in many companies. If you have a big interest in HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT, and you see yourself in it, then this is the place for helping you to become an expert.

Adrian Cho, Korea, Higher Diploma in International Hotel and Tourism Management 2006

I am a student in HTMi doing the Higher Diploma course at the moment. I find the school as one of the leading Hotel schools in Switzerland and also quite beneficial for students coming to study here. This is the reason why this school has been growing rapidly year by year, at an enormous percentage of development. This School will lead you not only to be a manager but also to be an effective person in this Hospitality industry. With world-wide certified accreditations, staff members, lecturers and talented students, I believe that these factors will create positive synergy effects to develop the school to be one of the best hotel management schools in the world in the future.

Best Regards,

Adrian from HD

Kesuma Pahlufi, Indonesia, MBA in Hospitality Management 2006

I, Kesuma, am really impressed by HTMi. I am really proud of being a student of this lovely school. The first day I arrived I felt like I was in my home, with the warm and friendly teachers, lovely friends, great environment, wonderful place surrounded by snowing mountains. The other things that made feel so comfortable are great friends that I have. They come from various countries and all of them are like brothers and sisters.

I am taking the MBA Hospitality management course in HTMi, and it is the first group of students to do this course as well as the first hotel school in Switzerland that provides an internship internationally or in Switzerland. The course is interesting and the content is comprehensive. It is taught by professional and qualified teachers and all of them are really helpful and generous.

My message for HTMi students before I leave this school is show the best, be the best, show the world that great hoteliers could come from this school and who knows that someday a hotel tycoon will be one of the HTMi graduates.

Cheers

Kesuma

Julia Osmanova, Black Sea Region, Higher Diploma in International Hotel and Tourism Management 2006

Coming to study in HTMi was the hardest and the best decision in my life. Compared to the Russian education system the advantage of Swiss Hotel Management Schools is the possibility to use new knowledge in practice in training classes and to see on campus how your future job will be.

I started HTMi with the Diploma course and now I have decided to reach the last step - the MBA degree. I am glad with my choice and happy to do my internship in Switzerland, the motherland of the Hotel and Tourism Management Industry.

I want to thank all people in HTMi who are helping me to become a manager.

My advice to all students: take advantage of today and do the best for your future career. Welcome to HTMi!

Best regards, Julia

Jay Anandou, India, Postgraduate Diploma in International Hotel and Tourism Management

Dear Friends,

It is quite fascinating to turn back and look at what I was doing a year ago in India and what I am now and what lays ahead for me in the future. I don抰 have enough words of gratitude when I try to tell others about my experience in HTMi. When I came to Switzerland, HTMi, I had no Hospitality background and I had no idea of the industry. I joined in PGD class. I did fairly well with the blessings and support of the wonderful lecturers we have. Because taking my attitude and constant improvisation I was offered a very good internship. With the dynamic leadership of HTMi Principal, I experienced on Campus Recruitment and Companies like Hyatt, Intercontinental, Hilton and Walt Disney (USA), came to visit us… The results were amazing, not only for me but also for many who attended the interviews. Now HTMi has proved beyond doubt that she can produce world class graduates and provide tremendous opportunities for students like me who are new to hospitality management, like me. Now after 6 months of academics and 6 months of internship training, I have job offers from Hyatt (Dubai) and Walt Disney (USA). I attribute this to all the Staff of HTMi who have shaped and molded each one of the students to achieve and realise their future goals. I owe a lot to HTMi. I salute you.

Love to HTMi Jay

Lucy Nguyen, Vietnam, Certificate in International Hotel and Tourism Operations, 2006

Hi, my English name is Lucy. I come from Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. I went to Switzerland to study in HTMi School. I think HTMi is a good school. HTMi is a school in Soerenberg, where the environment is very clean and quiet. The views are very beautiful with white snow in the winter and colourful landscape in the summer. When I came here I felt very curious. I have my personal life here. I can do everything I like which is within the school rules. I have the chance to study with friendly teachers and practice skills through my operational duties and training. You also have the opportunity here to be learning multi cultural skills because you study with people from different countries. Once you join in HTMi, you will have a special feeling

Lucy.

Elizabeth Pichardo, Dominican Republic, Certificate in International Hotel and Tourism Operations, 2005

My name is Elizabeth Pichardo.

I moved to Switzerland to pursue my Hotel Management education in HTMi Sörenberg Switzerland. I have been in Switzerland now for 9 months and have completed my first year and I am looking forward to do my Diploma Course in HTMi.

I very much enjoyed my first year in Sörenberg, as I like the surroundings and very peaceful atmosphere. I think this is the perfect place to pursue and study for my education. But besides the study, I had a lot of fun and I found a lot of friends from all over the world.

Right now I am in my fifth month of internship. I am doing practical training in Hotel Postillon in Luzern as a position in service, which has turned out to be very challenging.

Dear HTMi,

After HTMi I joined Disneyland Paris in Sales and Marketing management and then moved onwards to Marriott. Just like a roller coaster in Disney, life has its ups and downs; it goes through dark tunnels and through marvelous landscapes, through dangerous loops and easy swings. My ride started in Bulgaria and on to America, passing by Switzerland, and currently spinning through France. HTMi, my Swiss experience, has been my stepping stone to the hospitality industry. I realize that the key aspects of professional behaviour, effective time management, and strict discipline are crucial qualities when joining an international multi- unit company.

Marriott happened to recruit me at the newly opened Marriott Vacation Club at

Euro Disney in Paris. Since joining HTMi, I have strengthened my spirit and personality and I have been motivated more than ever to realize my career dreams. Marriott, one of the worlds largest hotel chains, provides numerous life-changing possibilities for ambitious and prosperous students. Keep it up HTMi comrades and go for your dreams, you deserve it!

Tinka Kukushlieva

Swiss Difference

noreply@blogger.com (Harry) — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 12:48:00 +0000

Switzerland, the pioneer country in hotel management education and training has more than a century of history in preparing world leaders for the hotel business. Although the tourism industry from the late 19th century through the years during and after World War Two was not active on a large scale, being available only for the rich and wealthy, today it has become the largest economic factor in the world.

The Difference ? The Swiss hotel schools became famous due to the mixture of practical and theoretical education and training, through their dedication to professionalism and discipline in a multicultural environment. Joining a Swiss hotel school, means joining something like the United Nations of hoteliers. Most of the schools have a large variety of nationalities and races among their student bodies. The Faculty are well-experienced international hotel professionals as well as highly distinguished professors from business and general

education fields. Technical installations for practical training are ‘five star’ quality and IT and theory classrooms meet world-class standards. Students cannot graduate from the Swiss schools without having completed some practical work experience in a hotel or restaurant. These practical training periods vary from 6 months to one year and usually take place in the Swiss hospitality industry.

This is not the case with hotel management schools in other countries in the world. Often hospitality management degrees are offered at the larger universities. These programs generally lack the professional component and practical training. In other countries one can find excellent hotel schools preparing students to become chefs, headwaiters and rooms division managers. Those schools lack the management and academic side.

for enrollment email at bopssinfo@gmail.com

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Introduction

noreply@blogger.com (Harry) — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 12:35:00 +0000

A Hotel Management Qualification

The hospitality industry has been claimed to be people centric industry, where its management success and failure revolves around the Management of people, particular interaction between guests and staff. There is an indicator, which acknowledges the success or failure of such organizations, it is the high level of skills and training of the staff that work in such an industry.

Educational programs for hotel management is not only a career choice but also a fruitful experience. This is evident if one considers the wide range of topics that students are learning in the hospitality programs. Starting from front office operations, accounting management, food and beverage,marketing,human resources and tourism. Inevitably such a diversity of topics makes the learning process for a hotel management diploma, degree a rewarding experience. Students that are joining such programs will benefit not only of having a qualification hut also of obtaining a wide range of knowledge across different disciplines.

Ambition & values

Often when students are graduating from a hotel management degree or diploma program will say that they will like to become hotel general managers. Their reason is purely on the ambition that they have to succeed as well as of the values that they obtain while they were studying for such qualifications. What is critical here is that an educational program needs to build these ambitions of the students from a qualified faculty that they are in a cutting edge of the industry or academia. Students will then look up to their educators that they gain while they are studying a broad range of topics.

On a day to day basis in a hotel environment, decisions often need to be made fast. Those decisions can involve anything from purchasing new equipment up to training the staff Hotel Managers without any prior knowledge of such topics will often make a mistake or a bad decision that will cost the operation not only in financial terms but most importantly in reputation. How many times we hear stories or cases of things that did not go well and how many times we learn from the hospitality industry that failures occurred because of a lack of knowledge of the market that they were going to invest.

Cultural awareness & Knowledge of the global market

In turn, what educational programs for a hotel management qualification do offer are cultural awareness as well as knowledge of the global market. While students are studying for such qualification they obtain knowledge of the hotel markets across the globe, which in turn helps them to seek employment in any part of the world.

A career in the Hotel Industry

Overall, studying for a hotel management qualification is a rewarding experience not only for the reasons that were mentioned above, but also because it opens the doors to a career in the hotel industry. As the industry grows in terms of its economic importance so do the programs that they do offer education for such a career. What it is important for a successful career in such an industry is that the choice of such program needs to be right. Inevitably, educational programs need to reflect the changes in the global market and they need to be updated regularly so that student will gain an insight of the industry while they are studying.

As a result, a good education program in a hotel management will make students, professional managers embodied with the spirit of teamwork, the spirit of Solidarity and the service of service. Hotel Bookings

for admissions to HTMi.email us at bopssinfo@gmail.com