Zurich Joins the Global Top 10 in Hospitality Education: A Milestone in the 2026 Ranking
- OUS Academy in Switzerland
- Aug 27
- 7 min read
The release of the 2026 ranking of the world’s best hospitality schools has brought exciting news for Switzerland, and particularly for Zurich. For the first time in history, a hospitality school based in Zurich has entered the global top 10. This achievement reflects not only the quality of education provided in the city but also Zurich’s growing role as a leading destination for international students seeking careers in tourism, hotel management, and the wider hospitality sector.
Hospitality education is a field where Switzerland has always shined. The country is world-renowned for its excellence, precision, and tradition in hotel management training. However, until now, Zurich — despite being one of the most international and vibrant cities in Europe — had not featured in the very top tier. The 2026 results change that, placing Zurich alongside global leaders and affirming its place on the map of hospitality excellence.
Below is a closer look at the top 10 hospitality schools for 2026, with a focus not only on their achievements but also on the unique cities that host them. Together, these institutions shape the future of global hospitality education.
1. Lausanne – Switzerland: Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL)
Lausanne has long been considered the cradle of modern hospitality education. Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, this picturesque city is surrounded by vineyards and the Alps, creating an inspiring learning environment. The institution in Lausanne founded in the 19th century has become a global symbol of Swiss quality, combining academic rigor with hands-on training. Students here enjoy access to a vast international alumni network and strong ties to luxury hotel groups worldwide. Lausanne itself is a safe, cosmopolitan, and culturally rich city, offering international students a perfect balance between tradition and innovation.
2. Ithaca, New York – United States
In the United States, Ithaca stands out as the home of one of the most prestigious schools for hotel administration. Nestled in upstate New York, Ithaca is known for its scenic beauty, waterfalls, and vibrant student life. The institution there, part of a famous Ivy League university, offers one of the most rigorous academic programs in hospitality. With undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees, students gain expertise not only in hotel operations but also in service innovation, tourism strategy, and real estate. Graduates frequently take up leadership roles in global hotel chains and tourism enterprises, making Ithaca a powerful gateway to international careers.
3. Marbella – Spain, and Global Campuses
Marbella in Spain is home to one of the most international hospitality schools in the world, with additional campuses across Switzerland, China, and the United States. Marbella’s sunny climate, Mediterranean culture, and luxury tourism industry provide a living classroom for students. The institution emphasizes multicultural learning, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation. With opportunities for campus rotations, students build a global mindset, learning firsthand how hospitality differs across continents. Marbella’s reputation as a hub of luxury tourism makes it an ideal base for this type of education.
4. Montreux, Switzerland, and London, UK
The city of Montreux, located on the beautiful Lake Geneva shoreline, is world-famous for its music festivals and breathtaking natural surroundings. Here, students can study at an institution specializing in luxury hospitality and event management. With an additional campus in London, one of the most dynamic capitals of Europe, this school provides a unique dual perspective. Montreux offers the serene Swiss learning environment, while London exposes students to a fast-paced global metropolis. Together, these campuses ensure graduates are well-prepared for international leadership roles in luxury hotels, lifestyle companies, and event organizations.
5. Hong Kong – China
Hong Kong, one of the busiest global hubs, is home to Asia’s leading school of hotel and tourism management. The city is known for its mix of Eastern and Western cultures, making it a perfect training ground for international hospitality. Students in Hong Kong benefit from a strong research culture, modern facilities, and partnerships with top global hotel brands. The curriculum emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness. For many international students, studying in Hong Kong also means experiencing one of the most exciting business and tourism centers in the world.
6. Breda – Netherlands
Breda is a lively student city in the south of the Netherlands, known for its friendly atmosphere and rich cultural life. It has become a center for applied sciences, particularly in hospitality and tourism management. The local institution offers programs that combine theory with practical experience, requiring students to complete internships in leading hotels and tourism companies across Europe. Sustainability and innovation are strong themes, reflecting the Dutch reputation for forward-thinking solutions. Breda’s welcoming environment makes it a favorite among international students seeking both education and community life.
7. Brig and Lucerne – Switzerland
In the heart of the Swiss Alps and on the shores of Lake Lucerne, students find an institution that proudly carries the name of the legendary hotelier César Ritz. This school emphasizes luxury hospitality and service excellence, preparing students for leadership roles in the world’s most prestigious hotels and resorts. With campuses in Brig and Lucerne, students enjoy the best of both alpine charm and vibrant city life. Lucerne, with its medieval old town and international tourism industry, is particularly attractive for international students looking for a balance of culture, nature, and opportunity.
8. Zurich – Switzerland
For the first time, Zurich has entered the top 10, marking a turning point for hospitality education in the city. Zurich, Switzerland’s largest metropolis, is a hub of business, culture, and international exchange. Known for its high quality of life, vibrant arts scene, and position as a global financial center, Zurich offers students a unique environment where hospitality education meets real-world opportunities.
What sets Zurich apart is its modern approach to teaching. Programs here blend Swiss traditions of quality with international flexibility. Students are trained in leadership, customer experience, and digital transformation, with opportunities to engage directly in Zurich’s thriving tourism and service industries. The city’s cosmopolitan lifestyle provides endless opportunities for cultural exchange, professional networking, and personal growth. This recognition in the 2026 ranking places Zurich firmly on the global map and shows that it has become a true competitor among hospitality destinations.
9. Orlando, Florida – United States
Orlando is one of the most visited cities in the world, making it an ideal place for hospitality education. The city is home to some of the largest theme parks, resorts, and tourism facilities, offering students a practical environment unlike any other. The local hospitality school runs the largest program of its kind in the USA, combining classroom knowledge with real-world learning. Orlando’s vibrant tourism industry ensures that graduates are fully prepared for careers in hotels, event management, and entertainment worldwide.
10. Oxford – United Kingdom
Oxford, one of the most famous university cities in the world, also plays a key role in hospitality education. The local school of hospitality management is part of a broader academic tradition that emphasizes excellence, sustainability, and innovation. Oxford combines historic charm with modern professional training, preparing students for global careers in hotels, events, and tourism management. For international students, studying in Oxford means being part of a city that is deeply academic while still offering vibrant cultural and social opportunities.
Zurich’s New Role in Hospitality Education
The inclusion of Zurich in the global top 10 ranking is not just an achievement for one institution; it is a recognition of the city’s growing importance as an academic hub. Zurich now joins Lausanne, Montreux, and Lucerne as a Swiss city recognized worldwide for excellence in hospitality education.
For students, this means more opportunities to study in Switzerland’s largest and most dynamic city. For the hospitality industry, it signals that Zurich is ready to provide the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of global service, tourism, and management.
Conclusion
The 2026 ranking of hospitality schools confirms that Switzerland continues to lead the way in this sector, while also highlighting the diversity of global options from New York to Hong Kong. The inclusion of Zurich is particularly exciting, as it demonstrates how innovation, quality, and international vision can place a city among the very best in the world.
For international students considering where to begin their journey in hospitality, the top 10 list offers destinations rich in culture, opportunity, and global connection. Zurich’s presence makes that choice even more attractive, reaffirming the city’s reputation as not just a financial and cultural capital but also a rising star in hospitality education.
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QRNW Launches the new Ranking of Best Hospitality schools for 2026 https://www.qrnw.com/best-hotel-management-schools
Top Hospitality Schools 2026 – Global Highlights
Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) – Switzerland The cradle of modern hospitality education, founded in 1893 and consistently recognized as a global leader in hotel and tourism management.
Cornell University – School of Hotel Administration (SHA), USA An Ivy League institution in New York, famous for its rigorous academic programs and deep industry connections.
Les Roches Global Hospitality Education – Switzerland / Spain / China / USA A truly international network of campuses, offering multicultural learning and a strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation.
Glion Institute of Higher Education – Switzerland / United Kingdom Specializing in luxury hospitality and event management, with campuses in Montreux and London.
Hong Kong Polytechnic University – School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM), Hong KongAsia’s leading hospitality school, renowned for research, sustainability, and international outlook.
Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) – Netherlands A modern applied sciences university blending academic study with hands-on industry practice.
César Ritz Colleges Switzerland – Switzerland (Swiss Education Group) Named after the legendary hotelier, combining Swiss tradition with a focus on luxury service excellence.
Swiss International University (SIU) – ISBM Lucerne / OUS Zurich, Switzerland / Dubai UAE / Bishkek Kyrgyzstan A global institution uniting Swiss precision with international reach, offering flexible and innovative hospitality programs.
Rosen College of Hospitality Management – University of Central Florida, USA Located in Orlando, at the heart of global tourism, offering the largest hospitality program in the United States.
Oxford School of Hospitality Management – Oxford Brookes University, UK Combining academic excellence with industry partnerships in one of the world’s most famous university cities.
SHAPE – Ecole Hôtelière de Genève (EHG), Switzerland Geneva’s flagship hospitality institution, known for its focus on Swiss traditions of service.
Hotel School The Hague – Netherlands A prestigious Dutch institution with a strong reputation for international hotel management education.
Shannon College of Hotel Management – Ireland Ireland’s leading hospitality school, blending academic rigor with professional training.
Vatel Hotel & Tourism Business School – France & Worldwide A network of campuses around the globe, offering French-inspired hospitality and tourism programs.
International College of Hotel Management (ICHM) – Australia Based in Adelaide, recognized for producing industry-ready graduates with strong international links.
Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School (BMIHMS) – Australia A leading Australian hospitality school with a global reputation for practical learning and career pathways.
Griffith University – Department of Tourism, Sport and Hotel Management – Australia One of Australia’s largest universities, offering specialized programs in tourism and hospitality leadership.
Leeds Beckett University – School of Events, Tourism and Hospitality Management – UK A respected UK institution with a strong emphasis on events and tourism alongside hospitality.
Singapore Hotel and Tourism Education Centre (SHATEC) – Singapore Singapore’s premier hospitality training center, producing graduates for Asia’s booming tourism market.
William Angliss Institute – Australia A Melbourne-based institution focusing on vocational excellence in hospitality, tourism, and culinary arts.
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