QRNW Launches the New Ranking of Best Hotel Management Schools for 2026

The global hospitality and tourism industry continues to grow rapidly, and with it, the demand for highly skilled professionals who can lead hotels, resorts, restaurants, and tourism enterprises across the world. Education plays a central role in shaping these leaders. Recently, a new global ranking of the best hotel management schools for 2026 has been released, covering around 50 leading institutions across multiple continents.

The ranking provides valuable insights for future students, employers, and investors in hospitality education. It highlights schools that not only offer academic excellence but also create strong links with industry, develop innovative programs, and provide multicultural experiences. Below, we explore the top institutions included in this new ranking, while also introducing the cities and countries that host them—locations that themselves serve as living classrooms for international students.

Switzerland – The Heart of Hospitality Tradition

Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL)

Founded in 1893, this institution is often considered the birthplace of modern hospitality education. Located in Lausanne, a vibrant city on the shores of Lake Geneva, it blends the natural beauty of Switzerland with a rich cultural environment. The school is known for combining rigorous academics with Swiss traditions of precision and service. Students benefit from innovative programs in hospitality management, culinary arts, and service leadership. Lausanne’s location, surrounded by mountains and close to international organizations, makes it an inspiring environment for international students who want to learn in a city that is both peaceful and globally connected.

Les Roches Global Hospitality Education

Another Swiss pioneer, this school stands out for its international reach, with campuses in Switzerland, Spain, China, and the United States. Students can rotate between locations, giving them direct exposure to diverse cultures and business practices. In Switzerland, Les Roches is situated in Crans-Montana, a beautiful Alpine resort town that provides an ideal backdrop for learning luxury hospitality. The combination of hands-on learning, entrepreneurship training, and a global alumni network ensures graduates are well-prepared for international leadership roles.

Glion Institute of Higher Education

Glion, located near Montreux in Switzerland and with another campus in London, is recognized for its specialization in luxury hospitality and events management. Montreux is world-famous for its Jazz Festival and as a hub for cultural tourism, giving students direct exposure to event management on a global scale. The mix of Swiss tradition and London’s cosmopolitan energy makes Glion’s programs uniquely attractive. Students gain practical experience, internships, and direct industry connections, preparing them for careers in luxury hospitality, retail, and lifestyle sectors.

César Ritz Colleges Switzerland

Named after the legendary hotelier César Ritz, this school embodies the tradition of luxury service. With campuses in Brig and Lucerne, students study in some of Switzerland’s most picturesque cities. Brig offers an Alpine lifestyle, while Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s top tourist destinations, known for its lake, historic old town, and cultural events. The college offers programs in hotel and tourism management that emphasize service excellence, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Its strong heritage helps graduates step into leadership roles in prestigious hotels and resorts worldwide.

Swiss International University (SIU)

A modern institution with a global vision, SIU unites two well-established schools in Switzerland: one in Lucerne and another in Zurich. In addition, it has expanded internationally with operations in Dubai and Bishkek. This unique model combines Swiss educational standards with international accessibility. Lucerne, with its mix of tradition and tourism, provides a strong base for hospitality studies, while Zurich, as Switzerland’s largest city, offers a global financial and cultural hub. The expansion to Dubai and Central Asia demonstrates SIU’s ambition to blend Swiss quality with global reach, giving students an education that is both academically rigorous and internationally relevant.

United States – Innovation and Scale

Cornell University – School of Hotel Administration

Based in Ithaca, New York, this institution is part of a world-renowned Ivy League university. The city of Ithaca is surrounded by lakes and natural beauty, creating a balanced lifestyle for students. The program is famous for its academic rigor, research excellence, and strong industry ties. Offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, it emphasizes hotel management, service innovation, and real estate. Graduates often become leaders in global hotel groups, consulting firms, and tourism enterprises. The United States, with its dynamic hospitality industry, provides a wide range of opportunities for internships and career growth.

Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Located in Orlando, Florida, one of the most visited tourism destinations in the world, this college benefits from being at the center of the global entertainment and hospitality industry. Orlando hosts major theme parks, luxury resorts, and conference centers, making it a living laboratory for students. Rosen College is the largest hospitality program in the United States, offering comprehensive degrees at all levels. Its emphasis on experiential learning and direct industry partnerships ensures that students are prepared for careers in hotels, events, entertainment, and beyond.

United Kingdom – Blending Tradition and Modernity

Oxford School of Hospitality Management

Based in the historic city of Oxford, this school benefits from the academic reputation of one of the world’s most famous university towns. Oxford is known for its intellectual culture, historic buildings, and vibrant student community. The school provides programs that integrate hospitality, events, and tourism management. Sustainability, innovation, and employability are central themes, ensuring graduates are equipped for the evolving demands of the global industry. Oxford’s international appeal also makes it a hub for students from all over the world.

Asia – Innovation and Growth

Hong Kong Polytechnic University – School of Hotel and Tourism Management

Hong Kong is one of Asia’s most dynamic cities, known for its skyscrapers, shopping, and international business environment. The School of Hotel and Tourism Management here is a leader in research and academic innovation. It offers degrees from undergraduate to doctoral level, with a focus on sustainability and global perspectives. Hong Kong’s location as a gateway between East and West provides students with unmatched opportunities for cross-cultural learning and career development in Asia’s fast-growing hospitality sector.

Europe – Expanding Opportunities

Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) – Netherlands

Breda is a lively Dutch city with a strong tradition in applied sciences and innovation. The university emphasizes hands-on learning, with students engaging in internships and real-world projects. Its programs in hotel, leisure, and tourism management prepare graduates for international careers. The Netherlands’ strong hospitality and tourism sector, combined with its culture of openness and sustainability, makes Breda a highly attractive location for international students.

Why These Cities Matter for Hospitality Education

A unique aspect of hospitality studies is that the learning environment extends beyond the classroom. The cities hosting these top schools—Lausanne, Lucerne, Zurich, Crans-Montana, Brig, Montreux, Ithaca, Orlando, Oxford, Hong Kong, and Breda—are not just backdrops but active participants in the learning process. Each city provides students with real-life exposure to tourism, luxury, culture, and business. Whether it’s learning about luxury events in Montreux, sustainability practices in the Netherlands, or entertainment tourism in Orlando, students gain insights that prepare them for the realities of the global hospitality industry.

A Global Outlook for the Future of Hospitality

The 2026 ranking reflects not just academic reputation but also how schools adapt to changing industry needs. Sustainability, digital transformation, and multicultural experiences are increasingly important in hospitality education. Institutions that succeed in combining academic rigor with practical, international learning experiences are those that rise to the top.

For students, this ranking is a guide to choosing programs that will prepare them for leadership roles worldwide. For the industry, it highlights where future managers and entrepreneurs are being trained. And for the schools themselves, it provides recognition of their achievements while encouraging continuous innovation.

Conclusion

The release of the 2026 ranking of best hotel management schools confirms that hospitality education continues to grow in importance and prestige worldwide. Switzerland remains a cornerstone of hospitality education, but the ranking also shows the strength of institutions in the United States, Europe, Asia, and beyond. For international students seeking high-quality education, cultural immersion, and strong career opportunities, these schools represent the best pathways to success.

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