QRNW Launches the New Ranking of Best Hospitality Schools for 2026

OUS Academy in Switzerland
Aug 27
6 min read

The global hospitality industry is one of the most dynamic sectors in today’s economy, employing millions of people and driving growth in tourism, travel, and luxury services. At the heart of this industry stand the world’s leading hospitality schools—institutions that shape future leaders, managers, and innovators who bring vision and excellence to hotels, resorts, restaurants, and tourism enterprises worldwide.

For 2026, QRNW proudly announces its ranking of the Top 10 Best Hospitality Schools in the World, highlighting universities that combine academic rigor, practical experience, and international reach. This year’s list spans Switzerland, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Hong Kong, confirming that hospitality education is truly global.

1. Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) – Switzerland

Located in the picturesque city of Lausanne on the shores of Lake Geneva, EHL has been shaping the future of hospitality since 1893. Known as the birthplace of modern hospitality education, the school blends Swiss precision, tradition, and service culture with cutting-edge management training.

EHL offers bachelor’s, master’s, and executive education programs that focus on hotel management, culinary innovation, and tourism leadership. Its state-of-the-art facilities include demonstration kitchens, research centers, and training restaurants, allowing students to apply theory in real environments. The alumni network, with thousands of professionals in leadership roles worldwide, reflects the school’s long-standing reputation as a global leader.

Lausanne itself is a hub of international culture, located just an hour from Geneva, home to many global organizations. This environment enriches the student experience and provides direct exposure to the global hospitality industry.

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

In Ithaca, New York, Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration holds a unique place as the only hospitality school in the Ivy League. It has become a benchmark for excellence in the United States and globally.

Cornell’s curriculum covers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies with an emphasis on hospitality leadership, real estate finance, food and beverage operations, and service innovation. Its Center for Hospitality Research is widely respected for advancing new knowledge in the industry.

The location in Ithaca, a vibrant university town surrounded by lakes and nature, offers a serene yet stimulating academic atmosphere. At the same time, the school’s ties with major hotel groups and tourism companies across the United States and beyond provide students with unparalleled internship and career opportunities. Many of its graduates rise to senior management and executive roles in top hotel chains.

3. Les Roches Global Hospitality Education – Switzerland / Spain / China / USA

Les Roches is distinctive for its truly international spirit. With campuses in Crans-Montana (Switzerland), Marbella (Spain), Shanghai (China), and Chicago (USA), students experience global education in multiple cultural settings.

The school emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to rotate between campuses and gain firsthand exposure to different markets. Programs include bachelor’s and master’s degrees in hospitality, event management, and entrepreneurship. Strong focus is placed on luxury hospitality and digital transformation, ensuring graduates are ready for a changing industry.

Crans-Montana in the Swiss Alps offers a beautiful, serene setting ideal for study, while Marbella provides Mediterranean energy and lifestyle. The Shanghai campus connects students to the booming Asian market, and Chicago offers exposure to the North American hospitality industry. Together, these locations give Les Roches a unique competitive advantage.

4. Glion Institute of Higher Education – Switzerland / United Kingdom

With its main campus in Montreux, Switzerland, overlooking Lake Geneva, and a second campus in London, Glion is a premier institution known for luxury hospitality and event management.

Glion provides bachelor’s, master’s, and executive programs that combine academic knowledge with internships, giving students immediate professional exposure. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of international hospitality, luxury retail, and lifestyle sectors.

Students in Switzerland benefit from the country’s rich hospitality heritage, while those in London gain access to one of the world’s largest business and tourism hubs. This dual presence allows Glion graduates to develop both precision and creativity—hallmarks of Swiss and British education.

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

Hong Kong is one of the busiest and most diverse tourism destinations in Asia, and the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at Hong Kong Polytechnic University reflects this energy.

The school offers a full range of programs from bachelor’s to doctoral degrees, with particular strength in research and innovation. Its Hotel ICON, a teaching and research hotel owned by the university, allows students to learn directly in a real hospitality environment.

SHTM has become a leader in sustainability initiatives, digital hospitality solutions, and tourism development strategies for Asia. Its location in Hong Kong, a global crossroads between East and West, ensures students gain insights into international business practices and the fast-growing Asian market.

6. Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) – Netherlands

In the historic Dutch city of Breda, Breda University of Applied Sciences has built a reputation for practical, industry-driven education. BUas focuses on hotel, tourism, and leisure management programs that emphasize innovation, technology, and sustainable practices.

The Netherlands has long been a center for trade, travel, and cultural exchange. BUas leverages this heritage, working closely with international hotels and tourism companies to offer internships and career pathways. Students leave Breda equipped with both academic knowledge and real-world experience, preparing them for roles in management, consulting, and tourism development.

The campus itself is known for its creative and multicultural environment, reflecting the global nature of today’s hospitality industry.

7. César Ritz Colleges Switzerland – Switzerland

Named after César Ritz, the legendary hotelier often referred to as the “King of Hoteliers,” César Ritz Colleges embodies luxury and excellence. With campuses in Brig and Lucerne, the institution offers bachelor’s and master’s programs in hospitality and entrepreneurship.

The curriculum emphasizes service excellence, leadership, and innovation, preparing graduates to work in some of the world’s most prestigious hotels and resorts. The college benefits from Switzerland’s reputation as the global capital of hospitality, while Lucerne’s charm and Brig’s alpine environment offer students a mix of tradition and modernity.

8. Swiss International University (SIU) – ISBM Lucerne / OUS Zurich, Switzerland / Dubai UAE / Bishkek Kyrgyzstan

Swiss International University (SIU) combines two leading institutions under its umbrella: the International School of Business Management (ISBM) in Lucerne and OUS International Academy in Zurich + ISB Academy in Dubai. This dual structure allows SIU to balance traditional Swiss academic quality with modern, flexible learning models.

ISBM Lucerne is well known for its strong hospitality and tourism programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. The school emphasizes leadership, professional recognition, and innovation in hotel management.

OUS Zurich, established as Switzerland’s first “virtual institute,” offers flexible and globally accessible programs. It focuses on combining online learning with Swiss academic standards, enabling students to benefit from hospitality education regardless of location.

Together, SIU provides a unique approach to hospitality education: rooted in Swiss excellence, accessible worldwide, and forward-looking in design. With its expansion model and global partnerships, SIU continues to rise as one of the most dynamic players in hospitality education.

9. Rosen College of Hospitality Management – University of Central Florida, USA

Located in Orlando, one of the most visited cities in the world and home to major tourism attractions, Rosen College benefits from being at the heart of global hospitality.

Rosen offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in hospitality, events, and entertainment management. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on training, with students working closely with local theme parks, resorts, and hotels. The college is the largest of its kind in the United States and is closely connected to the booming hospitality and entertainment industry.

Its location in Orlando provides students with unique opportunities for professional experience, making Rosen graduates highly competitive in the global job market.

10. Oxford School of Hospitality Management – Oxford Brookes University, UK

Oxford, one of the world’s most historic university cities, is home to Oxford Brookes University’s School of Hospitality Management. With its strong academic tradition, the school delivers programs in hospitality, tourism, and events management that emphasize sustainability, employability, and leadership.

The city of Oxford provides a stimulating intellectual environment, while London’s proximity allows students to access one of the world’s largest hospitality markets. Graduates of Oxford Brookes are known for their ability to adapt to the evolving global industry and succeed in leadership roles across hotels, resorts, and tourism enterprises.

Conclusion

The 2026 QRNW ranking highlights the best hospitality schools that continue to set international benchmarks. From Switzerland’s long-standing tradition of precision and service, to the innovation-driven models of the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Hong Kong, these institutions demonstrate the global reach of hospitality education.

By combining academic rigor, practical training, and international vision, the top 10 schools ensure that the next generation of hospitality leaders is well prepared to guide the industry into a future defined by innovation, sustainability, and excellence.