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Oh, the places you’ll go… with a degree in hospitality!
Oh, the places you’ll go… with a degree in hospitality!
Places to visit, Switzerland excursions, and other adventures as a student at Swiss Hotel Management School, the best school to earn your tourism and hotel management degree.
For people who have feet that love to wander, a passion for people, or an eye for high style and luxury, studying at Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) is a great opportunity to embrace wanderlust and adventure. While studying in Switzerland, hospitality students have extensive opportunities to explore all of Europe between the time spent studying for a tourism and hotel management degree. And after graduation, a degree from SHMS opens the door to a wealth of international careers that cater to these yearnings of travel.
But of all the hospitality schools to choose from, why choose SHMS? It could be its legacy of hospitality excellence and a global reputation for a world-class education, or perhaps it's the QS ranking as the 3rd best hospitality school in the world. One big advantage is certainly the gorgeous location in Switzerland, right in the heart of Europe.
Switzerland has a rich history in hospitality, being the country that was best known for its Palace hotels throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, a golden age of luxury in Europe known as the Belle Époque. Train lines running along beautiful lakes and gorgeous views along the mountains ushered in tourists from around Europe, feeding the booming luxury tourism industry. As a result of this history, our students live and study in some of these former palace hotels of the Belle Époque. Not only do they live in hospitality history and experience both traditional and modern hospitality practices, they also get to experience first-hand why Switzerland became a tourism hotspot in the first place.
From east to west, Switzerland is essentially a tourist's playground, and incredibly few regions can rival the allure of the Swiss Riviera, where SHMS resides. Nestled between Lake Geneva and the majestic Swiss Alps, this area is a year-round haven for visitors. Though most people associate snow sports and cheese with Switzerland, for those in the know, summer is its best-kept secret. (And you can still eat cheese!)
Of all the places to visit, Switzerland has a few standout destinations in the Swiss Riviera, which offer an array of unforgettable experiences.
Leysin is a charming Alpine village best-known for its ski resort. Still, it is in fact, a year-round paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. (It also happens to be home to one of our two SHMS campuses.) Whether you love the idea of hiking like Heidi through lush meadows surrounded by breathtaking vistas, or you seek the adrenaline rush of exhilarating activities such as paragliding, downhill mountain biking, or traversing a via Ferrata, Leysin is your destination. Some famous sights to see in the area include hiking to the peak of the Berneuse for a breathtaking view. Known as the sunniest village in all of Switzerland, Leysin also hosts several events during the summer, including the Hautes Fréquences Festival, where attendees can enjoy open-air concerts of contemporary music in July and a Midsummer Festival in August.
Not too far away is Montreux, known as the "Pearl of the Swiss Riviera." Famous for its annual jazz festival in the summer and stunning lakeside promenade, Montreux is a cultural and natural delight. Did you know that the song Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple is about Montreux? Explore the legendary Chillon Castle, visit the Freddie Mercury Statue, or take a leisurely vintage steamboat cruise on Lake Geneva, where the panoramic views will leave you in awe. And if you want an even better view, we suggest you earn your degree in hospitality by enrolling in our Bachelor of Arts program, where you will study and live in Caux Palace, perched on the mountainside just above Montreux. SHMS students are a short train ride away from the center of Montreux, where they can experience restaurants, events, and the tourism life near their home away from home.
Nightlife at the Montreux Jazz Festival
For the romantic historian, Switzerland is teeming with caves, castles and convents to explore and lose yourself in the history of the region. The town of Martigny, east of Montreux, in the canton of Valais, is particularly rich in historical sites from the Roman and middle ages. While in Valais, you can also visit the underground lake of St Leonard, the old salt mines of Bex, or hiking the bisses of Valais.
In August, the Guinness Irish Festival is a popular annual music festival in Sion, drawing big names in Celtic rock and beyond. After the festival, you could relax with a visit to Les Bains de Saillon or Les Bains de Lavey, two beautiful public pools fed by naturally warm mountain spring water, where you can float away your stress and gaze up at the alps and stars.
West of Montreux, along the shore of Lake Geneva, are more idyllic towns to visit and explore. Our Gastronomes often wile away their spare time in the UNESCO-protected terraced vineyards of Lavaux, sipping Swiss wine , another secret of Switzerland. Only a few know that Switzerland produces exceptional wines because the Swiss tend to keep it for themselves, exporting very little. A Swiss rosé is also a perfect accompaniment with Swiss cheese and bread packed in a picnic destined for a hot summer day spent at one of the secret beaches along Lake Geneva.
Lovely beaches and lake access points line Lake Geneva making a great escape from the summer heat.
On a rainy day, the Nestle Alimentarium in Vevey, with a focus on all things food, is a popular way to spend the day when one has an interest in cuisine. From history and production, little-known facts, tips and tricks, and cooking demonstrations, this museum is a constant source of information and inspiration for students studying for a degree in hospitality. The Charlie Chaplin Museum, where the famous comedic actor retired, is also a popular destination in Vevey.
Those who love a more metropolitan vibe will find themselves further west along Lake Geneva, spending weekends in the hip clubs of Lausanne or the luxurious Rue du Rhône in Geneva, where the world's top luxury brands come together like the world’s countries of the United Nations (also located in Geneva), satisfying the shopping needs of the most elite consumers. And, If visiting the United Nations is of interest, you can Take a tour of the Palais des Nations and learn about the United Nations and their work in Geneva.
The list above is comprehensive, but not complete! SHMS offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience these incredible destinations first-hand. As a student, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant Swiss tourism industry while earning a tourism and hotel management degree. SHMS organizes exciting excursions, allowing you to explore all the top places to visit. Switzerland and other highlights of Europe are right at your doorstep. For example, Milan and Lyon are just 3-4 hours away by car or train, easy for a weekend getaway! From hiking in the Swiss Alps to exploring the bustling cities of Paris or Rome, the possibilities are endless.
Studying for a degree in hospitality at SHMS means joining a community that values tradition, encourages personal growth, and loves travel. Our dedicated lecturers, with their extensive industry experience, are committed to promoting a positive and professional environment, nurturing your talents, and shaping you into a competent and confident professional armed with a reputable degree in hospitality.
So, whether you dream of managing luxury resorts or brands, organizing unforgettable events, or creating exceptional culinary experiences, a tourism and hotel management degree is your springboard to a rewarding career. While studying at SHMS, discover the history and beauty of Switzerland, live the legacy while embracing new cultures, and embark on your own journey of personal and professional growth.
To get a glimpse of the best places to visit, Switzerland excursions, and other incredible travel experiences our students enjoy, be sure to follow us on Instagram and witness the unforgettable moments that await you while you earn your degree in hospitality at SHMS.
Let us be your guide to a successful and fulfilling career in the dynamic world of hospitality. Embark on your journey today with a tourism and hotel management degree.
Does this lifestyle sound alluring? Experience it for yourself when you come study here in Switzerland!
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