Dusit Thani College launched International hospitality programme in association with world leading Swiss hospitality school Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL).

Mr. Chanin Donavanik, MD & CEO of Dusit International, said that the new programme is not a carbon copy of the course offered in Switzerland but a combination of Swiss and Thai hospitality values. "We should never start trying to copy each other as we both have our strengths based on our values, traditions, history etc. In my view we should further develop our own uniqueness and identity, because that is the reason people travel to Thailand or Switzerland. Having said that, it might be that we can learn from Switzerland more about the way they coordinate and manage hospitality and tourism on their different levels, whereas Switzerland can probably learn from the ways we have developed hospitality and service here".

Ms. Veera Pardpattanapanich, Rector of Dusit Thani College, added that the new four-year degree programme, brings together the strengths of both institutions and is anticipated to lead to a significant transformation of hospitality education within Thailand ahead of the forming of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015.

"The new programme will become a blend of the highest possible international standards together with renowned Thai hospitality values. DTC has a unique advantage in that it is a dedicated learning institute for hospitality, and has been appointed by Ministry of Tourism and Sports to develop a curriculum and training materials for ASEAN Common Competency Standards for Tourism Professionals. We can specialize and pass on to the students in-depth knowledge and skills that will ensure they are in a much better position to gain employment when graduating whether it be here in Thailand, in the ASEAN community or further afield".

With tourism booming and high demand generally for industry professionals, Dusit Thani College is looking to recruit up to 40 students in the first year of the programme both from Thailand and neighbouring countries.

Dusit Thani College is now accepting applications for enrollment from Thai and internantional students for bachelor degree programs. Interested candidates should immediately contact the college's admission at telephone number +66 (0) 2361 7811-3 extension 146-148 or email to marketing@dtc.ac.th.

The grand opening ceremony of the International Bachelor of Business Administration in Hotel and Resort Management (with the academic certification of Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne)

Photo Caption (from left)

1. Mrs. Veera Pardpattanapanich, Rector, Dusit Thani College
2. Mr. Khwankeo Vajarodaya, Chairperson of the College Council
3. Mr. Robert U. Jearmann, GM of Dream Hotel Bangkok and President of EHL Alumni chapter in Thailand
4. Her Excellency Christine Schraner Burgener, The Swiss Ambassador to Thailand
5. Mr. Ruud J. Reuland, Former General Director of Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, Advisor to Dusit Thani College
6. Mr. Chanin Donavanik, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Dusit International