Collaboration agreement with hospitality industry leaders Minor Hotels and Les Roches Global Hospitality Education will set the standard for hospitality management in Asia.

Minor Hotels is announcing the launch of the Asian Institute of Hospitality Management in academic association with Les Roches Global Hospitality Education, a private institution ranked among the world’s top three higher education establishments for hospitality and leisure management.

Set to launch in September 2020, with campuses in Bangkok and Chonburi in Thailand, the institute is poised to become the leading hospitality education facility in Southeast Asia and will offer certificates, diplomas and a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management in academic association with Les Roches. Les Roches follows the exceptional Swiss model of education and operates under the umbrella of Sommet Education, a hospitality education leader committed to delivering exceptional student experiences and developing the leaders of tomorrow.

The Asian Institute of Hospitality Management Bachelor degree will be modelled after the Swiss education system and can be completed in seven semesters, or 3.5 years, combining classroom studies and practical training. Students who qualify will be offered opportunities to transfer to Les Roches sister campuses in Bluche, Switzerland and Marbella, Spain.

The strategic decision to open campuses in both Bangkok and Chonburi, a coastal area lined with popular beaches, means the institute is well placed to support the needs of Thailand’s fast-growing tourism industry, particularly that of the Eastern Economic Corridor.

Bridging the gap between an ever-increasing demand for experienced hospitality leaders and limited domestic supply, the institute will also be offering professional development trainings for hotel industry professionals.

“Our decision to partner with Les Roches stems partly from Minor Hotels’ rapid expansion, both domestically in Thailand and internationally - a growth spurt that sees us recruit over 6,000 additional staff members every year just to keep up with our expansion plan,” commented Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels.

“It also ties in with our vision to set up a world-class Thai hospitality institute independent of any hotel brand to provide best-in-class bachelor’s degree education for real-world application, in the context of a fast-evolving business environment,” Rajakarier continued.

“We are happy to support Minor Hotels in addressing the regional need for specialised talent and expertise in the field of hotel management. Thailand is ranked in the top five global tourism destinations alongside France, Spain, Italy and the US, and is an ideal location for a hospitality education centre,” said Benoit-Etienne Domenget, CEO of Sommet Education. “Future students will benefit from the extensive expertise and knowledge of two renowned leaders in the industry. We are very excited to embark on this partnership.”