École Hôtelière Genève: 110 Years of Shaping Hospitality Leaders

As École Hôtelière Genève (EHG) celebrates its 110th anniversary in 2024, we reflect on a rich legacy of excellence and innovation in hospitality education. Established in 1914, EHG stands as one of the oldest and most prestigious hotel schools globally, a beacon of quality that has illuminated the path for countless hospitality professionals. Over the past century, we have consistently adapted to the evolving needs of the industry, preparing students to lead with creativity, skill, and a deep understanding of the art of hospitality.

This milestone year marks not just a celebration of our storied past but also a time of exciting new developments that position us to continue leading in the field. We have launched several new initiatives and courses designed to cater to the diverse needs of the modern hospitality landscape. From engaging younger students with our innovative Semaine Découverte to introducing new postgraduate diplomas that address current industry trends, EHG remains committed to offering education that combines tradition with forward- thinking strategies.

The Semaine Découverte: Inspiring the Next Generation of Hospitality Leaders

One of our most exciting initiatives this year is the Semaine Découverte, a week-long program designed for students aged 15 to 18. This immersive day camp, held on our beautiful campus, offers young students a unique opportunity to explore the dynamic world of hospitality management and discover the myriad career possibilities that a hospitality education can offer.

The first edition of the Semaine Découverte was successfully launched in July 2024, with 16 enthusiastic participants. Each day of the program was dedicated to a different aspect of the hospitality industry, ensuring that students received a comprehensive overview of what it means to work in this exciting field.

MONDAY: The week began with an introduction to hospitality management, where students were given a guided tour of the Geneva Marriott Hotel, one of our key partners. This provided them with a firsthand look at the operations of a major hotel and an understanding of the high standards expected in the industry.

TUESDAY: The focus shifted to Luxury Management, with presentations from Magnacarta, a leader in luxury branding, followed by a visit to the prestigious Fairmont Hotel in Geneva. Students were introduced to the intricacies of luxury service and the importance of creating memorable experiences for guests.

WEDNESDAY: Our events management faculty took center stage, introducing students to the world of event planning. The highlight of the day was an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the renowned Paléo Festival, where students saw how large-scale events are orchestrated.

THURSDAY: The theme of the day was the intersection of technology and hospitality, with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and social media. A guest lecturer from CREA, an expert in digital innovation, provided insights into how AI is transforming the industry. This was followed by hands-on workshops where students learned how to leverage social media for marketing and brand building.

FRIDAY: The week culminated in a day dedicated to culinary arts and practical skills. Students rolled up their sleeves to create mocktails, pastries, and chocolates, applying what they had learned throughout the week. The day ended with a special apéro dînatoire, where students served their creations to their parents. The evening was also a time of recognition, with a certificate and awards ceremony celebrating the achievements of each participant.

The Semaine Découverte will return in July 2025, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming another group of young, aspiring hospitality professionals. This program not only provides a fun and educational experience but also helps students make informed decisions about their future career paths.

New Postgraduate Diplomas: Addressing the Evolving Needs of the Industry

In addition to our programs for younger students, EHG is proud to introduce a series of new postgraduate diplomas designed to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s fast-changing hospitality industry. These diplomas are tailored to address current trends and challenges, ensuring that our graduates are not only ready for today’s industry but are also prepared to lead in the future.

Whether it’s mastering the latest in digital marketing, understanding sustainable practices in hospitality, or developing advanced management skills, our postgraduate programs are designed to provide deep, specialized knowledge that can be immediately applied in the workplace.

A Record year: Join Us in 2025

Our commitment to excellence has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm, as demonstrated by the record number of applications we received for the 2024 academic year. In response to this unprecedented demand, we have exceptionally opened a third class for the September intake. While we are thrilled to welcome even more students to our community, spaces remain limited. We encourage prospective students to apply early for our February 2025 or September 2025 intakes to secure their place at EHG and be part of our legacy of excellence in hospitality education.

Join us at our Open day on November 6th and discover EHG, where tradition meets innovation, and excellence is not just a goal but a standard. Here, you will gain the knowledge, skills, and network needed to thrive in the global hospitality industry. We look forward to welcoming you to our community.