Preparing a new generation of hospitality leaders

As the hospitality industry rebounds in 2022, Vatel Hotel & Tourism Business School and Silpakorn University International College (SUIC) are reshaping hospitality education in response to this new tourism landscape. According to the World Tourism and Travel Council there will be approximately 300 million tourism jobs this year and this will increase to 324 million in 2023, which is close to the 333 million seen prior to the covid-19 pandemic. The 3-year BBA Hotel Management double degree programme has therefore identified future trends to equip students with the right business and professional skills to be ready for new opportunities and successful careers in the ever evolving business of hospitality management and service related areas.

Vatel, a global network of schools

Founded in Paris, France in 1981 by Mr. Alain Sebban, President of Vatel Group, Vatel now has a global network of 54 schools throughout the world. All schools convey the same vision and teaching philosophy to 9,000 students, based on the right balance of theoretical courses and professional training. This ‘learning by doing’ concept has a proven track record with over 39,000 successful alumni. Vatel group also received the Worldwide Hospitality Award for ‘Best Hospitality Management School’ and ranked first in France for hospitality studies by QS World University Rankings in 2022. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the award-winning Marco Polo exchange program at another Vatel school.

Future key skills required

Key to the success of the programme is the rotation every two weeks between business management courses and hands-on professional practice. 50% of the programme is in professional training and students are able to practice in real life professional environments on campus at Vatel Restaurant and Café. Open to the public, the restaurant focuses on French cuisine, whilst the cafe offers French pastries, desserts, Thai and international dishes. Additionally, students gain internship experience during their studies both at 5-star hotels in Thailand and internationally in France for 5 months providing students with a greater understanding of cross-cultural management issues.

Students therefore not only learn professional skills and business management theory, but also additional desirable ones that are transferable across many positions and highly sought after by employers, including having effective communication and language skills, being digitally savvy, thinking creatively and critically, demonstrating cultural sensitivity for international markets and managing diversity.

Successful alumni

Vateliens can be found working in managerial positions all around the world, in beautiful 5-star hotels or corporate offices of international hotel groups including; Hotel General Management, Marketing, Human Resources, Finance, Special Events, Revenue Management, Rooms Division, Executive Chef and F&B service. Entrepreneurial minded alumni have also created their own successful companies such as boutique resorts, restaurants and cafes, catering companies, events management and other tourism related services. Vatel alumni make up a dynamic, strong and priceless network helping to put new graduates on a fast track to success from the very start of their careers.