Founded in 1992, The Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) stands as one of the premier hospitality institutions globally, strategically located in the centre of Switzerland, featuring campuses housed in renowned Swiss palaces in Leysin and Caux. By merging the rich tradition of Swiss hospitality excellence with an innovative, global perspective, SHMS provides bachelor’s and master’s degrees in hospitality, events, spa and wellness, and luxury brand management.
“Our programs are validated by the University of Derby and benefit from Swiss accreditation as an École Supérieure,” says Mr. Patrick Taffin, Dean of Swiss Hotel Management School. “We pride ourselves on experiential learning, close industry integration, and a vibrant, multicultural community.”
The Most Caring Institute
What distinguishes SHMS is its dedication to the values of Care, Mastery, and Integrity, which are embedded in the refreshed vision as “the most caring hospitality school.” SHMS not only provides academic excellence but also emphasizes emotional intelligence, cultural fluency, and personal growth. The environment of historic palace hotels fosters a sense of tradition while encouraging innovation.
Tradition Meets Innovation
Swiss hospitality is rooted in precision, discretion, and excellence, all of which still continue to hold relevance today. At Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS), these timeless principles are seamlessly integrated with contemporary skills to prepare students for the dynamic global hospitality industry. The curriculum emphasizes technological savviness, including AI literacy, data analytics, and digital communication; emotional intelligence, such as team management, self-awareness, and empathy; and intercultural competence, which enables students to navigate and respect cultural differences with ease. Additionally, sustainability awareness is a core focus, equipping students with knowledge of eco-friendly practices, waste reduction, and environmental stewardship. SHMS graduates are empowered not only to deliver exceptional service but also to design and lead transformative experiences that shape the future of hospitality worldwide.
Unity in Diversity
SHMS embraces diversity not just as a fact but as a foundation for learning. Cohesion is built through shared values, co-curricular engagement, and a strong sense of belonging. SHMS encourages peer learning, cross-cultural dialogue, and community rituals from student-run events and themed dinners to clubs and competitions like MIXIP. Faculty and staff play a key role in modeling respect, curiosity, and inclusion, creating a culture of openness. Most importantly, leadership is nurtured in every student, empowering individuals from all backgrounds to contribute, grow, and lead with confidence.
The Guiding Principles
Mr. Patrick Taffin, Dean of Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS), grounds his leadership in core principles of transparency, empathy, long-term thinking, and empowerment. His approach centers on surrounding himself with talented individuals and giving them the space to thrive, while maintaining clear accountability. “At SHMS, we foster a deeply inclusive and supportive school culture, aiming to balance academic rigour with operational reality and strive to keep SHMS agile yet anchored,” he says. “A people-first mindset begins here with active listening to students, staff, and stakeholders and is followed by decisive action aligned with the school’s mission at heart.”
Mr. Taffin emphasizes that strong leadership is built on continuity and a deliberate investment in the future, as reflected in the mentoring of Assistant Deans and focused succession planning. For him, “walking the talk” is essential as it builds credibility and trust while creating a culture where care, integrity, and accountability are not just values, but also lived experiences.
Cultivating Leadership Skills
“For students, we embed leadership development into both curriculum and campus life,” says Mr. Taffin. “From managing real events to leading clubs and presenting in international competitions, they learn by doing.” To prioritize faculty development, SHMS encourages all faculty members to pursue further education, such as the Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education or the Master of Arts in Education, programs that include essential modules on coaching and mentoring. Additionally, SHMS also promotes research and extracurricular leadership activities. The institution cultivates an environment where every initiative is recognized and where care and integrity are regarded as equally important as expertise.
Preparing for Challenges
Mr. Taffin emphasizes that the hospitality sector is facing a convergence of challenges, including shortages of talent, retention of employees, digital disruption, sustainability, environmental concerns, as well as geopolitical instability. SHMS provides students with adaptable, transferable skills. By utilizing simulations, engaging in real-world projects, and hosting guest lectures from international leaders, SHMS guarantees that students are equipped not only for their initial employment but also for a lifetime of continuous reinvention. Furthermore, SHMS emphasizes wellness, resilience, and responsible leadership, recognizing that these attributes will shape the future generation of hospitality professionals.
Skills Defining Leaders
Mr. Taffin believes that today’s leaders must be digitally fluent, emotionally intelligent, globally aware, and purpose driven. They need to be as comfortable with data dashboards as with human interactions. Resilience, adaptability, and the ability to lead diverse teams are critical. But above all, he believes genuine care is what distinguishes good leaders from great ones and that is what he and his colleagues strive to instill at SHMS.
The Alumni Network
Mr. Taffin takes great pride in the SHMS alumni, who are making their mark as hospitality trailblazers across the globe—whether in luxury hotels, sustainable event firms, global education, or pioneering initiatives in eco-conscious hospitality. Their shared foundation in Swiss hospitality and the SHMS experience forms a strong, values-driven network.
“As they move leadership roles, launch businesses, or mentor the next generation, they’ll continue to redefine the meaning of service, experience, and leadership around the world.”
Supporting Students in Every Stage
SHMS provides comprehensive career support through personalized career coaching, CV and interview preparation, mentorship, and a biannual International Career Fair that brings top global brands to campus. Internships are thoughtfully structured, closely monitored, and integrated into the academic journey. The curriculum also features real-world industry projects and employer-led challenges, ensuring students graduate with practical, hands-on experience. Additionally, the SHMS alumni network and its affiliation with the Swiss Education Group give students access to a truly global platform for internships and career opportunities.
Incorporating Technology
SHMS is embedding AI, data, and smart systems across multiple courses. From revenue management to event planning, students use simulation tools, analyze trends, and explore case studies involving AI-driven operations. The hospitality school is developing interdisciplinary modules with input from industry and academia. The goal is to ensure students understand both the power and limitations of these technologies and can apply them with critical ethical judgment.
The Long-Term Vision
Academically, SHMS seeks to strengthen its ES accreditation, enhance collaborations with prestigious institutions, and recruit dedicated faculty from the industry. Digitally, the hospitality school is committed to utilizing advanced learning tools, evolving its curriculum, and prioritizing student-centered technology. Globally, SHMS aspires to be a symbol of excellence and compassion, embracing diverse talent and cultivating responsible leaders who will advance the hospitality sector on a global scale.
Picture of the Future
Mr. Taffin firmly believes that hospitality education will evolve from traditional service training to experience driven leadership education, blending seamlessly business acumen, creative thinking, and digital fluency. Schools like SHMS will act as living labs for hospitality leadership, where students experiment, innovate, grow, and lead with empathy. To shape the industry’s future, SHMS must transcend traditional knowledge and cultivate a mindset grounded in curiosity, compassion, and competence the pillars of future-ready education.
