English 
For all of us at the Hotel Institute Montreux, Switzerland (HIM), it was a memorable and sunny day. Mr. Rui Zhou, the Special Advisor to the Secretary-General of the UNWTO, was presented with a certificate today by His Excellency Zurab Pololikashvili, validating the establishment of the UNWTO International Centre Switzerland (UICS) through the BVIS as an Applied Higher Education and Training Hub, in association with the UNWTO Academy based in Spain. Part of Mr. Rui Zhou acceptance speech included:
“It is an honour and a privilege that I accept this recognition for the BVIS team and myself, and we will continue to make a difference in the world through education and addressing future and present challenges head on together.”
In 2022, students at the this global top ranked Hotel Institute Montreux, will have the option of choosing either a Bachelor of Arts or a Master of Arts in Tourism and Hospitality Management, designed in collaboration with UNWTO, the world’s most renowned tourism organization.
In an interview with BVIS’ Executive Council member Dr. István Ujhelyi, he discussed the importance to establishthese new focused ‘Tourism’ programs, industry collaborations, key executive stakeholder involvement, research and further education development at the right time in tourism and hospitality history. Among the key features of these new programs, he stated:
“We have developed a program that guarantees that students find top internships and have access to unique job opportunities.”
BVIS and the Swiss Education Group began developing these new Tourism Education programs in early 2020. Today, the tourism industry needs educated, forward-thinking professionals who can foster growth and innovation, and these two new programs will prepare students to meet that challenge.
These programs will benefit from a unique partnership with the UNWTO International Centre Switzerland, a new knowledge and training hub for tourism, associated to the UNWTO Academy, which will offer students a six-month internship under their guidance and supervision.
About the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the United Nations organization that promotes tourism as a tool for equal, inclusive, and sustainable development. UNWTO works with its Member States, international organizations, and the private sector to promote safe and seamless travel for all. As a central pillar of recovery from adversity, UNWTO works to make tourism the foundation of trust and international cooperation. As part of the UN system, the UNWTO is at the forefront of efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including through its efforts to create decent jobs, promote equality, and preserve natural and cultural heritage.
By David Hailstones – Vice President, BVIS Group, Switzerland.
To find out more about these Tourism and Hospitality Programs please click here.
