Why Thailand is Emerging as a Centre of Hospitality Education

For years, Switzerland has been recognised as the hub of hospitality education. Students with dreams of becoming hoteliers flock to its mountain towns and lakeside cities to learn the art and business of hospitality at Swiss hotel schools with their time-tested curricula. In recent years, a new generation of budding hoteliers have discovered another beautiful location offering a similarly impeccable education in the concepts, commercial strategies and fine skills of hospitality management. In contrast to the snowy slopes of Switzerland, this newer hub of hospitality education offers a tropical backdrop. Yes, Thailand.

Why is Thailand now attracting the top tier of global students to its hospitality degree programmes? What makes the Land of Smiles rival the historic hub of Switzerland? Learn about the myriad advantages elevating Thailand’s hotel schools into the global centre.

Thailand’s Ascent to a New Hub for Hospitality Education

Thailand’s tourism industry is booming, and the educational opportunities and demand are following. The nation is one of the world’s top tourist destinations. Thai tourism authorities estimate 2023 will see 25 million international tourist arrivals. Long a major contributor to the Thai economy, the tourism business in the country continues to expand. Investment in the tourism industry and all its component and related businesses is soaring. Entrepreneurs are enthusiastically launching new hospitality enterprises, enlarging existing businesses, experimenting with creative new business concepts, and developing novel ways to cater to the massive and diverse market. As a result, Thailand’s demand for skilled professionals in the field is markedly growing.

Similar to the commercial landscape in many other Asian destinations, Thai-based hotel businesses tend to employ large numbers of foreign professionals, particularly in management roles. High salaries and the strong potential for career advancement draw well-trained professionals from near and far. While the hotel companies are hungry for qualified candidates who can unite local knowledge with expertise in the industry’s practices, or who can contribute knowledge of regional source markets and cultural understanding, the pool of such professionals is still exceedingly small, especially compared to the substantial demand. This gap is fuelling the rise of new hospitality schools and the establishment of Thai campuses or affiliated educational institutes of schools from abroad. These schools are now attracting local students, aspiring hoteliers from other Asian countries and even students from more distant locations such as Europe. Compared to hotel schools in Switzerland, studying at Thai-based hotel schools offers significant value for money. Tuition and other living expenses are much lower while the education at the top Thai schools meets (and in some ways exceeds) that of the long-famed European schools. Hospitality management students in Thailand can also take advantage of numerous one-of-a-kind opportunities found nowhere else.

Thailand’s Tradition of Service and Hospitality

Thai smiles and the country’s welcoming character are world-famous. Thailand has a long-standing tradition of hospitality and service excellence, which is deeply engrained in its culture. Thai people are known for their warmth, kindness and graciousness, which are essential qualities for success in the hospitality industry. Given the country’s exceptional reputation for the characteristics fundamental to the hospitality business, it’s not surprising that Thailand is increasingly being looked at as an industry leader and one of the world’s best places to learn the ins and outs of the business.

Thailand’s Strategic Location

Strategically located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand’s geographic position also makes it an exemplary location for young adults and professionals from around the region to study. With its favorable climate, affordable cost of living and vibrant culture, Thailand offers an attractive destination for international students wanting to pursue hospitality careers.

Plus, as a global transport hub, the country is well-connected to cities throughout Asia and beyond. For students, flights home are easy and frequent. Sixty percent of the world’s population is right on Thailand’s doorstep in Asia, and as a centre of international tourism and business, Bangkok is served by a total of 92 airlines with direct flights to over 120 global cities.

A Place to Learn from the Best Hospitality Has to Offer

Being such a popular tourist destination, Thailand has developed a reputation for exquisite hospitality. As you might expect, this sumptuousness is reflected in the quality of its hotels and restaurants. In fact, the country is home to some of the globe’s most amazing resorts, city hotels, luxurious bars and fine-dining establishments.

In the north of the country, properties like the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai – set amidst rice fields – and Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort – home to mist-blanketed mountainscapes and close-encounters with gentle giants – offer immersive experiences in local nature and culture. Similarly Thai-inspired hotels can be found in Bangkok, from the banks of the Chao Phraya River to small boutiques in China Town to spectacular sanctuaries within easy reach of the city-centre shopping and business districts – the elegant Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, a sister property to the aforementioned Golden Triangle resort, being one notable property among many.

When it comes to the culinary sphere, exemplary models for students abound. The Michelin guide has now inaugurated a Bangkok edition, and many of the country’s top restaurants have been awarded stars, attracting global gourmands. Of course, the dining and hotel scene isn’t limited only to the upper echelon of the market. Thailand’s street food is globally acclaimed, and hotels range from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious five-star resorts. From the vibrant city of Bangkok to pristine beauty of islands such as Phuket and Koh Samui, Thailand offers accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. The desires and needs of travellers vary accordingly, making the country a great place to learn how businesses can success cater to the full spectrum of the market. As a student of hospitality, inspiration and learning experiences are plentiful—including schools’ abilities to arrange guest speakers, seminars and internships with award-winning culinary professionals.

Thailand Is a Fantastic Place to Live While Studying

Studying in Thailand provides students from other countries an opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture, learn a new language and gain a global perspective on the world. With a low cost of living, gorgeous scenery and a vibrant social scene, Thailand is a perfect place for young adults to live and study.

The country possesses a rich cultural heritage, with numerous historical sites, temples and local events to explore. The food is fabulous, with plentiful budget-friendly options and cuisines to suit a variety of cultural traditions and dietary restrictions. In their leisure time, students can also enjoy a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and trekking to cycling to rock climbing to water sports. Many of the same things that draw so many young travellers to Thailand make it fantastic place to live as a student.

Educational Distinction and Thai-International Partnerships

For the aspiring hotelier, several top-ranked universities and institutes offer hospitality programmes. These degree and certificate courses are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the industry and to equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their careers, whether in Thailand or abroad.

Thai hospitality schools offer a range of specialisations, including hotel management, tourism management and culinary arts—as well as subspecialties within these tracks. Moreover, many of these programmes boast partnerships and collaborations with international universities and institutions, providing students with access to global perspectives and best practices in the industry. These partnerships also enable opportunities to gain practical experience through internships and study abroad programmes, further enhancing learning and career prospects.

The Asian Institute of Hospitality Management: A Model of Excellence

Bangkok’s Asian Institute of Hospitality Management (AIHM), for example, operates in academic association with the Swiss hotel school Les Roches, which consistently ranks in the top five hospitality schools in the world. AIHM teaches the same curriculum taught in Switzerland, with the academic leadership of Les Roches ensuring the school offers equally exacting standards. Highlighting the focus on real-world learning, AIHM’s campus is set within the Avani+ Riverside Bangkok hotel, adjacent to the Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort. Students are able step from the classroom directly into settings where they can put their learning to the test and build connections between theory and practice.

AIHM ensures all students take part in two separate semester-long internships so they can explore different facets of the industry, discover their passions and talents, make connections with established professionals and potential employers, and graduate with a full suite of advantages as they enter the job market. With all the benefits available at schools such as AIHM, it’s easy to see why Thailand’s hospitality education is moving into the elite global centre as a 21st century educational hub for the next generation of industry innovators and leaders.

Ready to Explore Hospitality Education in Thailand?

Are you dreaming of a life in the hospitality business and wondering if studying in Thailand might be the right choice for you? Want more info to help you make the right decision? Read about AIHM’s BBA Degree in Global Hospitality Management.