With Hospitality Sky Is The Limit

Georgette Davey, Managing Director, Glion Institute of Higher Education, says that the industry now accounts for one in 10 of all jobs worldwide, with plenty of opportunities available within the sector itself.

- Anupriya Bishnoi

How has hospitality education evolved around the world?

In many ways, it is the commercial world which has evolved towards the core values of hospitality education. With increasing focus on soft skills in the workplace, such as empathy, teamwork, a can-do attitude and awareness of cultures, hospitality education is being recognised in other industries as well.

These competencies are all attributes that take people far in the world of business and finance, just as they do and will in hospitality. That said, at Glion, we constantly review the content of our programmes and courses to keep ahead of industry trends and technological innovations. This is one of the drivers for the new partnership between our parent company, Sommet Education, and IHG, which should help ensure that we provide students with the most relevant curriculum to accelerate their employability and career progression.

Do you think there is a lack of quality hospitality education in the world? If yes, how can the situation be improved?

That’s a good question! I cannot speak for every institution, but I certainly think that if you look at the top of the QS world university rankings, there is a handful of schools, including Glion, which fit into the world-class bracket. As for filling the gap, through partnerships we have the opportunity to extend our reach as the global hub for hospitality excellence.

What about faculty? Is there a dearth there as well?