Swiss Alpine Diploma in Hotel Management
Program Overview
The Swiss Alpine Diploma in Hotel Management is a two-year program that combines theoretical and practical knowledge to prepare students for line and supervisory positions in the hospitality industry. Delivered on a hotel campus using a "learning by doing" approach, the program emphasizes hands-on skills, business acumen, and customer service expertise. It includes two paid industry placements and aims to develop students' teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Swiss Alpine Diploma in Hotel Management is a two-year program aiming to equip students with the skills and knowledge for line and supervisory positions in the hospitality industry. It consists of two academic semesters and two paid industry placements. The program is delivered on a hotel campus, utilizing a Swiss education model emphasizing "learning by doing." The first year focuses on hotel operations (front office, housekeeping, food and beverage), with students working on duty teams and running hotel campus operations under instructor supervision alongside theory classes. The second year delves into managerial aspects, including supervisory responsibilities like quality control and shift planning. The program combines theoretical and practical knowledge throughout the winter term, followed by practical industry experience during the summer. The program aims to develop hands-on skills in hotel management operations (including Food & Beverage Management and Rooms Division – Front Office, Reservations, Housekeeping), business acumen and management skills, soft skills (teamwork, communication, problem-solving, empathy, emotional intelligence, flexibility, adaptability), creativity and innovation (through a Strategic Business Project), teamwork and leadership skills, and customer service skills. Academic writing and research skills are also developed.
Outline:
The program is structured across two years.
Year 1:
- Food and Beverage Service Management
- Room Division Operations
- Academic Research & Writing I: Critical Perspective
- Diversity and Social Inclusion for Hospitality & Tourism
- Hospitality & Tourism Business Environment
- Finance for Hospitality & Tourism Managers
- Managing People and Organisations
- Industry Placement (Internship)
Year 2:
- Strategic Business Project
- Hospitality Operations & Control Management
- Academic Research and Writing II: Structure and Process
- Marketing for Hospitality and Tourism
- Financial Planning For Business
- Human Resource Management in Hospitality and Tourism
- Work Experience with Personal Development Planning
- Law and Ethics in Hospitality and Tourism
- Industry Placement (Internship)
Teaching:
The program uses a "learning by doing" approach, with students working on duty teams and running hotel campus operations under instructor supervision. Expert instructors provide supervision. Practical classes, projects, and presentations are used to develop teamwork and leadership skills. The program is delivered in an actual hotel campus.
Careers:
The program prepares students for line and supervisory positions in the hospitality industry.
Other:
The program is offered in Greece. The Swiss Alpine Center is described as a Swiss Business School for Hotel & Tourism Management. The program is taught in English. Several testimonials from past students are included, highlighting positive experiences and career benefits. The school has two campuses and over 14,540 graduates.
Alpine Center, the Swiss Business School For International Hotel & Tourism Management Education
Overview:
Alpine Center is a global educational alliance specializing in hospitality, tourism, events, and culinary arts management education. It was established in Switzerland in 1986 with a mission to take Swiss hospitality education to countries where tourism was developing. Its flagship campus was established in Greece in 1987 and offers a wide range of programs, including certificates, diplomas, undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs, with a focus on practical application of theory and industry placements. the school boasts a vast graduate network with alumni holding leading positions in the hospitality industry worldwide. The Online Campus in Switzerland offers a variety of hospitality management courses online.
Services Offered:
On-campus and distance learning programs:
- Students can choose to study on campus or remotely, catering to different learning preferences and schedules.
Paid industry placements:
- Integral to the curriculum, these placements provide students with practical experience in the hospitality industry, putting theory into practice.
Foundation and English courses:
- These courses prepare students for the academic demands of the programs and ensure they have the necessary language skills.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
The school has two campuses: one in Greece with an operating 4-star hotel and another online campus based in Switzerland. Students can expect a diverse and international learning environment, with opportunities to meet people from all over the world. The on-campus experience in Greece includes access to the hotel facilities and the chance to gain practical experience in a real-world setting.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Pioneering leader in hospitality, tourism, and culinary education:
- The school has a long history of providing high-quality education in these fields with an extensive link to the industry, locally and globally.
Vast graduate network:
- Students benefit from the connections and opportunities provided by the school's extensive network of alumni.
Practical experience through industry placements:
- The focus on practical experience ensures students are well-prepared for the demands of the hospitality industry.
International learning environment:
- Students have the opportunity to learn from and interact with peers from diverse backgrounds. In the last 38 years, Alpine Center welcomed students from 70 different countries.
Academic Programs:
The school offers a wide range of programs, including:
Hotel Management:
- A variety of courses, including BA(Hons) International Hospitality & Tourism Management and Swiss Alpine Diploma in Hotel Management. In 2026 two new programs will be launched: MSc Luxury Hospitality & Tourism Management, and a BSc(Hons) Hospitality and Events Management.
Culinary Arts:
- Two types of programs are offered: 2-year Swiss Alpine Diploma in Culinary Arts Management and a 2-year Swiss Alpine Diploma in Culinary Arts Operations.
Distance Learning:
- A wide range of distance learning/online courses are available, including 12-course Hospitality Management Diploma Online and 5 Course of Specialization in Rooms Division, Food & Beverage Management, Accounting and Finance, Sales & Marketing, events & Conventions Management, and Spa Management.
Postgraduate Studies:
- An MSc in International Hospitality & Tourism Management, and in 2025, an MSc in Luxury Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Spa Management:
- Courses in Spa Management are offered online.
Cruise Management:
- Courses in Cruise Hotel Operations Management are offered online and on campus.
Foundation & English Courses:
- Courses to prepare students for the academic demands of the programs.
Security Management:
Courses in Hospitality Security Management Career Diploma and Advanced Certificate in Applied Security and Risk Management.
Other:
“During my search for the finest culinary institution, I came across the Swiss Alpine Center. With its extensive list of accomplished alumni worldwide and alignment with my budget, it stood out as an excellent choice. This led me to become a member of the Alpine family. My first year at Alpine proved to be an enriching journey. Being a newcomer to the culinary realm, the presence of renowned and seasoned Chefs as instructors made the learning process seamless and enjoyable. At present, I am immersed in an internship at Kassandra Palace in Halkidiki. The knowledge I acquired at Alpine Center has proven invaluable in this professional kitchen setting, marking my first step into this world. Anticipation mounts as I look forward to rejoining the college for my second year, eager to embark on a global culinary adventure. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Swiss Alpine Center, an exceptional institution for those aspiring to excel in the worldwide hospitality industry.”
I was attracted to the Swiss Alpine Center’s (SAC)programs due to its extensive industry ties. Being born and raised in Greece, I know that my country provides access to dynamic hospitality markets and valuable networking opportunities. As a result, it was an easy decision. The student experience at SAC is truly memorable and unique, whether through group moments or engaging in social events. By integrating practical courses, knowledge is not only enhanced but also closely mirrors genuine real-world experiences. Participating in Career Day was an incredible opportunity, offering insights into my desired career path. Meeting influential figures, understanding the requirements, and feeling motivated to pursue my objectives made it truly an inspiring experience. I advise newcomers to remain open-minded, embrace diversity, and cultivate strong relationships with every member.
