What It’s Like to Study Hotel and Tourism Management, According to Students

Sponsored by the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

The hospitality and tourism industry is one of the most lucrative and dynamic industries in the world, but what’s it like to study as a subject? Whether you choose to study a degree in international wine management, international tourism and convention management or a PhD in Hotel and Tourism Management, it’s safe to say there’s never a dull day when you’re studying for a degree in hospitality and tourism management.

Intrigued? You should be. Find out what these School of Hotel and Tourism Management students had to say about it…

‘You have the opportunity to work with industry partners on real projects’

Hospitality and tourism management degree programs are increasingly incorporating experiential learning experiences into their curricular. 

With an emphasis on management, these experiences provide an opportunity to work on a genuine business consulting project, allowing aspiring hoteliers the opportunity to enhance their skillset and knowledge. It also allows students to understand how a business is run and how to handle competing priorities such as dealing with currency fluctuation, volume buying, events planning and customer service.

At the School of Hotel and Tourism Management, MSc in Global Hospitality Business students “have the opportunity to work with industry partners on real projects throughout the year and with the support of three leading faculties,” according to Adam Gašparovič of the MSc in Global Hospitality Business degree program.

‘Hotel ICON allow students to see the application of various theoretical concepts and draw on examples from the industry in class’

Coming up with solutions for real-life business challenges can give insights into the industry you wouldn’t get anywhere else, but so can developing your practical learning skills in a world-class facility such as the Hotel ICON in Hong Kong.

“Hotel ICON allow students to see the application of various theoretical concepts and draw on examples from the industry in class,” explained Adam.

At Hotel ICON, students develop their understanding and appreciation for the industry’s rules, regulations and strategies while enhancing not only their customer service, interpersonal and time management skills, but their accounting, management, strategy, marketing and planning skills too.

“The location of the school is excellent, and its facilities are cutting-edge. I enjoy studying in the building complex that also houses the world-class Hotel ICON, Vinoteca Lab, Bistro 1979, classrooms and resource centers, which facilitate teaching, learning and research in an integrated environment,” said Francis Hui of the MSc in International Wine Management.

“It delivers a lifetime learning experience for me and keeps me connected with local and global wine professionals.”

‘It’s a unique program with exposure to many different cultures, as well as different business mentalities’

“I have two hospitality management degrees, and I thought the MSc in International Tourism and Convention Management would broaden my scope, while the conventional learning is linked to my food and beverages expertise,” said Maria Morey Poma.

Throughout your career you’ll meet customers, clients and colleagues from all cultures and backgrounds, which is why it’s critical to have an awareness of people’s social and cultural needs.

“With the three semesters in different countries, it’s a unique program with exposure to many different cultures, as well as different business mentalities,” said Annika Glennon of the MSc in Global Hospitality Business.

Emmanuelle Neu, an international student currently studying the MSc in International Hospitality Management, echoed Annika’s thoughts. She said: “I’ve gained a wider perspective of international hospitality and a deeper understanding about different cultures and even myself.”

With the MSc in Global Hospitality Business program, students will get to study at three world-class campuses while enhancing their global perspective and getting to grips with the latest trends in the industry.

“We get to experience multiple locations, scrutinize the local hospitality markets and draw comparisons between the three continents,” said Adam.

“During these field trips we get the chance to meet general managers, departmental managers and local tourism officials and personally enquire about the issues and trends that currently define the industry itself.

“Having all these options helps me gain a bigger picture of the industry as a whole, all while accentuating the difference in various practices across the globe,” he added.

‘The field trips have been invaluable in helping decide the direction of my future career’

While experiential learning experiences such as internships have massive benefits when it comes to enhancing particular skills, field trips are also a “great opportunity to connect with leaders in the industry and learn from them directly,” revealed Annika.

“The insights provided during the trips have been invaluable in helping decide the direction of my future career,” she added.

Last year, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) published its annual report into the economic and social importance of the travel and tourism sector. In 2018, it was estimated that the travel and tourism industry generated 319 million jobs worldwide. Safe to say there are plenty of opportunities out there once you’ve got a good idea of what you would like to do!

‘The professors are very helpful when it comes to stimulating students’ creative thinking in both research and practice’

“Many faculty members have industry and managerial experience,” according to Teerawut Chanyasak, a Doctor of Hotel and Tourism Management (D.HTM) student.

“The professors are very helpful when it comes to stimulating students’ creative thinking in both research and practice,” added Amber Hu, another Doctor of Hotel and Tourism Management (D.HTM) student.

PhD in Hotel and Tourism Management student Hakimeh Nasiri spoke about how the positive attitude of the school’s faculty members has been a great help.

“The greatest benefit so far has been the supporting attitude of the Dean and faculty members, particularly my supervisor which resulted in not only being professionally trained to do high quality research and teaching, but it also improved my professional network,” said Hakimeh.