Culture and Diversity are Key to Exceptional Hospitality

Perched on the top of the world, well on the top of Montreux, Switzerland is the Swiss Hotel Management School. A little remote perhaps, a reflective learning space for sure, but also an amazing school that reflects the global cultures and nature of hospitality today.

Meeting students at the 16th International Recruitment Forum recently at the Montreux Convention Centre surrounded by international hotel brands it reminded me what a rich industry we work in. The variety of opportunities we have all been lucky enough to benefit from in hospitality and how we have grown and developed is down in no small part to the global nature of our industry.

When staying in one of our hotels our exceptional employees always top the reasons why guest come back, rate us highly on Trip Adviser and talk to others about their great stay. The range of nationalities working, studying or on internship in each hotel adds a richness to the national employees which the guests enjoy. The fast moving, team spirit required to deliver for our guests also creates an environment of tolerance and understanding not often found in other workplaces where a large number of employees can be living in new city or country away from home. What an amazing opportunity this is to grow as a global citizen? With Brexit on the horizon I hope those 'in power' don't make decisions that, while controlling boarders starves our industry of great talents and experiences that can never be found in one nation alone.

Take a look at one of the many students groups that entertained industry professionals before dinner at the IRF. As part of study at the hotel school students complete extra creative tasks like their International Day production to learn more about each other and the nations they are from as well as creating amazing entertainment for recruiters!