Les Roches reaches prestigious Swiss Federal Accreditation
Crans-Montana, Switzerland, 14 October 2024 – Les Roches Global Hospitality Education is thrilled to announce its official recognition by the Swiss Accreditation Council (SAC) as a University of Applied Sciences Institute. The prestigious accreditation highlights the institution’s commitment and ability to meet the world’s most demanding standards in education and further recognizes its excellence in hospitality business management.
This accreditation marks the culmination of a thorough and rigorous evaluation 2 year-process, bringing meaningful benefits to Les Roches’ students, alumni, and faculty as well as further enhancing the school’s academic offer.
Carlos Díez de la Lastra, Chief Executive Officer at Les Roches commented “For our institution, it is a key achievement. I thank the teams for their dedication and commitment. It is an immense recognition of our academic vision and a tribute to the solidity of our education model. For our community worldwide, our alumni and students, it means an enhanced recognition worldwide of the excellence of their education. Together, we will continue making an impact and lead the future of the Hospitality Industry.”
Another step towards excellence
For the institution recognized again this year amongst the Top 5 hospitality institutions worldwide and celebrating its 70th anniversary, achieving Swiss accreditation as a University of Applied Sciences Institute has a far-reaching impact including:
- Strengthened Global Recognition: Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences are highly respected by employers and academic institutions worldwide. This recognition will provide Les Roches graduates with enhanced career opportunities
- Facilitated Academic Mobility: Accreditation makes it easier for students and graduates to transfer academic credits, recognize their diplomas and opens doors to additional educational opportunities both in Switzerland and internationally.
- Increased Research and Collaboration Opportunities for Faculty: Faculty members will enjoy greater opportunities to engage in research collaborations at both the national and international levels, along with increased access to funding for academic projects.
The Path to Swiss Accreditation
Obtaining this distinguished accreditation required Les Roches to undergo an exhaustive evaluation for the past 2 years, and meeting the requirements of the Swiss authorities who have defined 5 areas of evaluation and 18 standards:
- Quality Assurance: the evaluation of systems and processes that are in place in the institution to ensure the quality of both academic and non-academic student experience.
- Governance: the evaluation of decision-making processes within the institution and how stakeholders are involved in decision making and implementation.
- Teaching, Research, and Services: the evaluation of all activities related to academic programs, and knowledge creation and dissemination are evaluated.
- Resources: the evaluation of financial, human capital, infrastructure, and knowledge-related resources.
- Communication: the evaluation of internal communication channels and processes and external communication via websites, brochures, etc.
This process not only confirmed Les Roches’ strengths but also provided insights into areas for continuous improvement.
Evolution of Les Roches academic offerings
In line with its new status as a Swiss University of Applied Sciences Institute, Les Roches has made several updates to its academic offerings. Notable changes include:
- The Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA) in Global Hospitality Management has been renamed the Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Global Hospitality Management.
- At the graduate level, Les Roches now offers three Master of Science (MSc) degrees:
- MSc in Sports Management and Events
- MSc in International Hotel Management
- MSc in Marketing and Management for Luxury Tourism
Additionally, Les Roches has introduced a range of advanced studies programs, including the Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Hospitality Management, and various Diplomas of Advanced Studies (DAS) in areas such as international hospitality management, digital transformation, and luxury tourism.
Moving forward, Les Roches will continue to uphold its values of academic excellence, innovation, and a strong sense of community throughout the world, ensuring the institution’s global leadership in hospitality education.
About Les Roches
Les Roches is a distinguished Swiss institution dedicated to fostering innovative and entrepreneurial leaders of tomorrow in the hospitality industry. Founded in 1954 in Switzerland, Les Roches offers undergraduate, graduate degrees and executive programs in Luxury, Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management. Les Roches has campuses across Switzerland, Spain, UAE and China, as well as partner campus in near New Delhi.
Part of Sommet Education, worldwide leader in hospitality education, Les Roches ranks in the top 5 in the world's higher education institutions for hospitality and leisure management (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024).
Les Roches has received official recognition from the Swiss Accreditation Council (SAC) as a Swiss University of Applied Sciences Institute. In addition to this recognition, Les Roches is also accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
For more information, please visit: https://lesroches.edu/
About ILUNION Hotels
ILUNION Hotels currently operates 31 hotels located in Spain's main urban and holiday destinations. Its model is pioneering and a benchmark for universal accessibility, diversity, social and labor inclusion for people with disabilities in the tourism sector. Based on a strong belief of real equal opportunity. It is the first hotel company to receive the Global Certification in Universal Accessibility (UNE-170001-2) in all its properties, as well as the EFQM 600+ Seal.
ILUNION Hotels offers its clients unique experiences, supported by an exceptional team of more than 1,800 professionals, of whom approximately 700 have some kind of disability and over 200 belong to groups with employment inclusion challenges. In its 15 Special Employment Centers, this group represents more than 70 % of the workforce.
For more information, please visit: https://ilunionhotels.com/
Anouck Weiss
Chief Communication Officer, Sommet Education
Les Roches
