Swiss Ambassador to Việt Nam Thomas Gass at the event in Hà Nội on Tuesday morning. — Photo courtesy of Helvetas Việt Nam

HÀ NỘI — Four higher education institutions from three different regions of Việt Nam are scheduled to launch a world-class hospitality training programme from the fourth quarter this year.

The schools involved are the National Economics University in Hà Nội, IBH Academy in Đà Nẵng City, and Văn Lang University and Sài Gòn Tourism College in HCM City.

The 'Swiss Executive Hospitality Training' programme is part of the Swiss Tourism for Sustainable Development in Việt Nam project, which is funded by the Swiss government. It aims to enhance the quality of the local workforce and contribute to the sustainable development of Việt Nam’s tourism sector.

The news was released at an event held in Hà Nội on Tuesday morning by Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation and the Centre for Rural Economy Development.

The programme, which introduces world-class standards to Việt Nam’s tourism industry, is tailored for mid- and senior-level managers and experienced professionals aiming for managerial positions, addressing Việt Nam’s shortage of high-quality leaders and managers.

It also offers exceptional content and teaching methods, drawing on Swiss expertise and values from EHL Hospitality Business School, the world’s top-ranked university for hospitality management.

The project will run through 2027 with funding from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs and is co-implemented by Helvetas Việt Nam and the Centre for Rural Economy Development.

A major goal of the project is to develop Việt Nam’s tourism industry to be more sustainable and inclusive.

Speaking at the conference, Swiss Ambassador to Việt Nam Thomas Gass said: “Our aim is to share Switzerland’s deep-rooted experience and expertise in hospitality training, supporting the tourism sector in Việt Nam to continue thriving in a sustainable and high-quality manner.’’

The programme would provide Việt Nam's future hospitality leaders and managers with the tools to deliver exceptional service while maintaining a commitment to sustainability.

“By focusing on sustainability and high standards, we are not only investing in the future of Việt Nam’s tourism but also contributing to global efforts to make tourism more responsible and inclusive,” Gass said.

Jean-Baptiste Berguerand, EHL’s Senior Consultant, said human-centric philosophy underpins the programme, laying a solid foundation for building a robust talent pipeline for Việt Nam's thriving hospitality and tourism industry. — VNS