Who are the “Friends of the Alliance ?”
The Friends of the Alliance initiative was created as part of the collaboration between the Alliance and THE-ICE (The International Centre of Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality Education). It connects distinguished institutions that share a commitment to excellence in tourism, Hospitality, and education. While these institutions are not formal members of the Alliance, they engage with our Network, contributing to the global development of best practices, knowledge exchange, and innovative approaches in the Industry. This initiative strengthens the bonds between academic institutions, promoting international cooperation and enhancing educational and professional opportunities for students and faculty alike.
How does it work ?
Being a Friend of the Alliance provides institutions with the opportunity to engage with our community and benefit from knowledge sharing, networking, and professional development opportunities. Institutions can:
- Attend Alliance Hospitality seminars
- Participate in short programs and specialized workshops
- Join selected Alliance events and conferences
- Support and promote the Alliance Summer Program
Through this engagement, institutions gain exposure to best practices in Hospitality education, establish international collaborations, and enhance their global reputation. Friends of the Alliance are given priority consideration should they wish to become members of the Alliance Network.
Meet Our Friends
Each institution within the Friends of the Alliance Network plays a vital role in shaping the future of tourism and Hospitality education.
Breda University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands
Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) is an internationally accredited institution which empowers young professionals on their journey to shape a better world. BUas offers a full-time Bachelor in Hotel Management (BA) characterised by hands-on, small scale learning in an enticing environment. With strong Industry ties, the English-taught programme offers a distinct international focus with specific attention to prepare graduates for global challenges like artificial intelligence and sustainability in the Hospitality Industry.
Vistula University, Poland
Vistula University is recognized for its robust academic offerings in international tourism and Hospitality management. The university has a global focus, integrating Industry-oriented programs that equip students with the knowledge and skills required in today’s competitive tourism landscape. Vistula University fosters close collaboration with international partners, ensuring students gain practical experience through internships, international exchanges, and Industry collaborations.
César Ritz Colleges, Switzerland
César Ritz Colleges Switzerland is a prestigious institution known for its legacy of excellence in Hospitality education, named after the renowned founder of modern luxury hotel management. The college blends academic rigor with practical experience, offering students hands-on training through internships and on-campus training hotels. With specialized programs in hotel management, event planning, and entrepreneurship, César Ritz Colleges ensures graduates are equipped with the skills to thrive in the competitive global Hospitality market.
Al Rayyan International University College (ARIU), Qatar
Al Rayyan International University College (ARIU) offers exceptional Hospitality and tourism education in one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism markets. The institution combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the dynamic and evolving global tourism Industry. With a curriculum tailored to the needs of the region and its booming Hospitality sector, ARIU provides students with the skills and insights necessary to succeed in high-demand careers. The college’s strategic location in Qatar also offers students unique opportunities to engage with Industry professionals and gain real-world experience in a thriving tourism market.
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Dubai College of Tourism, United Arab Emirates
Dubai College of Tourism (DCT) was established by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to be a world class vocational tourism college that would drive professional excellence capability in all tourism and Hospitality service personnel in Dubai. It is recognized as a leading institution for the provision of innovative, accessible, and exceptional education and training that supports people to enter, enhance or advance within the tourism Industry. The vocational training on offer has been designed in partnership with the Industry; students will gain practical experience through internships that will lead to jobs after completion of the course, as well as enhanced future opportunities for progression within the Industry.
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Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi), Hong Kong
The Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) offers professional “Applied Science-Oriented” degree programmes for work-ready graduates, forging industrial collaborations, broadening students’ horizons, to meet Industry needs. Its programmes cover various academic areas, including Hotel Management and Culinary Arts and Technology, featuring the synthesis of knowledge acquisition and practical applications, to enable students to grow into professionally-competent graduates. Its curriculum is designed to cultivate students’ professional skills and leadership abilities to meet the demands of the competitive culinary and hotel Industries.
Lyceum of the Philippines University, Philippines
Lyceum of the Philippines University is renowned for its high-quality hospitality and tourism programs that emphasize experiential learning. With a focus on practical skills, the university offers students opportunities to engage in hands-on experiences through internships and Industry collaborations. Lyceum of the Philippines University has established strong partnerships with global tourism organizations, which enhances career prospects for its graduates, providing them access to international networks and job opportunities. The university’s curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the competitive tourism and Hospitality sectors, both locally and globally.
University of Santo Tomas – College of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Philippines
The University of Santo Tomas, the Pontifical, Royal, and Catholic University of the Philippines, is a Dominican institution of learning founded in 1611, under the patronage of St. Thomas Aquinas. The University of Santo Tomas is one of the leading private research universities in the Philippines and is consistently ranked among the top 1000 universities in the whole world. With academic degrees and research thrusts in the natural, health, applied, social, and sacred sciences, as well as business and management, the University continuously strives to make a positive impact on the society.
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School of Management, Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand
Mae Fah Luang University’s School of Management offers a forward-thinking curriculum with a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation within the tourism Industry. The program integrates eco-tourism and responsible tourism practices while encouraging creative problem-solving to tackle modern challenges like over-tourism and digital transformation. With a focus on global perspectives, the school prepares students for leadership roles in tourism management, government agencies, and international organizations dedicated to sustainable tourism development.
The University of the South Pacific (Laucala), Fiji Islands
Spread over 33 million square kilometres of ocean and one of only three regional universities in the world, The University of the South Pacific is the premier higher education institution in the Pacific region. It embodies the aspirations of the people of the Pacific Islands and serves as a repository and promoter of knowledge about their history, culture, and natural environments. The University of the South Pacific (USP), guided by its ethos of continuous improvement, has strived to provide the best possible value for money to its Member Countries, while constantly improving the quality and breadth of its academic offerings, facilities, educational and pastoral support, community projects, and regionally relevant research. It has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1968.