Les Roches #International School of #Hotel #Management

Les Roches International School of Hotel Management launched a new specialization in Spa and Health Management focused on the business and operational aspects of spa and health management, health and aesthetics, spa medicine and hotel spa services. The specialization is designed to prepare students to enter an industry which is experiencing double-digit growth worldwide. Les Roches' collaboration with Genolier Swiss Medical Network (GSMN) and ESPA, two recognized industry leaders, will allow students to apply everything they learn on campus at Les Roches through hands-on experience and internships.

The Bachelor of Business Administration in International Hotel Management with a specialization in Spa and Health Management is a seven-semester program offered at Les Roches campus in Bluche, Switzerland, that provides a unique immersion into the spa and health industry. Students will visit ESPA-branded spas in London, experience best practice and conduct an integrated business project. Courses will focus on current and future trends, sustainability and environmental issues, retail spa operations, history and philosophy, as well as the business and leadership dynamics of this industry. Les Roches students will also spend two days visiting one of the GSMN's clinics in Genolier, near Geneva to learn from experts about working in a high-end health management company.

"Building a unique academic program paired with focused experiential learning and strong partners such as Genolier Swiss Medical Network and ESPA will set students on a solid career path," said Sonia Tatar, CEO at Les Roches. "Graduates will benefit from the extensive expertise and knowledge of two renowned leaders in the industry. We are very proud to embark on this partnership with them."

According to the Global Wellness Tourism Economy 2013 report, during the next five years the sector will grow at almost double the rate of global tourism, totaling $678.5 billion in 2017. In 2012, wellness tourism accounted for 1.8% of the world's GDP, creating 11.7 million jobs accounting for $1.3 trillion global economic impact. The main driver of this growth will come from Asia, Latin America and the Middle East/North Africa, which are all regions that will recruit graduates whose talents offer a level of excellence and in-depth expertise.

"Les Roches is recognized for being an innovative global hospitality management school. It is always at the forefront of trends and industry needs, and provides students with a competitive edge to enter the employment market—especially in sectors that have remarkable potential for growth," said Tatar. "The hospitality industry is not only about hotels; it includes spa and health management as well. Our students graduate with the business acumen, hospitality mindset and 5-star service approach which forms the very core of this sector."

For more information about the new Spa and Health Management specialization, please visit www.lesroches.edu.