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School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR

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About School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

When it comes to raising your qualifications in the tourism and hospitality industry, you need to be where the action is. That’s Asia, the world’s fastest growing region for tourism.

With its key role of regional airline hub and gateway to Mainland China, vibrant blend of Eastern culture and Western sophistication, there's no better place to ride this "Asian Wave" than Hong Kong.

Rated No. 1 in the world in the “Hospitality and Tourism Management” category according to ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024 for the eighth consecutive year, placed No. 1 globally in the “Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services” category in the University Ranking by Academic Performance in 2024/2025 for eight years in a row, rated No. 1 in the world in the “Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism” subject area by the CWUR Rankings by Subject 2017, and rranked No. 2 in the world among university-based programmes in the “Hospitality and Leisure Management” subject area in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 for the ninth consecutive year, the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is uniquely positioned to not only ride the Asian wave, but also to lead it in educational excellence. 

For more than four decades, the SHTM has refined a distinctive vision of hospitality and tourism education and become a symbol of excellence in the field, exemplifying its motto of Leading Hospitality and Tourism. Through Hotel ICON, the SHTM’s groundbreaking teaching and research hotel and a vital aspect of its paradigm-shifting approach to hospitality and tourism education, the School is advancing teaching, learning and research, inspiring a new generation of passionate, pioneering professionals to take their positions as leaders in the hospitality and tourism industry.

So let the School’s strong international team of 90+ academics from diverse cultural backgrounds take your career path to new heights.

Come crest the wave in Hong Kong!

Programmes available

Undergraduate Faculties/Departments and Programs

- Bachelor of Science (BSc) (Hons) Scheme in Hotel and Tourism Management 

The multi-disciplinary programme has three specialisms and two secondary majors:

  • Specialisms: Hotel Management, Smart Tourism and Hospitality, and Event and Experience Management
  • Secondary Majors: Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship 


Postgraduate Faculties/Departments and Programmes

- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Hotel and Tourism Management

- Doctor of Hotel and Tourism Management (D.HTM)

- Master of Science (MSc) in Global Hospitality Business

MSc in Artificial Intelligence in Hospitality

MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Hospitality

MSc in International Hospitality Management

- MSc in International Tourism and Event Management

- MSc in International Wine Management

- MSc in Luxury Experiences Management

- MicroMasters in International Hospitality Management (Online programme on edX)

About School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

When it comes to raising your qualifications in the tourism and hospitality industry, you need to be where the action is. That’s Asia, the world’s fastest growing region for tourism.

With its key role of regional airline hub and gateway to Mainland China, vibrant blend of Eastern culture and Western sophistication, there's no better place to ride this "Asian Wave" than Hong Kong.

Rated No. 1 in the world in the “Hospitality and Tourism Management” category according to ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024 for the eighth consecutive year, placed No. 1 globally in the “Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services” category in the University Ranking by Academic Performance in 2024/2025 for eight years in a row, rated No. 1 in the world in the “Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism” subject area by the CWUR Rankings by Subject 2017, and rranked No. 2 in the world among university-based programmes in the “Hospitality and Leisure Management” subject area in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 for the ninth consecutive year, the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is uniquely positioned to not only ride the Asian wave, but also to lead it in educational excellence. 

For more than four decades, the SHTM has refined a distinctive vision of hospitality and tourism education and become a symbol of excellence in the field, exemplifying its motto of Leading Hospitality and Tourism. Through Hotel ICON, the SHTM’s groundbreaking teaching and research hotel and a vital aspect of its paradigm-shifting approach to hospitality and tourism education, the School is advancing teaching, learning and research, inspiring a new generation of passionate, pioneering professionals to take their positions as leaders in the hospitality and tourism industry.

So let the School’s strong international team of 90+ academics from diverse cultural backgrounds take your career path to new heights.

Come crest the wave in Hong Kong!

Programmes available

Undergraduate Faculties/Departments and Programs

- Bachelor of Science (BSc) (Hons) Scheme in Hotel and Tourism Management 

The multi-disciplinary programme has three specialisms and two secondary majors:

  • Specialisms: Hotel Management, Smart Tourism and Hospitality, and Event and Experience Management
  • Secondary Majors: Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship 


Postgraduate Faculties/Departments and Programmes

- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Hotel and Tourism Management

- Doctor of Hotel and Tourism Management (D.HTM)

- Master of Science (MSc) in Global Hospitality Business

MSc in Artificial Intelligence in Hospitality

MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Hospitality

MSc in International Hospitality Management

- MSc in International Tourism and Event Management

- MSc in International Wine Management

- MSc in Luxury Experiences Management

- MicroMasters in International Hospitality Management (Online programme on edX)

Available programmes

University information

Whether you are a high school student, a college student currently enrolled in another programme, or an industry professional looking to earn your next degree or certificate, you will find in the SHTM a world-class institution offering world-leading programmes to help you achieve your academic and professional goals.

For details of SHTM’s academic programmes, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/shtm/study


For admission and application details of the School’s undergraduate and postgraduates programmes, please visit http://www.polyu.edu.hk/study


General

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Wholly owned by PolyU and an extension of the SHTM, Hotel ICON is a unique teaching and research hotel offering a fully integrated teaching and learning approach to education. Officially opened in September 2011, Hotel ICON is located in the same building complex as the SHTM campus.

As the world's first co-located, co-lead programme offered in a teaching and research hotel, Hotel ICON provides a dynamic environment to inspire a new generation of passionate pioneering hoteliers and students who will one day take their positions as leaders in the hospitality and tourism sector.

With the establishment of Hotel ICON, the SHTM's leadership role in hospitality research has been enhanced.  Research projects with different foci have already been implemented in the hotel. Three dedicated guestrooms – "Tomorrow's Guestrooms" – have been set up to facilitate more in-depth research into the application of advanced concepts in the field of hotel management for the advancement of the entire industry.

In the pursuit of research excellence, the SHTM established the Hospitality and Tourism Research Centre (HTRC) to further consolidate its research prowess, which has long been recognised as one of the School’s significant strengths. With a view to bridging the gap between hospitality and tourism theory and industry practice, the HTRC supports academic research for the advancement and development of hospitality and tourism knowledge on topics of importance to industry performance. It is a unique research-based platform with an expansive network of hospitality and tourism academics from the School and partner institutions, along with leading industry executives.

Combining the practical experience and endeavour of Hotel ICON and the research prowess of the SHTM, the School launched the SHTM+ICON Consultancy as yet another novel endeavour to achieve its mission in engineering knowledge transfer to the hospitality industry and other education institutes. With a world-leading team of consultants, it offers professional hospitality-related consultancy services to the industry worldwide.

Other world-class teaching and research facilities include:

The Che-woo Lui Hotel and Tourism Resource Centre houses a range of hotel and tourism management related reference and teaching materials, such as books, journals, magazines, statistical reports and conference proceedings to support research, teaching and learning functions of the School.

The Tan Siu Lin Innovation Hub is equipped with state-of-the-art digital equipment and specialised software for the hospitality and tourism industry, ensuring an inspirational and flexible learning environment in which students are empowered to reach their full potentials. It ensures that SHTM students have experience using the latest technology available in the industry.

Bistro 1979 is a multi-function student-operated restaurant unit providing a “real-world” restaurant setting for students to build on the skill-sets required in F&B industry. It is also the venue for the Catering Studies Dining Society which welcomes their members and their guests. The training restaurant seats 66 persons, offering lunches and dinners during the semester according to the academic timetable.

Vinoteca Lab seats 40 persons. It is used for a variety of classes including wine appreciation. Students are taught a range of topics, from basic wine fundamentals to advanced regional and international wine knowledge and specialist skills in the F&B industry. Workshops organised by the Food and Wine Academy, an initiative by the SHTM and Hotel ICON, also take place here.

Student life

Reflections from Students and Graduates

Doctor of Philosophy in Hotel and Tourism Management (Ph.D.)

• “The professors are not only passionate about the industry and their research, but they are also interested in what the students are working on for their thesis and lend some ideas or questions to improve the work. After I successfully complete the programme I would like to go into academia and continue teaching and educating the future leaders of the industry.” — Dr Guy Llewellyn, Ph.D. graduate from the USA/Assistant Professor, EHL Hospitality Business School (Singapore Campus), Singapore

Doctor of Hotel and Tourism Management (D.HTM)

•  "Starting the DHTM programme in my late 50s while managing Korean restaurants, food distribution, and community service has been a challenging yet enriching experience. The passionate lectures from top professors and collaboration with brilliant peers have greatly enhanced my learning. Choosing the DHTM was a wise decision that aligns perfectly with my career goals for meaningful contributions in this field." — Mr Jong Seok Lee, Managing Director, JSIHK Holdings, Korea

Master of Science (MSc) in Global Hospitality Business (MGH)

•  "My time in Hong Kong as part of the programme has been nothing short of unforgettable. I had the opportunity with my group to finally present our Academic Business Project to H World, one of the largest Chinese hotel groups in the world. Meeting industry professionals in both Hong Kong and Mainland China and learning from supportive and knowledgeable professors has been an incredible experience. As my semester in Hong Kong comes to a close, I’m grateful for the growth, insights, and memories I’ve gained from this amazing journey." — Ms Antonia Lam, student from Norway

MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Hospitality (IEH)

•  "Learning is a lifelong journey. After completing the PolyUxMicroMasters, I am eager to pursue further breakthroughs and was attracted by the IEH programme with its unique offerings. It turned out to be even better than my anticipation as the studies have not only enhanced my entrepreneurial mindset and skill set, but have also inspired me to explore how innovation can be potentially and practically integrated into this industry. The IEH has marked the beginning of my next chapter, and I am confident that this experience represents one of the most valuable investments I can make in my personal and professional development." — Mr Gordon Kwong, student from Hong Kong

MSc in International Hospitality Management (IHM)

•  "As a finance professional, my journey at SHTM has been truly transformative. Through intensive research works and practical case studies, we are gaining a solid understanding of the hotel and tourism industry, along with its unique challenges and opportunities. I appreciate the wide range of subjects, which allows us to strategically shape our careers. Ultimately, I am confident that the skills and knowledge I have gained here will empower me to make significant contributions to the industry and fulfill my career aspirations." — Mr Jean-Rodolphe Roger Gonnon, student from France

MSc in International Tourism and Event Management (ITEM)

•  "Throughout my journey with ITEM last fall semester, I found that the programme is never just about on-the-book curriculum, it offers much more than that. There are professional lectures, academic seminars, practical workshops, and social events, where I have acquired and developed theoretical knowledge, real-world experiences, and social network connections. " — Ms Rosalind Li, student from Mainland China

MSc in International Wine Management (IWM)

•  "After working in the wine industry for a while, going back to school for my Master's Degree at SHTM feels like a great new beginning. The programme covers everything from wine to hotels and tourism, which is just what I need. I'm looking forward to using what I already know while learning more, sure that this will help me do even better in my career in the exciting world of wine, hotels and tourism." — Mr James Kwan, student from Hong Kong

MSc in Luxury Experiences Management  (LEM)

•  "As an undergraduate from SHTM, the School has equipped me with a fundamental understanding of service delivery principles, operational intricacies, and the art of creating memorable guest experiences. My academic journey thus far has led me to recognise the impact of guests experiences on individuals, and I desire to deepen my understanding of the nuances, strategies, and innovations that shape the luxury sector. Thereby, I decided to cultivate my passion for luxury hospitality and applied the LEM programme. The LEM provided an unparalleled opportunity for me to gain an in-depth understanding of luxury branding, consumer behaviour in the luxury market, and the strategic management of prestige experiences. It has not only deepened my understanding but has also provided me with exceptional networking opportunities that I consider invaluable." — Ms Xenia Wong, student from Hong Kong

MicroMasters in International Hospitality Management (MM)

•   "Completing the MicroMasters programme, including all four courses, has been a truly transformative journey and a milestone in my career. Eight years ago, I entered the hotel industry by chance, but it quickly became my passion and calling, and since then, I haven’t stopped learning. It has deepened my understanding of hospitality, blending academic rigor with practical insights. It gave me not just new strategies and marketing ideas but a fresh perspective on the industry I love. I am incredibly grateful for this experience, which has inspired me to continue growing and innovating in my field." — Mr Alexander Bolshov, MM Best Performing Online Learner from Russia / Marketing Manager, Villa Asaliah; Marketer, WildStyle Marketing

Bachelor of Science (Hons) Scheme in Hotel and Tourism Management

• “Being an SHTM graduate helps us to connect and network with other alumni in the industry. As an internationally renowned school, employers recognise this and are confident in knowing that our knowledge and skillset are honed for a strong start in the industry. During my time at SHTM, all the fundamentals were covered to set me up for a good career in the hospitality industry.” — Mr Zelotes Lam, BSc graduate from Canada/Senior Manager, Operations & Efficiency, Swire Hotels, Hong Kong

Cost of Living

Accommodation
$14,210
Food
$4,490
Transport
$780
Utilities
$3,400

Scholarships

Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.

To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:

Employability

Many SHTM graduates are taking leading positions in renowned organisations in hospitality and tourism as well as in academia, including:

  • Accenture
  • AlphaSight
  • Amari Phuket
  • AsiaWorld-Expo
  • Bain & Company
  • Bangkok University
  • Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts
  • Bournemouth University
  • Burapha University
  • Burberry Ltd
  • Cathay Pacific Airways
  • Chalet Ivy
  • Chiang Mai University
  • Colliers International Hong Kong
  • Edith Cowan University
  • EHL Hospitality Business School
  • Expedia Group, Inc.
  • Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
  • Gems Nerd Co.Ltd
  • Grand Hyatt Berlin
  • Hilton Hotel and Resorts
  • Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
  • Hong Kong Disneyland
  • Hong Kong Tourism Board
  • Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels
  • Hotel ICON
  • Hyatt Hotel Corporation
  • InterContinental Hotels Group
  • International Law Firm
  • Invest Hong Kong
  • Kon Kean University
  • Langham Hospitality Group
  • Leeds Beckett University
  • Macao Institute for Tourism Studies
  • Mahidol University International College
  • Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
  • Marco Polo Hotels Hong Kong
  • Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO)
  • Merlin Entertainments
  • MGM Resorts International
  • Naresuan University
  • New World Development
  • Ocean Park Hong Kong
  • Oxford Brookes University
  • Peruvian University of Applied Sciences
  • Prince of Songkla University
  • Rosewood Hotel Group
  • Roskilde University
  • San Francisco State University
  • Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
  • Standard International, LLC
  • Suratthani Rajabhat University
  • Swire Hotels
  • The Peninsula Tokyo
  • The Ritz-Carlton
  • TripAdvisor
  • University of Delaware
  • University of Greenwich
  • University of Huddersfield
  • University of Surrey
  • W Hong Kong
  • W Singapore
  • Zhejiang University

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School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University advanced no 28934