Carlos Diez de la Lastra – CEO Les Roches Global

What recent courses or programs has Les Roches introduced in response to shifts in the hospitality and luxury industries?

For example, we’ve introduced two exciting programs recently to meet the growing demands of specific sectors within hospitality. The first is our Master of Science in Marketing and Management for Luxury Tourism, which addresses the increasing overlap between hospitality and luxury tourism. This program trains students to manage high-end tourism experiences, focusing on luxury branding, marketing strategies, and the specific needs of ultra-high-net-worth clients. The second is the Master of Science in Sport Management and Events, which responds to the rise of sport tourism and large-scale event management. With this program, students gain specialized skills in managing international sporting events, hospitality services for athletes, and the logistics behind complex global events. Both of these programs are designed to give students a competitive edge in these rapidly expanding fields.

How does the curriculum at Les Roches align with the latest trends in hospitality management and emerging sectors?

Our curriculum is closely aligned with current industry trends, constantly evolving to reflect the latest developments. A key trend in hospitality today is the integration of technology, which is why we’ve developed initiatives like the Spark Innovation Sphere. This research and innovation hub allows students to engage with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, data analytics, and blockchain, providing hands-on experience with tools that are transforming the industry. Additionally, trends like wellness tourism and experience-driven travel are reflected in our courses, where students learn how to craft personalized guest experiences and integrate wellness into their service offerings. We’re also preparing students for emerging sectors, such as short-term rentals and the blending of luxury services with hospitality, by ensuring they understand the complexities of these new business models.

How is Les Roches incorporating sustainability and environmental responsibility into its newly introduced courses?

Sustainability is a core value for us at Les Roches, and we’ve woven it into our curriculum across the board. We recently introduced courses specifically focused on sustainable hospitality management, where students learn how to implement eco-friendly practices in operations, from energy efficiency to waste reduction. We also launched an executive program on Sustainable Tourism, which looks at how to manage tourism growth in a way that aligns with environmental conservation. Students in this program engage in real-world projects, working with local communities and businesses to develop sustainable solutions. This practical experience is crucial in preparing them to lead sustainability initiatives in their future careers.

In what ways do the recent offerings prepare students for future leadership roles in the global hospitality market?

At Les Roches, we focus on developing leaders who are ready for the challenges of tomorrow. We prepare our students to be adaptable and forward-thinking, helping them anticipate and respond to future client needs. In today’s hospitality landscape, this means training them to understand emerging trends, like the rise of experience-driven travel or the increasing importance of sustainability and equipping them with the skills to adapt quickly to changes in the market. We also emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving, using real-world case studies and leadership simulations to help students practice making decisions in complex, fast-moving environments. Leadership in hospitality is not just about managing teams but about leading change, and our programs are designed to instill a mindset of innovation and resilience.

How does Les Roches ensure that its new programs stay relevant to both current and future industry needs?

Staying relevant in a fast-evolving industry is crucial, and we do this through several strategies. First, our Industry Advisory Board—which includes top leaders from hospitality, luxury, and technology—provides direct insights that shape our curriculum to align with the latest trends. We also gather feedback from our alumni, ensuring our programs reflect real-world developments.

Moreover, after a two-year process, Les Roches achieved Swiss Accreditation. This accomplishment confirms our commitment to the highest educational standards and further enhances our students’ career opportunities. Swiss Accreditation is a mark of excellence and reinforces our position at the top of hospitality education, ensuring that our programs meet strict international criteria and keep students competitive in the global market. This, along with our continuous curriculum updates, prepares students for both current and future industry demands.

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