Tag Archives: Carlos Diez de la Lastra

Carlos Díez de la Lastra’s work has significantly contributed to the professionalization of the tourism sector, the promotion of specialized education, and the development of talent. Consultancy firm Sergestur based its selection of the “150+” on criteria such as professional trajectory, achievements, sector influence, and innovation capacity. In 2024, under his leadership, Les Roches forged strategic partnerships with Silversea and Jetex, achieved Swiss accreditation recognizing it as a University of Applied Sciences, and launched the Spark X Foundation to advance research and improvement in the hospitality industry. Les Roches expanded its global footprint with the opening of the Les Roches Abu Dhabi Academy in September 2024, reinforcing its mission to provide world-class hospitality education and innovation on a global scale. For the sixth consecutive year, Sergestur has published its list of the 150 most influential professionals in the Spanish tourism sector. Once again, Carlos Díez de la Lastra, CEO of Les Roches, is highlighted among these notable leaders. Les Roches is one of the world’s top five institutions specializing in hospitality management education, founded in Switzerland in 1954. Since 1995, it has had a campus in Marbella, located in the heart of the Costa del Sol, where hundreds of students from nearly 100 nationalities enroll each semester. The institution is dedicated to providing a transformative education designed to shape the future leaders of the tourism industry. Les Roches boasts a network of more than 16,000 alumni, 33% of whom have gone on to start their own businesses. Born in Madrid in 1970, Carlos Díez de la Lastra has nearly three decades of experience in higher education. His professional journey includes roles as Chief Operating Officer and Sales Director of Universidad …

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, …