Why Study Hospitality and Tourism in Spain

Do you want to study hospitality and tourism? If so, we can think of no better place to do so than in sunny, spectacular Spain. Let's take a look at four reasons to pursue studies in the thrilling field of hospitality and tourism in this cultural, historic, and beautiful destination.

1. Tourism is huge in Spain!

WorldAtlas.com reveals that Spain holds the number two spot on the list of the world’s most visited countries. Not only does the country play host to 81.8 million visitors annually, but tourism contributes an impressive 11 percent to its national GDP.

In fact, Spain’s recent economic growth can largely be attributed to the strength of international tourism. The Corner explains, “In spite of the [economic] slowdown, the fact that tourism-related GDP is growing faster than the economy as a whole means the sector is increasing in relative importance, and has been for the past few years.”

And according to an economic impact study conducted by the World Travel & Tourism Council, tourism exceeds every other industry in Spain except for the construction and retail sectors in terms of employment sector size. In fact, it directly supports nearly three times as many jobs as the financial services sector, and more than five times as many jobs as Spain’s banking sector. Also, Trading Economics figures reveal revenues from tourism in spain have been very high for many years and are booming in recent years. Revenues averaged €3,195.26 million from 1993 until 2018, reaching a record high of €8,015 million last August!

Given its labor-intensive nature, it follows that the tourism industry is also spurring new employment. Specifically, between 2014 and 2018, Spain saw the addition of just under 400,000 tourism-related jobs, accounting for 20 percent of all new employment within the country. Moving forward, the country is expected to continue to create new jobs -- approximately 80,000 annually.

Also, every year Madrid hosts the important international tourism fair, FITUR, a global meeting point for tourism professionals, with, in 2018, 10,190 exhibiting companies from 165 countries/regions, over 140,000 trade participants, and over 110,000 members of the general public.

So where better to study hospitality and tourism than a place where the tourism industry is booming?

2. Spain has everything you want.

“Between the historical cities and towns of the country like Barcelona and Madrid, the world-class resorts at the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts of the country, the popular festivals like the Carnival and the Running of the Bulls, 15 national parks, well-developed winter tourism facilities, and a bustling nightlife, Spain is a hotspot of tourist attractions. 13 Spanish cities are also regarded as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, attracting foreign visitors with their unique charm and significance,” explains WorldAtlas.com.

In other words, if you are interested in working in a specific area of tourism, or if you are looking to acquire experience in a breadth and depth of different tourism sectors, Spain has it all -- and then some.

And there are other reasons why it is the perfect destination for students. The people are famously friendly and welcoming; the food (tapas, paella, and more) is delicious; and it’s the perfect place for sun-seekers, with some areas seeing over 300 days of a sun a year, in addition to mild winters.

From thousands of miles of marvelous Mediterranean coastlines to the stunning Pyrenees mountains, you will have to opportunity to experience it all -- and to acquire critical hospitality and tourism management skills and knowledge in the process.

3. You’ll experience amazing hotels and restaurants.

Spain is seventh in the world when it comes to countries with the most five-star hotels, according to a survey conducted by comparison website trivago.gr. It is home to 335 five-star hotels representing a one percent share of the country’s total hotel market.

A Mekko chart reveals Spain also comes out on top when it comes to gourmet dining. Laying claim to a total of 183 Michelin star restaurants, including 8 three-star establishments, 21 two-star establishments, and 154 one-star establishments, it is fifth in the world in this regard, besting both the USA and the UK. Factor in the country’s relatively low population density, and these stats become even more impressive.

Spain isn’t just home to some of the world’s best hotels and restaurants, it also boasts a booming ecotourism sector. A recent USA Today article highlights the many facets of ecotourism in Spain, including an abundance of eco-destinations, eco-friendly accommodations, environmentally-friendly transportation, eco-tours, and eco-volunteerism.

4. ESCP Europe can help you jumpstart your management career.

ESCP Europe’s Master in Hospitality and Tourism Management is designed to help aspiring hospitality and tourism business leaders level up in their careers by providing them with an international overview of the industry, along with plenty of chances to work alongside top players in the field.

This full-time, 15-month program comprises opportunities to study at the ESCP Europe campuses in Madrid and Turin, as well as to participate in two-week seminary at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration (New York), long heralded as one of the best -- if not THE best -- hospitality and hotel management schools in the world. During their time at Cornell, students choose between four different specializations, walking away with a coveted Professional Development Program Diploma from the globally renowned university.

Master in Hospitality and Tourism Management students also participate in International Consulting Projects (ICP) with some of the most prestigious hotel chains across the globe. Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group revenue analyst and ESCP alumna Maria Cristina Dopazo says, “This program changed my professional life. The International Consultancy Project in Africa opened and reinforced my network and ways to think about tourism; my professors helped me define my passion in Hospitality Revenue Management and my classmates gave me a multicultural perspective. ESCP Europe, a lifetime experience.”

The results speak for themselves: 90 percent of ESCP Europe’s Master in Hospitality and Tourism Management graduates find a job within three months of graduation. Hodema senior analyst Eli Merhi says of the impact ESCP had on his life, “The MSc in Hospitality & Tourism Management is an excellent choice that gave me the mindset I needed for my career progression. An unforgettable experience that will deepen your passion for hospitality. The opportunity to study with people from all over the world in Madrid is priceless.”

If you are ready to discover all of the wonders of hospitality and tourism in an inimitable global destination, while exponentially improving your resume with a degree from a top-ranking building school, look no further than Spain and the Master in Hospitality and Tourism Management program at ESCP Europe.