The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
The School of Hotel and Tourism Management at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, established in 1979, has grown from a diploma conferring department into one of the largest and most consistently top ranked hospitality and tourism schools in Asia and the world.
Consistently ranked among the world's very best
SHTM has been rated first in the world for Hospitality and Tourism Management by ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects for eight consecutive years, and second globally among university based programmes in the QS World University Rankings by Subject for nine years running. Few hospitality schools anywhere can claim this length and consistency of top tier recognition across multiple independent global ranking systems.
A genuine teaching hotel at its core
Hotel ICON, SHTM's purpose built teaching and research hotel wholly owned by the university, integrates real hotel operations directly into the curriculum, an approach recognised with the McCool Breakthrough Award from the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education. With more than ninety academic staff from over twenty countries and regions, the school offers programmes from undergraduate degree through to doctoral level.
Studying at SHTM brings together several distinct strengths:
- Ranked first in the world for Hospitality and Tourism Management for eight consecutive years
- A purpose built teaching hotel, Hotel ICON, fully integrated into the curriculum
- Membership of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation Knowledge Network
- Faculty drawn from over twenty countries and regions
- A full academic pathway from undergraduate to doctoral study
A launchpad into Asia's hospitality leadership
Graduates move into hotel, tourism and hospitality leadership roles across Hong Kong, mainland China and the wider Asia Pacific region, carrying with them the credibility of one of the world's most consistently top ranked hospitality schools. For candidates seeking a hospitality education with genuine Asian market depth, SHTM offers a distinguished path.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is headhunting?
Headhunting is the direct, proactive approach of specific professionals for a specific role, rather than waiting for applications. It is common for senior, scarce or confidential positions. CourtesyMasters has practised headhunting and direct sourcing for hospitality since 1999, always discreetly and with respect for everyone involved.
What is a boutique executive search firm?
A boutique executive search firm is a small, specialised practice that takes on a limited number of assignments with senior attention, in contrast to large, volume-driven firms. CourtesyMasters has worked this way since 1999: a dedicated team, deep hospitality roots and personal involvement from first briefing to final placement. Read more about us.
What is the difference between executive search and recruitment?
Recruitment typically fills open vacancies through advertising and applications. Executive search works the other way around: a consultant proactively identifies and approaches accomplished professionals, including those not actively looking, and guides both sides through a confidential, structured process. CourtesyMasters combines both disciplines, always with a hospitality focus.
What is executive search?
Executive search is a specialised form of recruitment for senior and hard-to-fill positions. Instead of waiting for applications, a search partner proactively identifies, approaches and assesses proven professionals, often confidentially. CourtesyMasters has applied this craft exclusively to hospitality since 1999, through a structured six-step methodology. Discover more about executive search services.
How can I report recruitment fraud or impersonation involving CourtesyMasters?
If you receive a suspicious message or offer that claims to come from CourtesyMasters, please contact us directly before responding. We will confirm whether the communication is genuine and take action to protect you.
Where is CourtesyMasters headquartered?
CourtesyMasters is headquartered in The Hague, The Netherlands, and works internationally from hubs in Madrid, Florence, Rome, London, Monaco and Cannes. See our locations for the full overview.
When was CourtesyMasters founded?
CourtesyMasters was founded in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, in 1999. From Rotterdam to the world: over more than twenty-five years we have grown into an international hospitality search partner built on trust and discretion, working today from our headquarters in The Hague. Read more in our story.