Vatel, Hotel & Tourism Business School
Vatel, the Hotel and Tourism Business School, was founded in Paris in 1981 by Jocelyne and Alain Sebban and has grown into the world's largest network of hospitality and tourism business schools, with around fifty campuses across more than thirty countries.
The French art of hospitality, taught at scale
Vatel's model rests on a distinctly French idea: that hospitality traces back through centuries of history, from medieval hosts competing for the honour of receiving travelling dignitaries to the grand hotel tradition that followed. Every Vatel student benefits from a guaranteed internship placement in a three to five star establishment, arranged by the school itself and typically paid, removing one of the most common barriers students face when entering the industry.
A genuinely global network with a French core
With around nine thousand students and fifty thousand alumni across its network, Vatel was ranked twelfth in the world and first in France for Hospitality and Leisure Management by the 2025 QS World University Rankings. Individual campuses, from Paris to Lyon, Nantes, Nîmes and Bordeaux, each carry their own local character while sharing a single group wide curriculum and quality standard.
Studying at Vatel offers several distinct strengths:
- The world's largest network of hospitality and tourism business schools
- Ranked first in France and twelfth worldwide for Hospitality and Leisure Management
- Guaranteed, arranged internships in three to five star establishments
- A genuinely global footprint spanning Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa
- A founding philosophy rooted in the distinctly French art of hospitality
A launchpad into global hospitality careers
Graduates move into hotel, restaurant, wine, events and tourism leadership roles across the world, carrying with them the credibility of the industry's largest dedicated hospitality school network. For candidates seeking a hospitality education with genuine scale and a distinctly French foundation, Vatel offers a well established 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.