SHAPING THE FUTURE OF HOSPITALITY LEADERSHIP: APIIT LAUNCHES SWISS HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME WITH HTMi SWITZERLAND
View(s):Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is experiencing a remarkable rebound, positioning the nation as one of the fastest-growing destinations in the South Asian region. Tourist arrivals in 2025 surpassed 2.36 million visitors, exceeding the previous record set in 2018 and reflecting sustained growth momentum (Ceylon Today, 2026). This surge has translated into significant economic impact, generating approximately USD 3.2 billion in tourism revenue, a vital contribution to national foreign exchange earnings and broader economic recovery (Gov News Sri Lanka, 2026). Employment within the tourism sector is also expanding, with overall jobs (including indirect roles) rising by over 11 percent year-on-year in 2023 to around 430,000 positions (based on SLTDA data, 2026), and direct employment in hotels and restaurants alone reaching more than 200,000 workers,underlining an acute and rising demand for skilled hospitality professionals across the island.
Sri Lanka’s hospitality and tourism sector stands at a pivotal moment of growth and transformation. Responding to the industry’s increasing demand for professionally trained, globally competent leaders, Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology (APIIT) is proud to introduce its Hospitality Management programme in collaboration with the renowned HTMi (Hotel and Tourism Management Institute), Switzerland.
This landmark programme brings world-class Swiss hospitality education to Sri Lanka, offering students the opportunity to gain internationally recognised qualifications while studying locally at APIIT. Designed to blend academic excellence, practical training, and global exposure, the programme positions graduates for successful management careers in one of the world’s most dynamic and people-centric industries.
HTMi Switzerland is internationally recognised as a leading institution in hospitality and tourism education. Its programmes are ranked No. 1 in the UK for Bachelor’s Hospitality degrees in 2025 by the Guardian University Guide and placed among the Top 20 globally for Hospitality and Leisure Management in the QS World University Rankings. HTMi is also recognised by the Institute of Hospitality (UK) and accredited by the British Accreditation Council, reinforcing its reputation for rigorous academic standards, industry relevance, and graduate employability.
Through this collaboration, students at APIIT will benefit from a curriculum that reflects the best of Swiss hospitality education,renowned worldwide for precision, service excellence, and managerial discipline. The programme emphasises experiential learning, professional practice, and leadership development, ensuring that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also industry-ready from day one.
The Hospitality Management programme offered at APIIT provides a structured pathway from Certificate, Diploma, and Higher-diploma qualifications through to undergraduate study, with strong opportunities for international exposure. After completing the certificate level at APIIT, students have the option to progress to HTMi Switzerland to complete their diploma and higher diploma stages, and subsequently advance to the BSc (Hons) International Hospitality Managementoffered byUlster University, UK, which is awarded as a dual degree. Students may also choose progression pathways to Asia Pacific University (APU) Malaysia for the finalstage of their qualification, enabling them to gain invaluable global experience, international academic credentials, and cross-cultural insight throughout their academic journey.
APIIT’s strong track record in delivering high-quality transnational education underpins the credibility and academic strength of this new Hospitality Management offering. With over 25 years of experience in higher education, APIIT has established itself as a trusted provider of internationally benchmarked programmes, supported by robust quality assurance frameworks and long-standing global university partnerships. The institution’s reputation for academic rigour, personalised student support, and strong graduate employability outcomes is reflected in the success of thousands of alumni across Business, Computing, and Law, many of whom now hold leadership and professional roles both in Sri Lanka and overseas. APIIT’s industry-focused pedagogical approach, complemented by modern learning facilities, experiential learning opportunities, and a faculty comprising seasoned academics and industry practitioners, ensures that students are equipped with relevant skills, professional competencies, and a global mindset aligned with international best practices.
Hospitality is deeply embedded in Sri Lanka’s national identity, shaped by a long tradition of warmth, service excellence, and cultural diversity, while tourism continues to serve as a critical pillar of economic growth and employment generation. As the sector evolves in response to global trends such as sustainability, digital transformation, and experiential travel, the demand for professionally trained, ethically grounded, and globally competent hospitality leaders has never been greater. By introducing this Swiss-accredited Hospitality Management programme in collaboration with HTMi Switzerland, APIIT seeks to bridge the gap between industry demand and talent supply, nurturing a new generation of professionals capable of elevating service standards, driving operational excellence, and leading with integrity. Graduates of the programme will be well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development and global competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s tourism and hospitality sector, while also pursuing dynamic international careers across the wider hospitality ecosystem. Jan/Feb 2026 intake marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for aspiring hospitality professionals in Sri Lanka. Students who enrol at APIIT will gain access to globally respected qualifications, international networks, and career pathways across hotels, resorts, airlines, cruise lines, event management companies, and tourism enterprises worldwide.
Enrolments are now open. Students and parents seeking a globally recognised hospitality education, delivered locally with international progression opportunities, are encouraged to explore the Hospitality Management programme at APIIT with HTMi Switzerland.
For more information on admissions and programme details,email info@apiit.lk or visit www.apiit.lk.
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