IST College of Tourism repositions itself
The IST, Higher School of Tourism in Zurich, has reopened for face-to-face teaching after extensive renovation. In addition to new classrooms, state-of-the-art infrastructure and more space for meetings, the IST has launched the sympathy campaign #Tourismuszukunft in parallel. There is also a new alumni program.
The IST, Höhere Fachschule für Tourismus was extensively renovated and reopened under the overarching motto "IST reloaded". All rooms now appear open, bright and spacious. The modern and flexibly furnished classrooms meet the hybrid teaching and learning standards of tomorrow. Multifunctional workstations and meeting zones offer staff, lecturers and students space for exchange and also for concentrated work. In the corridors, large screens display "on time" information from the world of tourism.
Prestigious investment of the College of Tourism
A larger six-figure sum was invested in the renovation. "The contemporary infrastructure will accommodate the needs of the students in the best possible way," says Heinz Sommer, Group CEO of the Vantage Education Group, to which IST belongs. "For all those who want to pursue further education in tourism, the renovation and the associated investment are a strong signal. We believe in the future of tourism in Switzerland and in the need to contribute to the industry as an education provider through competent and well-trained people," Sommer said.
Charm offensive for the #Tourism future
Parallel to the reopening, the social media campaign #Tourismuszukunft was launched. Eight well-known personalities from tourism, business and politics as well as three IST alumni share their enthusiasm for tourism via video and send their tips and recommendations for the tourism profession throughout Switzerland. They include Nik Hartmann (TV presenter & producer), Martin Nydegger (CEO Switzerland Tourism), Andrea Gmür (Member of the Council of States), André Lüthi (VRP Globetrotter Group), Berno Stoffel (CEO Cable Cars Switzerland), Stéphanie Portmann (owner Fred Tschanz Group) and Frédéric Füssenich (CEO Rigi Bahnen AG). "At the moment, we sense a slight uncertainty among young people about choosing a career in the tourism industry. We want to counteract this so that there is no vacuum of qualified tourism specialists in the industry in the medium term," says Nicole Diermeier, Managing Director and Overall Head of School at IST, explaining the background to the charm offensive. www.ist-edu.ch
New alumni program strengthens the network
More than ever, networking in the industry is crucial for the professional future. That is why the IST - where to date 1730 students have graduated as "Tourismus-Fachfrau/mann HF" - has now founded its own alumni association. It is intended to provide a platform for networking, excursions and after-work events for students, former students and the trainers from German- and French-speaking Switzerland. Santino Fischli, IST alumnus, Lead Operations Sales at Vögele Reisen AG and president of the association: "To build, establish and maintain a network is an absolute privilege. Our alumni association offers exactly this opportunity and we will experience many unforgettable moments together. I am glad to be able to constantly expand my knowledge and network as part of this community."
Source and further information: www.ist-edu.ch
