Study Fee: Click here to view the t(/study-fee)uition and subscription options.(/study-fee)(/study-fee) Monthly study plans start from €499 per month, depending on the program and level of academic support selected.

Study Method: This program is delivered 100% online, allowing students to study from anywhere in the world with flexible scheduling. Students may also have the option to attend the graduation ceremony in Switzerland, subject to visa approval and travel regulations.

Study Language: The program is delivered in English. Students are expected to have sufficient English language proficiency to complete the coursework and academic requirements.

Applications can be submitted online through our admission portal.(/apply)(/apply) Applicants may also contact or visit our offices in different regions, including: • Europe: Switzerland • GCC: Dubai (UAE) • Asia: Bishkek Our admissions team will guide you through the application and enrollment process.

Programs are offered through a flexible monthly subscription system, allowing students to progress at their own pace while maintaining access to academic resources and support services.

This program has a minimum study period depending on the academic level and program structure. Students may complete the program at their own pace while maintaining an active monthly subscription.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should meet the academic entry requirements for the respective program level. Typical requirements may include: • A previous academic qualification relevant to the program level • A copy of passport or national ID • Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume • Completed online application form Additional documents may be requested depending on the program and the institution delivering the program.

Certification / Degree Awarded

Upon successful completion of all academic requirements, students will receive the corresponding certificate or academic degree issued by the responsible institution within the VBNN Smart Education Group network.

Doctorate in Hospitality and Tourism Management

Feb 17
2 min read

The Doctorate in Hospitality and Tourism Management is a 100% research-based academic pathway designed for senior hospitality executives, tourism strategists, hotel and resort directors, destination managers, policymakers, consultants, and academic researchers who seek to advance strategic knowledge in global hospitality systems and sustainable tourism development.

This doctorate study program is positioned at a level equivalent to EQF Level 8 and corresponds to the third European cycle of higher education. It is structured to cultivate independent research excellence, advanced analytical capability, and high-level strategic insight into the evolving global hospitality and tourism landscape.

The program consists of seven structured modules, carefully designed to guide candidates from advanced theoretical foundations to the development of original scholarly contributions:

Four research-focused modules covering advanced research design, quantitative and qualitative methodologies, tourism analytics, hospitality performance measurement, research ethics, academic writing, and publication standards.
Two general modules that strengthen interdisciplinary understanding, strategic leadership, governance frameworks, sustainability management, and innovation in service industries.
One specialized module dedicated to Hospitality and Tourism Management, addressing destination competitiveness, luxury hospitality strategy, sustainable tourism models, digital transformation in tourism, customer experience innovation, global travel trends, and crisis management in tourism economies.

The program culminates in the preparation of an original doctoral thesis supported by structured research activities and academic supervision. Candidates are expected to generate meaningful scholarly contributions that address contemporary challenges in global tourism recovery, sustainable destination development, hospitality resilience, digital guest engagement, and long-term industry transformation.

With a minimum duration of 18+ months, the program offers flexibility for experienced professionals balancing executive responsibilities with advanced research. While a defined minimum study period exists, candidates may extend their research timeline to ensure depth, academic rigor, and strategic industry impact.

This doctorate study program is designed for leaders who aim to move beyond operational hospitality management toward research-driven strategic influence, shaping tourism policy, advancing sustainable hospitality models, and contributing to the future of global travel and service excellence.