The hospitality industry is one of the largest and fastest-growing industries in the world. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, it accounts for one in 11 jobs globally. Due to job security, an exciting work environment, and abundant employment opportunities, hospitality courses are among the most sought-after worldwide.
Nepal is no exception to this trend. Nepal relies heavily on tourism as a major source of foreign exchange, offering a unique destination for mountaineering, trekking, rafting, and jungle safaris. Home to eight of the world's ten highest mountains and ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Nepal attracts adventurers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
The number of tourists visiting Nepal is increasing yearly, and the government aims to attract two million tourists annually. To support this growing sector, various hospitality courses have been introduced in Nepal to develop the necessary human capital.
The Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM) programs in Nepal offer diverse educational opportunities for students interested in the hospitality and tourism industry. These programs are provided by a mix of national and international universities, ensuring a rich blend of local and global perspectives in hospitality education.
The Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM) is an undergraduate program lasting three to four years, depending on the institution's affiliation. Candidates in a BHM program gain comprehensive knowledge of the hospitality sector, learning about food and beverage preparation, housekeeping operations, front office management, computer applications, business communication, lodging operations, corporate finance, sales, marketing, public relations, and more. The BHM course encompasses both theoretical and practical elements, ensuring a well-rounded education.
As of 2024, 17 universities in Nepal offer 20 different types of BHM programs. National universities such as Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu University, Purbanchal University, Pokhara University, and Mid-West University offer robust BHM programs tailored to the needs of the Nepalese hospitality sector. KU runs two types of hospitality management programs: one is a Bachelor in Hospitality Management, and the other is a Bachelor in Professional Hospitality.
in 2019, Lumbini Buddhist University also started offering a Bachelor in Travel and Tourism Management with honors in Buddhism. These programs emphasize practical skills, managerial training, and theoretical knowledge, preparing graduates for dynamic roles in the hospitality industry locally and internationally.
In addition to national universities, several prestigious international institutions have established their presence in Nepal. Universities such as Queen Margaret University (UK), Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, International Management Institute (Switzerland), and Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne-EHL, among others, offer specialized hospitality programs in Nepal.
As of 2024, 79 Colleges are offering BHM programs in Nepal.
TU Affiliated | 25 |
Pokhara University Affiliated | 15 |
Purbanchal University Affiliated | 9 |
KU Affiliated (BPH and BHM) | 6 |
Others | 24 |
These BHM programs cover a broad spectrum of specializations within hospitality management, including international hospitality and tourism management, culinary arts, and business-oriented hospitality management. This diversity in BHM offerings allows students to choose programs that align with their career aspirations, whether they aim to work in Nepal or the global hospitality industry.
Nepal has witnessed significant growth in the hospitality sector in recent years. Renowned five-star hotels such as Hotel Yak and Yeti, Soaltee Hotel, Hotel Annapurna, Radisson Hotel, Hyatt Regency, The Malla Hotel, The Dwarika's Hotel, Tiger Palace Resort, and Shangri-la Hotel boast rich histories and legacies.
The number of five-star hotels has surged over the past decade with the addition of Soaltee Sibkrim Hotels and Resorts (Soaltee Westend), Kathmandu Marriott Hotel, Chandragiri Hills Resort, Hyatt Place Kathmandu, Aloft Kathmandu, and Hotel The Kingsbury.
The opening of new hotels and the expansion of services in existing ones, alongside newly added boutique hotels and resorts in areas like Thamel, Dhulikhel, Nagarkot, Lakeside Pokhara, Chitwan, and Sarangkot Pokhara, has increased the demand for various levels of managers and workforce in the hospitality industry.
Globally, the demand for hospitality professionals is also rising as more people travel and dine out frequently. Many hotel management colleges offer internships and placements not only within Nepal but also in countries such as Malaysia, Dubai, Thailand, and the USA, making hospitality education a preferred choice for students.