DBA in Hospitality & Tourism Management
Rushford Business School (Switzerland)
"Lead the hospitality and tourism industry with doctoral-level research and global vision"
- 3 phases · 17 modules · 2.5 Years programme
- Earn the internationally recognised "Dr." title
- Dissertation on a live business challenge in your organisation
- Cohort of up to 15 senior executives from 25+ countries
Duration
2.5 Years
Phases
3
Modules
17
Cohort
Up to 15
Credential
DBA
Delivery
Online
About This Programme
The DBA in Hospitality & Tourism Management is designed for hotel group CEOs, tourism board directors, luxury brand leaders, and hospitality entrepreneurs who want doctoral credentials to drive evidence-based transformation in their industry. The programme combines revenue management science, sustainable tourism research, and luxury brand leadership.
Learning Outcomes
Eligibility & Admission
- Masters, MBA, or Hospitality Management degree from a recognised institution
- 10+ years professional experience
- 5+ years in senior hospitality, tourism, or luxury brand leadership
- Research interest statement on a hospitality topic
- Interview with programme director
Programme Structure
3 phases · 17 modules · 2.5 Years
Hospitality Research Foundations
Specialist Hospitality Electives
Doctoral Dissertation
Career Outcomes
Where our DBA graduates lead
CEO / MD – Hotel Group
₹ 40L – 1.5Cr PA
Director General – Tourism Board
₹ 30L – 80L PA
Hospitality Researcher / Consultant
₹ 20L – 50L PA
92%
Executive Promotion Rate
2×
Avg. Salary Multiplier
18 mo
Avg. Time to Next Role
Programme Faculty
Prof. Natalia Ivanova
Programme Director · PhD Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) · Ex-Accor Global VP Revenue
Dr. Rahul Menon
Tourism Research Lead · DBA Oxford Brookes · Ex-Kerala Tourism Director · UNWTO Advisor
Candidate Reviews
Programme Rating
Total reviews
The DBA transformed how I engage with my board. I now bring evidence, not just intuition, to every strategic discussion. The dissertation process was challenging but incredibly rewarding.
Worth every rupee. The faculty are genuinely at the top of their field. My supervisor pushed me in ways that made the research genuinely original. Got promoted to Group CEO three months after defending.
Demanding programme — but that's the point. The cohort of fellow executives is itself worth the investment. The network I've built across 18 countries is invaluable.
Doctor of Business Administration
DBA in Hospitality & Tourism Management
Corporate Academy
Awarded on successful defence
Earn the "Dr." Title
Upon successful defence of your dissertation, you are awarded the Doctor of Business Administration — a credential recognised by leading corporations, academic institutions, and regulatory bodies worldwide. Add it to your LinkedIn, email signature, and board profile.
- Globally recognised 'Dr.' title
- Alumni network of 5,000+ doctoral graduates
- Eligible for academic appointments at leading B-schools
- Verified by partner accreditation bodies
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need hotel management experience?
Yes — applicants should have significant senior experience in hospitality, hotels, tourism, travel, or F&B industries. Allied sectors (events, aviation, cruise) are also welcomed.
Can I research my own hotel group or tourism destination?
Yes, and most candidates do. Using your own organisation as the research site produces the most commercially relevant dissertations.
Talk to a DBA Counsellor
Get a personalised admissions roadmap — free of charge.
Upcoming Intakes
October 2026
Next Batch
7 seats left
January 2027
Upcoming
12 seats left
April 2027
Later
15 seats left
Sponsoring Executives?
Custom cohorts, invoiced billing, and group discounts for 3+ sponsored candidates from the same organisation.
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