Gala evening at EHG
The Ecole Hôtelière celebrates 110 years of excellence
The Ecole Hôtelière de Genève, founded in 1914, celebrated its 110th anniversary on October 14, 2024, with a milestone event on October 17. For over 110 years, this establishment has been synonymous with excellence, innovation and passion, helping to train Swiss and international hospitality professionals.
From the moment it was founded by the pioneers of the Société des Cafetiers, Restaurateurs et Hôteliers, the Ecole Hôtelière de Genève has been a benchmark in the industry. Founded with the ambition of professionalizing the hotel and restaurant business in a country already renowned for its hospitality, the school has been a key player in the emergence of Switzerland as a world model for hospitality.
Since moving into Geneva’s magnificent “Vieux-Bois” building in 1951, the school has never ceased to evolve, remaining true to the innovative spirit of its founders.
Speeches by Thibault Bougamont, class sponsor, Anne Hiltpold, State Councillor in charge of the Department of Education, Training and Youth (DIP), and Gilles Meystre, Vice-President of GastroSuisse, captivated the audience.
Each shared words of encouragement and sound advice, highlighting the future contribution of graduates as future leaders in the hospitality industry.
The birthday party kicked off with an exclusive lunch for students and staff. Glasses of champagne, birthday cake, a specially designed menu and a photo booth added a festive touch to the celebration. It was an opportunity to celebrate the bonds that keep the EHG spirit alive every day, and to pay tribute to everyone’s commitment.
The evening continued with a prestigious event at the Restaurant Vieux-Bois, a symbolic venue reflecting the school’s heritage and elegance. Attended by guests of honor, leading figures from the hospitality industry, partners and staff, the event was marked by inspiring speeches. These speeches recounted key moments in the school’s history, its recent achievements, including the launch of Post-Graduate programs, and highlighted the school’s future ambitions to meet the needs of the ever-changing industry.
For over a century, the Ecole Hôtelière de Genève has been committed to maintaining excellence in hotel training, preparing generations of passionate, innovative professionals who respect the traditions for which Swiss hospitality is renowned. Today, it continues to distinguish itself through its commitment to equal opportunities, its adaptation to new technologies, and its initiatives in favor of sustainable management, as evidenced by its nomination for the Equality Prize by the Chamber of Commerce.
This 110th anniversary was a vibrant tribute to the school’s heritage and to those who have contributed to its influence. It was also a celebration of the future, of the vision and ambitions that will guide the EHG in the coming decades. The Alumni Gala, scheduled for January 25, 2025, will bring these celebrations to a close by bringing together former students, thus continuing this wonderful collective adventure and continuing to spread the excellence of Swiss hospitality around the world.
