A proud history of excellence in hospitality education

Over the past three decades we have prided ourselves in offering our students the highest level of hospitality education and a unique welcoming atmosphere that means that, all these years later, we are still producing happy and successful graduates. Find out more below…

IMI International Management Institute Switzerland first opened its doors on July 30th 1991. Our founders Mr. Heinz Bürki, Mr. Tom Maher and Mr. Rudolf Fischer along with 10 staff members welcomed 55 students. Today IMI’s 60 strong staff welcomes around 200 students per semester from all over the world to our Luzern campus. We have deliberately remained small. This way our students can be assured of a highly personalised and individual approach to their learning.


The combination of quality academic teaching, Swiss practical training and breathtaking scenery are a recipe for success. Added to this our excellent industry contacts provide CV enhancing internships as well as numerous recruitment opportunities for students on completion of their studies. Our graduates can be found in senior management positions all around the globe. Their success shows that, to reach the top, it pays to start at the top!

OUR HISTORY

2021

IMI celebrates its 30th anniversary!
IMI named 15th best hospitality school globally in QS rankings.
Swiss Degree in International Hospitality Management achieves Swiss Federal recognition.

2020

IMI named 11th best hospitality school globally in QS rankings.

2019

IMI re-accredited as a CTH approved centre
New BA (Hons) Business and Marketing programmes launched
IMI moves up to 12th in QS World Rankings

2018

Successful re-validations with UK partners
IMI partners with SECO in Vietnamese sustainability project

2017

IMI in World Tourism Forum Lucerne
New Programme Launch: Hôtelier-Restaurateur / Hôtelière-Restauratrice HF (Swiss Degree)
IMI number 17 in QS World Rankings for hospitality education

2016

25th anniversary celebration of IMI

2015

Appointment of new Dean: Prof. Theodore Benetatos
IMI in World Tourism Forum Lucerne
Completion of campus-wide room refurbishment project

2014

Isabelle Bürki appointed Vice-President of the Board of Directors continuing the family tradition
ICI students medal winners at ZAGG hospitality and culinary trade fair

2013

Launch of the International Culinary Institute (ICI). Programmes validated by Oxford Brookes University, UK
IMI now welcoming 200 students per semester
IMI in World Tourism Forum Lucerne
Launch of IMI Luzern MBA programme validated by the Confederation of Tourism & Hospitality

2011

Partner school agreement: Canadian Tourism College, Vancouver
IMI in World Tourism Forum

2010

20 year anniversary celebration of IMI
IMI opens Hotel Central student accommodation in centre of Luzern

2009

IMI takes part in World Tourism Forum, Luzern
Partner school agreement: Trisakti Intitute of Tourism, Indonesia
Partner school agreement: Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH), Indonesia

2008

IMI participates at Olympic Games in Beijing (Swiss House)

2007

Partner school agreement: SIM Singapore

2006

IMI again receives highest rating at QAA review

2005

EduQua recognition for IMI
School receives ISO 9001:2000 certification

2003

School receives highest rating from UK QAA review

2001

New Dean appointed: Professor Roy Wood

2000

New Bachelor of Arts Hospitality Honours Degree launched

1999

IMI membership of the Pacific Asia Tourist Association

1997

School moves to Campus Kastanienbaum

1996

New Dean appointed: Professor Sean Duffy

1995

Programme validation by Manchester Metropolitan University UK

1991

Start of courses at Hotel Waldstaetten, Weggis with 55 students

1990

IMI founded by three shareholders: Heinz Bürki, Rudolf Fischer and Tom Maher
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