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    Level 7 Executive Diploma in International Hospitality and Tourism Management

    Study Mode

    Online

    Next Start Date

    October 2026

    Duration

    8 Months

    Delivering UK-accredited postgraduate hospitality programmes since 2013.

    Overview

    The Level 7 Executive Diploma in International Hospitality & Tourism Management is designed for ambitious professionals ready to accelerate their careers in one of the fastest‑growing global industries. This programme equips learners with the advanced managerial, strategic, and digital capabilities demanded by today’s international hospitality landscape.


    Delivered in a flexible online format that allows you to earn while you learn, it blends British‑accredited academic rigor with hands‑on, industry‑focused learning—giving you the tools, confidence, and network to progress into higher‑level leadership roles across hotels, tourism organizations, and service‑oriented businesses worldwide.

    What We Deliver

    British Postgraduate Diploma

    100% digital delivery

    (asynchronous and synchronous)

    Paid Management Trainee Programs in U.S., EU, Asia

    Taught in English

    International lecturers

    Programme Structure

    This Level 7 Executive Diploma is a 120 credit, 360 Guided Learning Hour (1200 TQT) programme comprised of 8 professionally oriented modules.
    Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma
    Course Title Course Code UK CreditDelivery MonthAssessment Method
    Operations Management in Hospitality & Tourism7OMHT15OctoberClosed book written examination
    Strategic Management7SM15NovemberClosed book written examination
    Managerial Finance7MF15DecemberCoursework assessment - Case study
    Marketing & Customer Experience Management7MCEM15JanuaryCoursework assessment - Marketing audit (50%) & Multimedia presentation (50%)
    Global HRM Strategies7GHRM15FebruaryCoursework assessment - Assignment
    Destination Management7DM15MarchResearch paper
    Events & Project Management7EPM15AprilCoursework assessment - Event management plan (group), report and presentation (70%) & Post-event (individual) reflective report (30%)
    Research Methods in Hospitality & Tourism7RMHT15MayCoursework assessment - Assignment (80%) & Presentation (20%)
    Course Delivery & Evaluation
    Pursuing your education in an online learning environment comes with some great perks: a flexible schedule, affordable tuition, and expert faculty from all around the world. Our 100% online programme will fit around your lifestyle and commitments.
    Modules are studied one after the other, each module lasting for a full month. This allows for full immersion and higher focus on the topic of study. Each week the student should allocate between 10 and 20 hours for the direct contact hours and self-directed study.
    The 8 modules are delivered through online live sessions and are supported by course materials and activities on the Virtual Learning Environment – AHA eCampus. Throughout each module, you will be expected to engage with subject specific case studies, presentations and examples, amongst many other methods.
    Assessments are developed to encourage business skill development and include both time-restricted examinations and project-based assignments.
    Description of Each Unit

    In this unit, students will gain knowledge and an understanding of traditional and emerging modes of application of project management philosophy in contemporary organisational environments. Students will also develop the skills to critically analyse and evaluate current project management practices in event organisations, and offer competent suggestions for improvements of existing event project management processes.

    This unit aims to give students a critical understanding of the nature of operations management in travel, tourism and hospitality industries, focusing on present-day local and global customer experience developments. It also emphasises business awareness, proactive and logical thinking, research and critical analysis to help future managers make sound tactical and strategic customer experience management decisions on a local and global scale.

    This unit introduces students to the major theoretical perspectives, research strategies, and associated management research methodologies within tourism and hospitality businesses.
    Students will develop their ability to identify which theoretical perspectives are appropriate or necessary to research the hospitality or tourism industry-specific problems or issues. They will also learn how to plan, organize, present, and write up a research proposal for a dissertation, internship, or industry-related project, and to understand how to structure and present a dissertation or a report.

    The aim of this unit is to explore the related theories of consumer behaviour within the tourism and hospitality industries, including the management of service quality and customer satisfaction. This unit examines the relationship between marketing and customer experience management following the customers’ journey from their initial research through to post purchase behaviours and emphasizes the importance of value creation. Students will therefore develop the ability to keep abreast of the changing demands of customers and the ways in which they wish to be marketed to.

    This unit aims to challenge the concept of strategy, its scope, purpose and outcomes, and provides a practical outline of a number of different approaches to strategic management. The unit also highlights the globalization of technologies and markets and looks at the role of strategic alliances and international collaborations in establishing and nurturing competence for the achievement of strategic advantage. Students will develop their ability to assess the strengths and weaknesses of each situation working on real practical situations.

    Through theory, research, evidence and real-life case studies, students will develop skills to critically examine the challenges facing multinational organisations in managing their current and future work force.

    This unit critically evaluates the major challenges facing tourism development in the modern world and discusses prospective solutions which have been developed to help the tourism and travel industry achieve the goal of overall sustainability. A particular emphasis is given on the role and importance of strategic thinking for the management of tourism, examining various tourism planning approaches and discussing the role of tourism planning within the context of destination development.

    The aim of this unit is to explore key accounting and finance practice and the associated decision-making tools within organisations. It covers the nature of accounting and finance tools within hospitality and tourism business environments, and considers appropriate management techniques to help identify strategic options through a wide range of business scenarios. Students will gain significant knowledge on the type of financial information that is routinely produced by organisations for internal and external use and will develop their ability to critically evaluate and interpret financial information.

    Our Faculty

    Our expert faculty, a dynamic mix of top academics and senior industry leaders, delivers a solid blend of critical thinking and real-world application.

    aharomania-Shaun-Litler

    Shaun Litler

    Events & Project Management

    Shaun has taught in Higher Education for over 20 years and regularly delivers event management sessions internationally.

    aharomania-Paul-Walters

    Paul Walters

    Strategic Management

    Paul Walters is currently the Co-Founder of several companies in sport and events. Alongside that he is also the Programme leader for Business management with Sport at the University of Salford.

    aharomania-Pamela-Reckert

    Pamela Reckert

    Marketing & Customer Experience Management

    Pamela is an international hospitality business management lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University. She teaches across the programme with foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate students.

    aharomania-Ian-Embury

    Ian Embury

    Operations Management in Hospitality & Tourism

    Ian Embury is an experienced hospitality professional with over 30 years senior operational and marketing management experience across several UK and European organizations.

    aharomania-Janine-Priest

    Janine Priest

    Managerial Finance

    Janine is a Senior Lecturer in Events Management, with over 15 years’ teaching experience in Higher Education. She specialises in curriculum innovation, assessment design, and embedding inclusivity into academic practice.

    aharomania-John-Fenby

    John Fenby

    Research Methods in Hospitality & Tourism

    I am an Education and Business Consultant, Professor of Management Education at AHA, formerly the Dean of a Swiss University College and prior to that a Principal Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University.

    aharomania-Roslyn-De-Braine

    Roslyn De Braine

    Global HRM Strategies

    Prof. Roslyn De Braine is an Associate Professor in the Department of Industrial Psychology & People Management (IPPM), School of Management, College of Business & Economics at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). She holds a Doctorate in Leadership Performance & Change from UJ.

    aharomania-Suzanne-Hartman

    Suzanne Hartman

    Destination Management

    Suzanne worked as a lecturer at Coventry University since 2021, lecturer in tourism destination management at both level 6 and level 7. Before that, she was a lecturer in Tourism Management for HZ University in the Netherlands for four years, where she focused on Health Tourism.

    Customized Industry Placements

    Work experience is optional, and open throughout the duration of the programme. Students who do require the customized placement service must be aware that placement opportunities will differ based on each candidate’s educational background and professional experience:

    For students with relevant experience

    Employment in Senior / Supervisory / Professional Roles

    Management Trainee Programs

    12m Advanced Training in U.S.

    For students with less relevant experience

    Operations or Back Office Roles

    Project Based Roles

    12m Internship in U.S.

    Locations: EU, U.S., Asia.
    For more information about this service and for a personal evaluation of your career stage, please contact a Career Department representative.

    Student Experiences

    We are proud to share the experiences of our students. Their journeys reflect the dedication, hard work, and passion that define our community. Discover below how this course has impacted their careers.

    I'm pleased to share my experience in the MBA Program at the American Hotel Academy, in partnership with the Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality (CTH). After 13 years in the hospitality industry, I wanted to take my skills to the next level, and this program, known for its top-notch qualifications in hospitality, culinary arts, and tourism, seemed like the perfect fit. The program covered all the key areas of the hospitality management, giving a well-rounded view of the industry. The faculty was made up of experts from all over the world, each offering their unique perspectives and insights. This diverse, multicultural environment really added to the experience, as we were able to learn from different approaches and ideas from all around the world. With my background in the industry, I was able to bring a lot to the table in class discussions and group projects. The real-world case studies and scenarios helped me sharpen my critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are so important in a fast-moving industry like ours. One of the things I really appreciated was the collaborative atmosphere created by the American Hotel Academy and CTH. It encouraged a lot of networking and idea-sharing, which made the whole experience more rewarding. I could share my knowledge and learn from others, creating a supportive and dynamic learning environment. I’m glad I chose to be part of this program. The knowledge and skills I’ve gained, combined with my experience, will be a significant part of my career in hospitality moving forward.

    Roxana Visan

    MBA student with focus in Hospitality and GM of a hotel in Germany

    In the fast-paced hospitality industry, where trends constantly shift and customer expectations evolve, continuous learning is essential. The Hospitality and Tourism Management MBA provided by the American Hotel Academy has given me the opportunity to deepen my understanding of hospitality business management by exploring key areas vital to success in this dynamic field. I have been able to blend my expertise as a hospitality sales professional with the strategic insights I’ve gained. This journey has been both reflective and enlightening, covering subjects such as Operations Management, Business Strategy Development, Managerial Finance, Marketing, and Customer Experience Management, among many other engaging topics. Each course has significantly enhanced my understanding of hospitality business operations, equipping me with the knowledge and skills to excel in this competitive industry. The MBA experience has also sharpened my ability to lead, collaborate, and drive impactful outcomes in the hospitality sector. A heartfelt thank you to the American Hotel Academy for providing this invaluable learning opportunity and supporting my growth as a hospitality professional!

    Larisa Faica

    Deputy Sales la Radisson Blu, Bucharest

    Certification

    On successful completion of this programme, students will receive:
    Level 7 Executive Diploma in International Hospitality & Tourism Management, awarded by The Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality
    Management Consultant, awarded by American Hotel Academy

    Fees

    Tuition has been designed with affordability and flexibility in mind. Monthly instalments which spread throughout 12 months considerably reduce the financial burden so students can work and cover their tuition as they progress through the programme and therefore graduate without debt.

    Scholarships & Financial Aid

    The scholarships and student loans available for October 2026 intake, are provided below.

    Early Bird & Referral Program

    AHA grants discounts to students who secure their seats early in the season, as well as to ones who recommend other suitable candidates for admission. Please see the conditions outlined below for 2026:

    Early Bird


    €200

    Applies to students who choose to prepay the course in full, until July 31st.

    Referral Program


    €200

    A discount of €200 to the tuition fee will be granted to the American Hotel Academy student who refers our academy to their friends/ family/ colleagues.

    1. The discount is only received by the student who refers, not the one who is referred.

    2. The discount is earned when the candidate who was referred successfully finishes this course.

    3. The referred candidate must NOT be in our database already.

    4. You can be rewarded for up to three referrals per year.

    AHA Scholarships

    AHA is committed to supporting its students as they continue their academic and professional journey. AHA Scholarships are awarded to candidates who have demonstrated academic excellence during their undergraduate studies, leadership potential, and/or a meaningful contribution to the hospitality industry or to the AHA community.
    Please find below the AHA Scholarship opportunities available for the 2026 intake.

    For full details, please refer to the Postgraduate Scholarship Policy found here.

    AHA Graduate Loyalty Scholarship


    €200

    Available to all AHA graduates who receive an offer to study the Level 7 Executive Diploma in Hospitality & Tourism Management programme.

    Future Leaders in Hospitality Scholarship


    €200

    Available to candidates who demonstrate strong leadership ambition, combined with outstanding academic achievement and/or professional performance in the hospitality industry.

    Hospitality Innovator Scholarship


    €200

    Awarded to all candidates who have proposed or implemented innovative ideas related to guest experience, digital technologies, sustainability, or operational excellence during their employment or internship experience in hospitality organisations.

    Regional Hospitality Development Scholarship


    €200

    Available to candidates who actively contribute to the growth and development of hospitality and tourism in regional, seasonal, rural, or emerging destinations, including isolated communities and seasonal resorts.

    Hospitality Brand Ambassador Scholarship


    €200

    Awarded to students and alumni who actively promote AHA postgraduate courses at industry events, professional forums, or through meaningful engagement on social media and professional networks.

    Hospitality Entrepreneur Scholarship


    €200

    Available to current or aspiring hospitality entrepreneurs who intend to apply projects, assessments, and research within this course directly to the development or expansion of their own business ventures.

    Family Hospitality Business Successor Scholarship


    €200

    Designed for next‑generation leaders preparing to take over, grow, or modernise family‑owned hotels, restaurants, or tourism businesses, applying advanced management and strategic concepts learned during this postgraduate programme.

    Digital Transformation Scholarship


    €200

    For applicants with strong interest or experience in digital marketing, tech-driven hospitality solutions, or data analytics in tourism.

    Scholarship Combination Policy

    All scholarships above may be combined up to a maximum total value of €400 per programme.

    ITN Scholarships 2026

    International Trainee Network covers two full scholarships for AHA students choosing to apply for an advanced training in the U.S. this year. Each scholarship is worth $4,000 (complete program fee). Two students who secure interviews with Montage International, a renowned luxury hospitality company in the U.S., have the chance to win a $4,000 scholarship and thus entirely covering their J1 program fees. Please see a Career Department Representative for more information on how you can benefit from this great opportunity.

    Employer Billing Plan

    This plan is for you if:

    • You are currently under employment with a company which wants to invest in your professional development.
    • Your employer agrees to cover your course fees.

    Benefits for both:

    • Students will have access to affordable higher education.
    • Employers can enhance company productivity by investing in employee professional development.
    • Employers are eligible to deduct expenses related to employee training.

    How does it work?

    When completing your application form, please select the “Employer Billing Plan” option. If your application is accepted, the Admissions Office will contact you to finalize the necessary documentation.

    Student Loans

    Did you ever think that international education is out of reach? Did the costs and expenses scare you? Probably they did, but it’s no longer the case. What if we told you that you can receive top-quality education, at an international level, as affordable as any other in Romania?

    There are options for you to invest in your education and focus only on what matters: your study experience.

    FINS Student Loans

    FINS is part of EDUCATIVA, the largest organization in Romania delivering educational services and products.

    Main benefits

    ○ You can get up to 25.000 EUR

    ○ Covering of all your educational expenses (tuition fees, accommodation, transportation, medical insurance, etc.)

    ○ Fair evaluation based on your academy application file

    ○ Flexibility – you can adjust the loan depending on a need-basis and it will be offered in monthly installments

    ○ Grace period for the whole duration of your studies and up to 1 year after graduation

    ○ Up to 10 years repayment period

    ○ Interest rates comparable with bank loans but with very flexible conditions: interest between 9% and 11%

    What type and how much income is needed?

    ○ No job, income or co-signer is required to acess this loan

    What if something happens to me or the person that pays the loan?

    ○ In difficult situations, they can temporarily suspend the payment of your loan installments. They will also do their best to help you in other ways so that you can recover as soon as possible.

    If you want to learn more about FINS, you can do so by contacting us directly using the info below or directly on their website. (click here).

    BRD Study Loans

    Use BRD’s calculator to find your best loan option, duration and payment:

    Main benefits

    ○ You can get as much as 130.000 lei (or its equivalents in EUR or USD) without any guarantees.
    ○ Grace period up to 6 months (without any mortgages) in which you only pay interest, taxes and the initial installment.
    ○ Benefit from a maximum time of 10 years.

    What type and how much income is needed?

    ○ Any type and amount of income is accepted – salary, pension, royalties, rent income and income from independent activities.
    ○ You can get a larger sum if you can bring the salary of 3 other co-debtors.

    What if something happens to me or the person that pays the loan?

    ○ You are safe throughout the whole period of the loan via a life insurance that protects you and your loved ones in case of unemployment, temporary incapacity of work, complete and permanent paralysis of any nature and death of any nature.
    ○ The contracts are in effect upon signing and for the entire duration of the loan, while the payment is done monthly.

    DISCLAIMER

    The loan offer mentioned above is not created or in any way associated with American Hotel Academy. It belongs to its respective banking institution. For additional information, please contact the institution mentioned above.

    Entry Requirements

    We are seeking enthusiastic candidates, who would like to attend an international hospitality business management programme, who are proficient in English and who have a real potential for a successful future career in this industry.
    We appreciate candidates who are creative and skill-oriented, as well as those who love being organized or leaders, who are pragmatic, entrepreneur-minded, and energetic.
    Academic Background
    Standard Entry Route

    Candidates must meet one of the following criteria:

    • CTH Level 6 Professional Diploma, or
    • A Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, tourism, or a business management–related subject from a recognized university, or

    A Bachelor’s degree in any other field, plus a minimum of three (3) years of relevant work experience within the hospitality and tourism industry (management-level experience is not mandatory for this route).

    Non-Standard Entry Route

    Applicants who do not hold a Bachelor’s degree may be considered subject to meeting all of the following requirements:

    • A minimum age of 25
    • An IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent
    • A minimum of six (6) years’ experience in the hospitality sector, at least four (4) years of which must be at management level

    Submission of a cover letter outlining the applicant’s motivation and suitability for enrolment at Level 7

    English Requirements

    All students without English as a first language must hold at least TOEFL 60-78, IELTS 6.0, Cambridge Assessment English Test (CAE, CPE, FCE) 169, Duolingo 105, Pearson 50 or other evidence of competence in English at this level such as a university letter stating the bachelor programme was studied in English.

    Interview

    All candidates undergo an interview assessing suitability for the programme1.

    1 AHA graduates holding either a Level 6 CTH qualification or a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality or Business are exempt from the interview and the English requirements.

    teodor_berszan

    Teodor Berszan

    Senior Admissions Counsellor

    Need assistance?

    If you have questions regarding the application process, our educational offerings, or any other concerns, don’t hesitate to ask for support.

    Our team is ready to help you from Monday to Friday, between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm.

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