When Academic Excellence Aligns with the Future of the Planet

Published on 08/05/2026 — Written by Carlos Díez de la Lastra, CEO of Les Roches

According to Booking.com’s latest Sustainability Report, 84% of global travelers intend to travel more sustainably. This growing awareness marks a profound shift in customer priorities: experience and destination now go hand in hand with the impact those choices have on local communities and the planet.

In this context, Les Roches’ second-place position globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025 for Hospitality & Leisure Management is more than a proud milestone. It is a clear signal that higher education must take the lead in shaping a future where excellence is aligned with social impact and environmental responsibility.

Educating Sustainability-Driven Hospitality Leaders

The hospitality industry faces increasing pressure to embrace more responsible business models. Educating the next generation of leaders with a sustainability mindset is no longer optional, it’s an ethical imperative. At Les Roches, we have not only recognized this, but we have also embedded it into the core of our educational identity.

Academic programs such as our Bachelor of Science in Global Hospitality Management with a specialization in sustainable development, our Executive MBA, and targeted diplomas like the Cruise Line Managementprograminclude modules on circular economy, carbon footprint management, and regenerative tourism.

Learning is applied far beyond the classroom: our students regularly contribute to real-world industry projects with measurable impact, from designing low-emission guest experiences to helping hotels implement zero-waste F&B operations, amongst others.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship with Purpose

Our SPARK Innovation Sphere—Les Roches’ entrepreneurial and incubation hub—is a catalyst for sustainable innovation in the industry. Through SPARK, students and business partners develop clean-tech and eco-friendly solutions that address real environmental challenges and provide viable actionable business solutions for the hospitality industry. 

From energy-saving tools to digital platforms that encourage responsible guest behavior, SPARK fosters a sustainability-driven entrepreneurial mindset while delivering practical, scalable solutions for the industry.

Academic Research That Moves the Industry Forward

Academic excellence must be matched by research that fuels industry change. Les Roches faculty are advancing the field with research in sustainable practices, environmental innovation, and responsible tourism.

A standout example is Professor Jaime Hervás, recently named one of the 50+1 Most Inspiring Sustainable Tourism Professionals in Europe and Latin America 2025 by the Ibero-American Forum on Sustainable Tourism. His recognition reflects the leadership and influence of Les Roches in shaping the sustainability agenda.

Operational Excellence That Leads by Example

True leadership requires action. At Les Roches, our campuses operate according to the same principles we teach. In 2024, despite increased student and staff numbers, we reduced electricity consumption compared to the previous year. We fully transitioned to a 100% electric vehicle fleet, eliminating diesel use altogether.

Solar panels are already active at our Marbella campus, with similar initiatives underway in Crans-Montana. Food waste is monitored and reduced using Swiss technology KITRO, delivering measurable environmental benefits. Local sourcing through zero-kilometer policies and environmentally guided purchasing protocols further reduces our carbon footprint while strengthening local economies.

In waste management, Les Roches has implemented internal recycling systems, procedures for hazardous waste, and purchasing guidelines based on environmental impact — favouring biodegradable products and reusable packaging.

These efforts earned Les Roches a place on the Climate Friendly Travel Register and contribute directly to the UN 2030 Agenda goal of reducing CO₂ emissions by 55%.

Sustainability as a Competitive Advantage in Guest Experience

Sustainability is no longer a marketing buzzword; it is a decisive factor in the guest experience. Destinations and hospitality brands must respond to a more informed and environmentally aware traveler. And this transformation starts with education.

As proud members of UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO) since 2017, Les Roches is committed to producing professionals capable of turning sustainable practices into tangible business results—from concept to execution, and from local solutions to global strategy.