At the Ukrainian Hospitality School, we firmly believe that true professionals cannot be raised solely at desks. That is why immersion in real business processes is the core of our approach. Recently, students of the "Tourism" specialty (1st and 4th years) had a unique opportunity to see the hotel business from the inside by visiting the "Swiss" hotel and the "Valentino" restaurant.
An educational professional event and a guest lecture for future colleagues were held by Mykhailo Sheveliuk — head of the Ukrainian Horeca School and PhD in Cultural Studies. As a leading Ukrainian service expert and hotel manager, he hospitably opened the doors of the complex to show how the highest standards work in real conditions.
From Legend to Impeccable Service
The meeting began with the most interesting part — the history of the establishment's foundation and its concept. Students learned about the hotel's legend, which shapes its unique atmosphere and recognizability among tourists. During the property tour, participants saw firsthand how Swiss service and sincere Galician hospitality harmoniously blend within the walls of a single complex.
The future specialists inspected various room categories, the backstage operations of the panoramic restaurant, and even immersed themselves in the atmosphere of an antique wine cellar.
Key Insights from the Lecture
During the meeting, Mykhailo Sheveliuk detailed the most critical aspects of running a modern hotel and restaurant complex:
• The Experience Economy: This is the foundation of modern management in hospitality. Today, the industry sells not just a night's stay or a dinner, but emotional service and a unique experience for every guest.
• Ukrainian Language as a Standard: The establishment's principled position was emphasized — using the Ukrainian language as the primary and uncompromising standard for high-class service.
• The Psychology of Hospitality: Participants learned about the nuances of staff organization and creating the most comfortable conditions for visitors.
• Modern Marketing: Students analyzed real hotel promotion tools: from cooperating with travel magazines and online booking platforms like Booking.com to the effective use of social networks and digital tools to attract clients.
An Important Step into a Professional Future
The organizer of this inspiring event was Uliana Martyniuk, Associate Professor of the Department of Tourism Business and Hospitality, who once again proved the importance of the synergy between theoretical training and practice.
The meeting took place in an incredibly warm and hospitable atmosphere and became a landmark event at the end of the academic year. For first-year students, it was a powerful boost of motivation and a better understanding of their chosen profession, while for fourth-year graduates, it served as an invaluable practical summary of their acquired knowledge before launching their own careers.
Learn from the best, adopt real experience, and remember: we are shaping a culture of service that builds the future!
