Diploma ceremony in Thun: Young people in the tourism industry celebrate success!

Diploma ceremony in Thun: Young people in the tourism industry celebrate success!

On May 22, 2025, the Higher Technical School for Tourism in Thun celebrated the diploma presentation of the graduates in the Hotel Deltapark. In a festive ceremony, the students received their diploma as “Dipl. Tourism specialist HF” and “Dipl. Tourism expert HF». This journey, which lasted several months and included a lot of knowledge and experience in the field of tourism, both in Switzerland and internationally, has now reached its celebratory climax.

In his speech, Stefan Otz, the owner and director of the school, reflected on the two-year study period, which was characterized by learning and experiences abroad, including two seminars in Morocco and Rwanda. Verena Imhof, the school's deputy director, emphasized the importance of relationship building for learning and study success. The graduates not only gained specialist knowledge, but also made valuable contacts.

Recognition for outstanding achievements

Elias Gemperli received special recognition, receiving a grade of 5.7 for his diploma thesis. His topic was: “How can ski-independent winter offers increase the attractiveness and utilization of small mountain railway companies?”, which was commissioned by Wierihornbahnen AG in Diemtigtal. For the prize he received a voucher for 500 francs. The second best diploma with a grade of 5.4 was received by Melanie Reinhard, who was delighted to receive a book voucher.

The celebration was accompanied by music from the band bearbeat. Florian Trachsel, Vice President of ODEC Switzerland, addressed a few words to the audience and entertained the guests with humorous anecdotes from his student days. In addition, three students shared their personal experiences and memories from their time at the school, which lightened up the celebration and caused a lot of laughter.

The new generation of tourism professionals

At the end of the celebration, the audience raised their glasses to toast the shared success of the graduates. A total of 27 graduates successfully obtained their diploma. The list of graduates includes, among others:

• Bauer Anja (Brienz)
• Essig Lukas (Oberhofen)
• Fankhauser Tanja (Sigriswil)
• Gemperli Elias (Alpnach Dorf)
• Gerber Melina (Thun)
• Gesler Jasmin (Bern)
• Giorgetti Flavio (Neuenegg)
• Henniger Lea (Spiez)
• Hirt Mirjam (Bönigen)
• Imboden Kai (Bern)
• Kempf Janine (Zermatt)
• Lerjen Lionel (Zermatt)
• Matti Lea Amanda (Zweisimmen)
• Meyer Larina (Zweisimmen)
• Mühlheim Fabrice (Unterseen)
• Oberli Joy (Interlaken)
• Pörtig Sandro (Leissigen)
• Reinhard Melanie (Grindelwald)
• Rieder Anja (Matten)
• Rosas Rafael (Wilderswil)
• Rufener Andrea (Thun)
• Sartori Bianca Maria Ida (Gümligen)
• Scherer Loris (Bern)
• Schwab Isabelle (Lyss)
• Schwarz Laura Olivia (Steffisburg)
• Stähli Michelle (Wilderswil)
• Suter Mia Valentina (Bern)
• Thalmann Valentin (Basel)
• Tremaine Lauren (Thun)
• Weber Cédric Noel (Wilderswil)

The graduates of the HFT Graubünden also celebrated a special graduation. On June 17, 2023, 54 graduates gathered in Silvaplana to receive their diploma. Tourism expert/man HF to celebrate. Around 200 guests took part in the event, which was organized by a student OC specializing in event management.

Ursula Oehy Bubel, the rector of the HFT Graubünden, emphasized the relevance of co-creation in the world of work. Martin Vincenz, CEO Graubünden Ferien, encouraged the graduates to pursue their passion and follow their inner thread. Special honors were awarded in various specializations, which underlined the high quality of studies in this region.

The Higher Colleges of Tourism celebrations showcase not only the successes of the graduates, but also the employability they bring with them as future tourism professionals. This is reflected in the numerous honors and the high level of satisfaction among students who are preparing for a promising career in tourism.