Zapopan, Jalisco, September 1, 2025.— The School of Hospitality at the Universidad Panamericana Guadalajara Universidad Panamericana is now a national and international leader in training professionals in hospitality, tourism, and service management. Established in 2011, its educational legacy spans more than five decades of history, adaptation, and innovation.
A legacy spanning more than 50 years
The School of Hospitality began in 1969 with workshops organized by the IPADE Business School and Opus Dei, aimed at women seeking practical training in areas such as cooking and home economics.
“The goal was to help women who were unable to attend college acquire certain technical skills in various fields that they could apply from home,” says Dr. Friné Velázquez, dean of the School of Hospitality.
Over time, this model evolved into a university curriculum inspired by international models—including Cornell University—and focused on training professionals with a global perspective.
The arrival of the School of Hospitality in Guadalajara
The opening of the current building in 2011 marked the culmination of a long process of expansion at the Universidad Panamericana Guadalajara campus.
“Although the need for this program had been evident for a long time, we needed a building that was very well-designed and well-planned, one that met all the requirements and health regulations—and, above all, one that lived up to expectations,” he noted.
This building, designed to meet the highest certification standards, reflects the school's commitment to quality and innovation.
Academic prestige and international recognition
Today, the School of Hospitality is recognized for its academic excellence, its focus on human values, and its standing in rankings such as the QS World University Rankings, in the Leisure and Management category.
“We are widely recognized as one of the most prestigious private universities in Mexico and Latin America. We are known for our commitment to human values and our high academic standards. In Mexico, the School of Hospitality is highly regarded,” says Dr. Friné Velázquez, dean of the School of Hospitality.
Graduates with a global perspective and leadership skills in the hospitality industry
The profile of graduates from the Universidad Panamericana School of Hospitality Universidad Panamericana evolved over the years. What began as a degree program focused on women has now established itself as a program open to everyone, with the goal of training hospitality professionals with leadership skills, an innovative vision, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a human-centered approach to service.
Looking ahead, the school faces the challenge of adapting to new trends in the industry, strengthening its research efforts, and solidifying its international standing. “The world is constantly changing; our challenge is to analyze what society truly needs and respond with strategic solutions, without getting carried away by passing fads, ” said the dean of the School of Hospitality.
Research, Innovation, and Sustainability
The school promotes research in two key areas: food science and innovation in hospitality and tourism.
“In the food sector, projects tend to focus on generating patents, while in hospitality and tourism, research centers primarily on qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Although it is more difficult to obtain patents in this field, the studies provide significant academic and practical value for the industry,” explained Dr. Gabriela Ramírez, Secretary of Research.
In addition, sustainability is a cross-cutting theme in its academic program and in its collaborative projects with industry, aligning university education with global trends and social needs.
Leaders for the Future of Hospitality
The School of Hospitality at the Universidad Panamericana is Universidad Panamericana just an educational institution; it is a legacy built on innovation, adaptability, and social commitment.
It not only trains specialists in hotel and tourism management, but also leaders with a global perspective, a commitment to social responsibility, and the ability to innovate—leaders who are prepared to transform the hospitality industry in Mexico and around the world.
Discover how the School of Hospitality at the Universidad Panamericana help you build a future in tourism and hospitality: https://www.up.edu.mx/educacion-universidad-esdai/
