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SHAPING THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS EDUCATION
About BVIS
At Bella Vista Institute of Higher Education (BVIS), we stand at the forefront of redefining business education for the future. Nestled in the heart of Switzerland, a country renowned for its innovation and educational excellence, BVIS is more than just a business school. It is a vibrant professional environment committed to preparing young adults for the dynamic challenges of the future. Our mission is to bridge the gap between the current business climate and the ambitious expectations of the next generation of leaders.
A Curriculum Designed for Tomorrow
In an era where the global economy is rapidly evolving, the need for future-ready skills has never been more critical. Drawing inspiration from the World Economic Forum’s 2023 Future of Jobs Report, our OTHM and UK Universities curriculum is meticulously crafted to equip our students with the top 10 skills that will be in demand by 2027, including analytical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation. At BVIS, we understand that the world has changed, and so has the nature of work. Our programs are designed to prepare our future workforce for the challenges ahead, whether they aspire to entrepreneurial ventures or aim to excel in their future employment.
Innovation and Drive: The BVIS Edge
What sets BVIS apart is our unwavering commitment to innovation and drive. We believe that the future belongs to those who can think differently and act boldly. Our approach to business education is rooted in fostering creativity and innovation, as highlighted by the transformative potential of integrating the metaverse into business education. By embracing new technologies and methodologies, we provide our students with an immersive learning experience that transcends traditional boundaries.
A Professional Environment That Inspires
BVIS is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about thriving in a professional environment that inspires. Our campus is a melting pot of cultures and ideas, with students from over 50 nationalities bringing diverse perspectives to our community. This diversity, combined with our sustainability focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, being a UN Tourism Academy in Switzerland and having links with major stakeholders at the European Parliament helps prepare our students to be responsible leaders that make a global impact.
Join Us on the Journey to Excellence: Your Future Starts Here!
The world needs innovation, drive, and leaders prepared to navigate its complexities. At BVIS, we provide our students with the tools, knowledge, and experiences they need to succeed in this ever-changing landscape. If you are ready to take the first step towards a future filled with possibilities, BVIS is where your journey begins.
PARTNERS & ACCREDITATIONS
MEET THE TEAM
THE COUNCIL
Dr. István Ujhelyi
President of Council
A Member of the European Parliament from 2014 until today, Vice-Chair of TRAN Committee (Transport and Tourism) and Member of ENVI Committee (Environment, Public Health and Food Safety). MP in the Hungarian National Assembly from 2002 and Deputy Speaker between 2010-2014. State-Secretary in the Prime Minister’s office, Chair of the National Tourism Committee. Special Ambassador of UNWTO. He is founder and president of the Confucius Institute at the University of Szeged.
Dr. Mario Hardy
Member of Council
The former Chairman of the PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association Foundation) and the former PATA CEO for over a decade. With extensive philanthropic project achievements and extensive experiences in leadership, corporate development with government ministers and chief executives. A strong dedication to sustainability, through tourism development. Also has been honoured with a “Global Peace Ambassador” award. The Envoy for the Sustainable Tourism Global Centre (STGC) in Saudi Arabia.
Dr. László Andor
Member of Council
Former EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion and former member of the Board of Directors at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD, London). Currently Secretary General of the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS, Brussels), Senior Fellow at Hertie School and Visiting Professor at ULB. He also was Head of Department of Economic Policy at Corvinus University (Budapest) and lectured at Sciences Po
Rui Zhou
Member of Council
Director of the UNWTO International Centre associated with UNWTO Academy and Special Advisor on Education to the Secretary-General. Founding Member of UNWTO online education committee. Founder of Bella Vista Group of Companies which operates hotels & resorts, and cruise ships worldwide.
Dr. Jean-Jacques de Dardel
Member of Council
Mr. de Dardels was the former Swiss Ambassador to China, Belgium and France, as well as former Head of Mission of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and UNESCO. He is the founder and president of Lemania International School and guest Prof of University of Zurich. With his knowledge, he will contribute to the Diplomacy & International Relationship program.
LEADERSHIP
David Hailstones
Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
In addition to his MBA from Queen Margaret University (QMU), David Hailstones is a fellow of the Institute of Hospitality in the United Kingdom. With over 15 years of management experience in the award-winning luxury hotels & resorts sector and also over 15 years in educational leadership positions in Switzerland & Europe. He has a present keen interest in global sustainable actions in the hospitality and tourism industries, healthcare and wellbeing, through his work with the UNWTO.
R. Max Behesht
Vice President & Executive Dean
The former Dean of César Ritz Colleges and Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland, and Global Engagement Ambassador of Swiss Education Group. He’s a multilingual keynote speaker and founder of R.M.B. Group, specializing in Hospitality, Customer Experience, Employee Engagement, and Leadership. Author of ‘The Servicizer™ Mindset,’ he is dedicated to enhancing Hospitality Excellence and Organizational Excellence across the world. With a dynamic career spanning education, finance, and global operations, his diverse experience positively influencesstudents worldwide. His international master-level academic journey includes Gothenburg University, Sweden, European Business School, EBS, Germany, and Kobe University, Japan.
Dr. Francesco Masetti Placci
Chief Academic Officer
Dr. Masetti holds a Ph.D in Electronic Engineering and Computer Science from University of Bologna (I), a Master’s Degree in Information Technology from the Polytechnic of Milan (I) and an Executive MBA from University of Aix-Marseille (F). He has 35 years of professional experience as teacher, professor, as a school administrator and has been a corporate executive for 15 years. He has taught Statistics, Mathematics, Quantitative Analysis and Physics courses in Universities and Secondary Schools in Italy, France, USA and China and written many scholar papers about Internet technologies and innovation strategy.
Nicoletta Scalabrin
Coordinator for Secondary Education
Ms. Scalabrin has a B.A in Arts and Literature from University Ca’ Foscari in Venice, a M.A. in Comparative Literature from La Sorbonne in Paris, a PGCSE in Literature from the University of Nottingham. Mrs. Scalabrin has 35 years of teaching experience in Languages, Literature and Arts in various International Schools in Italy, France, China and the US where she was also an assistant professor of English and French literature at the University of Texas at Dallas.
Attila Benedek
Special Advisor
Attila Benedek is an experienced Policy Adviser with a history of working in the political organization industry. Skilled in European Studies, International Relations, Management, Transport and Tourism Policy Analysis, and Diplomacy. Strong finance professional with a Master’s degree focused in International Relations and National Security Studies from Corvinus University of Budapest. Leader in working on new technologies, including the electric car, energy as well as digital policy in relation to the growing challenges posed by tourism and transport.
ADMISSIONS & MARKETING
Anastasia Rachman
Director of Sales & Marketing
Anastasia Rachman holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science in Applied Business from Switzerland, and she is currently pursuing a doctorate in Business Administration in Zürich, Switzerland. With over 17 years of experience spanning the Manufacturing, Energy, and IT sectors, she has lived and worked in Indonesia, Malaysia, Austria, and Switzerland. Anastasia prioritizes education, upskilling, and cultural exchange. Dedicated to providing comprehensive information to students and their families, she facilitates well-informed decisions about enrollment at Bella Vista Institute of Higher Education. This dedication mirrors her commitment to advancing knowledge and growth within the educational sector.
Henar Acebes
Marketing Manager
Henar Acebes holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a Major in Business Development & Promotion from Hochschule Luzern. She has over 5 years of experience in Marketing & Event Management and worked for a variety of national and international scaled events. Having previously completed a Bachelor’s in the subject at Dublin Business School in Ireland, her international experience enables her to support different cultural backgrounds and creating events for the community as well as developing a strong image and brand at Bella Vista Institute of Higher Education.
Industry Lectures
Csilla Mezősi
Lecturer
Ms Csilla Mezősi is the Secretary-General of the European Spas Association (ESPA). She has over 20 years of experience of tourism management in a variety of countries. Lecturer for a diverse number of universities across Europe. She is highly experienced in project management in the field of healthcare tourism across key markets. Strategic development & hotel investments from a city-level to national-government supported projects.
Urs Pilz
Lecturer
Mr Urs Pilz is the Vice-President of the International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo & named President of the European Circus Association (E.C.A) and President of World Circus Association. These Organizations aim the promotion of the Art and Culture of the Circus in Europe and all over the world. As Chief adviser of Circus Krone in Munich and later in the Committee of the Festival International du Cirque de Monte Carlo, at first, as Coordinator of the Jury and personal Adviser of Prince Rainier III for matter of Circus, Mr. Pilz had a key role to have Circus art and culture well-rec
Tony Zahra
Lecturer
Former EU Mandate of the European Economic Social Council and Senior Vice President of the Federation of Industries. Current Council Member of the Malta Chamber of Commerce and the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, where he holds the position of President of the Association. Founder Mediterranean Tourism Foundation which was established to bring together representatives from all Mediterranean countries to promote and lobby joint actions in favour of Mediterranean Tourism.
Tamás Flesch
Lecturer
Accomplished and motivated leader with over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Within the last decade he managed and participated in a number of investments in the hotel sector. His objective is to offer quality hotel and restaurant services, creating a premium product. As Managing Director his aim is to steer the company with strategic insight. President of the Hungarian Hotel and Restaurant Association 2019-2021. His motto is that a company is either growing or regressing, therefore he is open to any new project which allows CG growing and developing.
Isabella de Monte
Lecturer
Isabella De Monte Former mayor of the city of Pontebba, Italy and Senator of the Italian Parliament. She was a Member of the European Parliament from 2014 to 2019 she has worked on a number of policy issues, with a particular emphasis in and around the transport and tourism sectors, where her work has been widely recognised and praised. Her TRAN committee report on ‘New challenges and concepts for the promotion of tourism in Europe’ represents one of her most significant achievements.
Nikos Mertzanidis
Lecturer
Director, European Government Affairs at Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in Brussels. He develops, presents, negotiates, and implements European industry positions on legislative, regulatory, and policy matters involving taxation, port & destination, public health, crew and visa issues. Secretary to the CLIA Europe Port & Destination Advisory Committee and the Taxation, Labour Affairs and Public Health Working Groups. Previously, he had been working as junior political adviser in the Constitutional Affairs Committee of the European Parliament.
