Here’s the third episode in our series inviting field trip participants to share their experiences. This time we venture to the vibrant Hungarian capital of Budapest, in the company of Niccolò Nesi and his classmates taking the Bachelor specialization in International Hotel Development & Finance.

As we boarded our flight to Budapest from Basel Airport, the air was filled with anticipation and eagerness. This journey was not only about exploring a vibrant city, but also about delving deep into the intricacies of international hotel development and finance – the specialization we’d all chosen for the seventh semester of our Bachelor’s degrees.

In preparation for our trip, we worked on a project involving the development of the Indigo hotel at Andrássy Avenue (Budapest’s premier boulevard). This case study was crucial as we were going to be presenting our proposals to potential investors.

As we worked on the proposals, we were able to apply our classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. It brought home the importance of practical application in our education.

And there was a unique added twist to our trip also! One of our classmates had brought along a vintage camera – this added a nostalgic touch and resulted in a collection of beautiful group photos that captured the essence of our experience, providing cherished memories for us all.

Once we landed in Budapest, we had four days of events and activities to look forward to. Here’s how the trip played out:

Day 1: Exploring cultural and business landmarks

Upon arrival, our adventure began with a visit to the aforementioned Indigo Hotel, currently under construction by the property development and investment specialist WING. This initial stop provided us with valuable insights into cutting-edge hospitality projects, setting a professional tone for our trip.

We then embarked on a city tour with a local guide, who exposed us to a perfect blend of Budapest’s historical grandeur and modern advancements. As we walked through the streets, the juxtaposition of ancient architecture with contemporary buildings highlighted the city’s dynamic evolution.

The day concluded with a delightful dinner at the TRIBE Hotel Budapest Stadium, our accommodation for the trip. The evening allowed us to unwind and bond with classmates over delicious local cuisine, setting a relaxed yet engaging atmosphere for the days ahead.

Day 2: Hotel tours and gala evening

Our second day was packed with educational visits to notable hotels like Dorothea, Kimpton, and Hotel Clark. Each visit provided a unique perspective on hotel management, operations, and financial strategies, crucial for our specialization. We enjoyed lunch at Fekete Holló, savoring traditional Hungarian dishes that added a cultural touch to our professional exploration.

The evening’s highlight was a grand gala dinner at Haris Park. The elegant setting and sumptuous meal offered us a firsthand experience of Hungarian luxury and hospitality. The gala was not just a dinner but a networking opportunity where we interacted with industry professionals, gaining invaluable insights and forging connections.

Day 3: Wellness and free time

The third day started with a visit to the Rácz Hotel & Spa, a beautiful blend of historic charm and modern wellness facilities. This was followed by a roundtable discussion at the Szechenyi Bath, where we delved into the financial dynamics and operational strategies of wellness tourism. The historical significance of the bathhouse, combined with its contemporary use, provided a unique case study.

The afternoon presented some free time, which many of us used to explore Budapest’s vibrant markets, historical sites, and enjoy a scenic evening cruise. This leisure time allowed us to absorb the city’s culture at our own pace, enhancing our appreciation for its rich heritage.

Day 4: Wrapping up

Our final day featured a crucial presentation session at the hotel, where we showcased our business proposals to investors, providing support for their future project on Andrássy út 66. This experience was a practical application of our classroom knowledge, as we pitched real-world solutions and strategies.

Later, we visited Hotel Ibis Style Airport for a final session which provided us with insights into the operational challenges and financial management of airport hotels. It was a great way to round off our trip by absorbing some more practical knowledge; after which we headed back to Basel and then on to Bulle campus.

How the field trip supports our learning

Field trips are great fun; but they are also great learning. This trip to Budapest allowed us to engage with professionals, analyze case studies on-site, and observe the practical applications of our theoretical knowledge in hotel development and finance. This hands-on experience was invaluable, reinforcing our academic learning and providing a deeper understanding of the industry.

Throughout our time in Hungary, we had the opportunity to interact with staff from the various hotels and companies we visited. These professionals shared their experiences, insights, and offered invaluable advice on the industry. This interaction provided a deeper understanding of the practical challenges and opportunities in the hospitality and real estate sectors.

All the hotels we visited, as well as the professionals we met, were extremely cooperative. They engaged with us beyond mere presentations, constantly interacting, offering their contact details, and providing business cards. This created a valuable network that could be beneficial for our future careers.

Nightlife adventures

Our evenings were equally exciting as we ventured into Budapest’s nightlife, particularly the lively Jewish District. From karaoke nights to sampling local delicacies, these outings enriched our understanding of the city’s culture and social dynamics. Individually, some friends and I decided to visit hotels like the Four Seasons Gresham Palace and the Ritz-Carlton to experience their atmospheres and luxury offerings.

Conclusion

This field trip to Budapest was a remarkable blend of academic learning and cultural exploration. It underscored the importance of integrating practical experiences with theoretical knowledge, preparing us to excel in the field of finance and hospitality management. With new friendships forged and invaluable insights gained, we returned to Glion with a renewed passion for our future careers.

For me, trips like these are an essential step in gaining hands-on experience with real projects. Guided by experts, including our lecturers and industry professionals we met along the way, we could see the direct application of our studies.

This experience is crucial for understanding the real-world dynamics of real estate finance and hotel development, preparing us for our future careers.

• Click here to read our first field trip report, by Master’s in Hospitality, Entrepreneurship and Innovation student Chikita Giovany Tanati.
• Click here to read our second report, by Master’s in Real Estate, Finance and Hotel Development student Isaure Yeodet.