The idea of forming an Institute was conceived by the Tourism and Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) Department during the late 1990s with the strong support and unwavering efforts of the College of Education. The need for establishing an Institute was realized by the two departments because of the fast-paced changes and growth of the industry that greatly influenced the tourism and hospitality education. Likewise, by merging the two programs, students would be able to specialize and dedicate themselves in enhancing their knowledge and skills that would respond to the demands of the industry. Series of departmental meetings and brainstorming were conducted with the vision of forming a new academic unit in the University.
The idea was presented to the Tourism and HRM Faculty until such time that the College of Education decided to merge the two programs by having one Department. In its initial stage, the Tourism and HRM Department was temporarily relocated at the College of Education’s Mini-Hotel in the year 2002. This was considered as a dry run to assess the viability of separating the department from the College of Education. Three years after, a formal proposal for the institutionalization was submitted to the Academic Council. A thorough procedure that includes meetings, deliberation, and election were carried out. The date April 28, 2006 made a mark for the Tourism and HRM Department of the University of Santo Tomas, the formal pronouncement of the institutionalization by the former Rector, Fr. Tamerlane R. Lana, O.P.
The elevation of the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (ITHM) to a collegiate status was approved by the Council of Regents dated November 19, 2008 and the Academic Senate by December 16, 2008. The Board of Trustees, in its meeting last January 20, 2009 approved the recommendation of the Council of Regents and Academic Senate to convert the ITHM to CTHM. After which, on March 12, 2009, the formal launching of the new academic unit of the University was held.
Bachelor of Science in Hotel & Restaurant Management (BSHRM) - The Hotel and Restaurant Management Curriculum provides a synthesis of different skills, concepts and principles specializing in hospitality training. It involves the study and application of practical and managerial knowledge and functions such as hotel and restaurant operations, culinary arts, food service, hospitality education and research that are essential in preparing the students to become adept future restaurateurs and hoteliers.
MISSION STATEMENT
The College of Tourism and Hospitality Management commits herself to the development of globally competitive Thomasian Tourism anf Hospitality professionals.
VISION STATEMENT
The College of Tourism and Hospitality Management envisions herself to be the Center of Excellence in the Tourism and Hospitality education in the country.
THE CTHM LOGO
The College logo differs from other UST college logos with respect to the position of the Sun and heraldic rule. While most college logos are party per fess with the sun on the field, the CTHM logo doesn't follow this convention. Instead, the Sun in his splendour is on the upper portion (canton) of the shield's dexter side. Also, the college logo doesn't follow the party per fess rule. Instead, the green is enarched to chief with the blue background.
The college logo consists of the following components and its subsequent meanings:
Sun - represents the University.
Globe - represents the global perspective of the institute as well as the industry; likewise, the global relations existing therein.
Laurel leaves - represent the pillars and components of tourism which are part of the major stakeholders in education; as well as the operations and activities of these components both in the local and international scene.
Torch - represents education.
Flames - represent the programs of HRM (spoon and fork) and Tourism (aircraft).
Colors blue and green - represent the mobility as well as dynamism of the tourism and hospitality industry; industry giving life and regal splendors to a destination.