Deutsche Hotelakademie

What Deutsche Hotelakademie does

Deutsche Hotelakademie (DHA) is a privately held German vocational continuing education provider, operated by DGBB – Deutsche Gesellschaft für berufliche Bildung mbH and headquartered at Poller Kirchweg 99, 51105 Köln. The company delivers a catalog of more than 20 state-approved (ZFU-approved) part-time distance learning programs for working professionals in hospitality, gastronomy, and wine, spanning five vertical curricula: Hotellerie (Hotelbetriebswirt, Revenue Manager, Geprüfter Nachhaltigkeitsmanager, Online Marketing Management, Senior MICE Management, Convention Sales Professional/Senior Manager Convention Sales), Gastronomie (F&B Manager, Fachwirt im Gastgewerbe IHK, Betriebswirt für Systemgastronomie), Köche (Küchenmeister IHK, Diätkoch IHK, Verpflegungsbetriebswirt, Vegan geschulter Koch, Ernährungsberater), Wein (Sommelier, Assistant Sommelier, WSET Level 2 and Level 3), and Personal & Leadership (Systemischer Coach, Ausbildung der Ausbilder IHK, Resilienztrainer, Betriebliches Gesundheitsmanagement, Achtsamkeitstrainer).

Programs are delivered through DHA's "Lernwelt" online learning platform using a media-supported blended learning approach that combines digital study materials, webinars, seminars, and practical training modules, with optional postal study-letter delivery (€18/letter). The business model is subscription-based monthly tuition with a 4-week free trial and money-back guarantee; social discounts of 15% apply to students, Bundesfreiwilligendienstleistende, job seekers, pensioners, and disabled persons; extension fees (€139/6-month, €239/12-month) and IHK exam fees are charged separately.

DHA reaches its audience through direct website enrollment, personal consultation, content marketing, social channels, industry events, and a partnership network of 60+ hospitality organizations including WSET, IHA (~1,400 hotels), VKD (~9,000 chef members), HSMA Deutschland e.V., Motel One, Best Western, Althoff Hotels, Atlantic Hotels, DSR Hotel Holding, Robinson Club, Nordsee, Dorint, and Dallmayr. The company is co-managed by Geschäftsführer Merle Losem and Mirco Fretter, holds no disclosed external investors or parent company, and operates across the DACH region (Germany primary; Austria and Switzerland). Recent strategic moves include a strategic People Development partnership with Althoff Hotels (Feb 2026), a cross-marketing partnership with wein.plus (Apr 2026), the launch of multiple new programs (Convention Sales Professional/Senior Manager Convention Sales, Certified Bartender, Food Service Assistance), and recognition via the eLearning AWARD 2026 and Fernstudienpreis des Jahres 2026.

Name

Deutsche Hotelakademie

Legal name

DGBB – Deutsche Gesellschaft für berufliche Bildung mbH

Website

https://dha-akademie.de

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Deutsche Hotelakademie is a privately held German vocational distance-learning provider offering 20+ ZFU-approved part-time programs for hospitality, gastronomy, and wine professionals across the DACH region, delivered via a blended online platform and distributed through direct enrollment and a 60+ partner industry ecosystem.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Köln

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Course Tuition Fees: Monthly tuition fees for state-approved distance learning programs. Students pay recurring monthly fees throughout their study period, with the option to choose digital or postal delivery of study materials (additional cost for postal).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Deutsche Hotelakademie delivers state-approved distance learning continuing education programs for working professionals in hospitality and gastronomy. The portfolio spans hotel management, gastronomy, culinary arts, wine, and personal/leadership development, delivered through a media-supported blended learning model combining digital study materials, webinars, online tutorials, and practical training modules. Programs lead to recognized qualifications including IHK certifications and ZFU-approved DHA certifications.

Product overview

Deutsche Hotelakademie (DHA) offers a comprehensive portfolio of over 20 state-approved part-time (berufsbegleitende) distance learning programs for hospitality and gastronomy professionals. The product portfolio is organized into five main categories: Hotellerie (Hotel Operations) including Hotelbetriebswirt, Revenue Manager, and Convention Sales programs; Gastronomie (Gastronomy) featuring F&B Manager and Fachwirt im Gastgewerbe; Köche (Culinary) with Küchenmeister and specialty programs; Wein (Wine) offering Sommelier and WSET certifications; and Personal & Leadership covering coaching and health management. The training uses a media-supported blended learning system combining digital study materials, webinars, and online tutorials with flexible, self-paced learning. New programs include Certified Bartender (2026) developed with Bar Symposium Cologne, and Convention Sales programs developed with HSMA Deutschland e.V.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Hotelbetriebswirt (DHA) State-approved distance learning program preparing hospitality professionals for management positions in hotel operations.
• Revenue Manager (DHA) Specialized training in revenue management strategies and analytics for the hospitality industry.
• Geprüfter Nachhaltigkeitsmanager (DHA) Certification program for sustainability management in hospitality operations.
• Online Marketing Management (DHA) Training program focusing on digital marketing strategies for hotels and hospitality businesses.
• Senior MICE Management (DHA) Advanced training for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions management professionals.
• Convention Sales Professional (DHA) 4-month program for professionals in convention and event sales, developed with HSMA Deutschland e.V.
• Senior Manager Convention Sales (DHA) 6-month advanced program for senior convention sales professionals, developed with HSMA Deutschland e.V.
• F&B Manager (DHA) Training program for Food and Beverage management professionals in hospitality.
• Fachwirt im Gastgewerbe (IHK) Chamber of Industry and Commerce certified specialist qualification for the hospitality industry.
• Betriebswirt für Systemgastronomie (DHA) Business administrator training specifically for chain catering and system gastronomy operations.
• Küchenmeister (IHK) Chamber-certified Master Chef qualification for culinary professionals.
• Diätkoch (IHK) Chamber-certified dietary chef qualification focusing on nutrition and special diet food preparation.
• Verpflegungsbetriebswirt (DHA) Business management qualification for catering and institutional food service operations.
• Vegan geschulter Koch (DHA) Specialized training for chefs in vegan cuisine preparation and menu development.
• Ernährungsberater (DHA) Nutrition consulting qualification for professionals advising on dietary matters.
• Sommelier (DHA) Professional wine sommelier qualification covering wine knowledge, pairing, and service.
• Assistant Sommelier (DHA) Entry-level wine professional qualification, including WSET Level 3 certification.
• WSET Level 2 Award in Wines International wine certification from Wine and Spirit Education Trust, Level 2 qualification.
• WSET Level 3 Award in Wines Advanced international wine certification from Wine and Spirit Education Trust, Level 3 qualification.
• Systemischer Coach (DHA) Systemic coaching qualification for hospitality and leadership development.
• Ausbildung der Ausbilder (IHK) Chamber-certified Train the Trainer qualification for vocational education.
• Resilienztrainer (DHA) Resilience training qualification for personal and professional development.
• Betriebliches Gesundheitsmanagement (DHA) Corporate health management qualification for workplace wellness programs.
• Achtsamkeitstrainer (DHA) Mindfulness trainer qualification for personal and professional development.
• Certified Bartender (DHA) New bartender certification covering spirits knowledge, recipe development, and international bar trends. Developed in cooperation with Bar Symposium Cologne.
• Food Service Assistance Qualifizierungsprogramm Qualification program combining digital learning formats with practical qualification for entry into gastronomy, developed with Chickpeace (PONTON 3 e.V.) and targeted at refugee women.

Quantifiable outcome

• Dual award winner: eLearning AWARD 2026 (Kompetenzentwicklung) and Fernstudienpreis des Jahres 2026 (Integration durch Bildung)

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Chickpeace (PONTON 3 e.V.)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 April 2026Co-development of 'Food Service Assistance' qualification program for refugee women. Combines digital learning formats with practical qualification for entry into gastronomy. Won eLearning AWARD 2026 and Fernstudienpreis 2026.
• wein.pluscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 April 2026Strategic partnership to promote professional development in wine, gastronomy, and hospitality. Premium members of wein.plus receive 15% discount on entire DHA training portfolio. DHA students get free access to wein.plus platform including wine database and lexicon during their studies. Joint scholarship campaign offering two WSET Level 3 scholarships.
• Althoff HotelscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 February 2026Strategic partnership for People Development. Althoff Academy gains access to DHA's full portfolio of 20+ state-approved continuing education programs. Includes customized training offers, scholarship programs, and exclusive programs for young talents in training. Althoff Hotels supports DHA with industry expertise and potential employment pipeline for graduates.
• HSMA Deutschland e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 December 2025Co-development of Convention Sales Professional (DHA) and Senior Manager Convention Sales (DHA) programs. Joint hosting of free digital expert talk series 'Convention Connect' every two months.
• Bar Symposium Cologne (BSC)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 December 2025Co-development of Certified Bartender (DHA) program with BSC founders Dominik Mohr, Dominique Simon and Felix Engels. Program covers spirits knowledge, recipe development, and international bar trends.
• Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial course provider for WSET Level 2 and Level 3 Award in Wines. DHA integrates international wine qualifications into its sommelier training programs.
• Hotelverband Deutschland (IHA)coreOthersDHA is a member of the German Hotel Association (IHA), representing approximately 1,400 leading hotels. Provides industry representation and networking opportunities.
• HotelcareerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerJob portal partnership for hospitality recruitment and career placement. DHA students and graduates may access job listings through Hotelcareer platform.
• DSR Hotel HoldingminorOthersHotel holding company with 33 properties including A-ROSA Hotels, aja Resorts, HENRI Hotels. Partnership supports industry relevance and potential employment pipeline.
• Verband der Köche Deutschlands e.V. (VKD)coreOthersVKD is the largest association of chefs in Germany with approximately 9,000 members. DHA is a partner of VKD, supporting professional development for cooks and culinary professionals.
• Atlantic HotelsminorOthersHotel group operating 40+ properties across Germany and Austria with 1,500+ employees. Partnership for employee development and industry collaboration.
• Motel OneminorOthersBudget Design hotel chain with 96 hotels and 27,223 rooms. Partnership supports industry relevance and potential employment pipeline.
• Best WesternminorOthersInternational hotel chain with around 4,000 hotels in 90+ countries, 230 hotels in Central Europe. Partnership supports industry relevance.
• DallmayrminorOthersDallmayr Academy partnership for coffee and tea education. One of Germany's best-known coffee brands and largest delicatessen houses in Europe.
• Nordsee GmbHminorOthersEuropean leader in fish system gastronomy with 371 locations. Partnership supports industry relevance and culinary education.
• ROBINSON Club GmbHminorOthersPremium segment market leader for club holidays with 24 club facilities in 13 countries and capacity of about 14,200 beds (TUI Group).
• 25hours HotelsminorOthersBoutique hotel brand with contemporary concepts including restaurants, bars, cafes, and curated shops.
• A-ROSAminorOthersPremium resort hotels at Nord- and Ostsee, in the Alps, and at Lake Garda. Partnership supports industry relevance.
• Dorint Hospitality & Innovation GmbHminorOthersGerman hotel company operating 62+ hotels under Dorint, Hommage, and Essential by Dorint brands. Partnership supports industry relevance.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves3 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Hotelfernschule Poppe + Neumann: One of the most direct competitors in the German hospitality distance-learning niche, offering IHK-certified Fernstudium programs for hoteliers and gastronomes with a similar target audience and blended learning model.
• IST-Hochschule für Management: State-recognized private university delivering hospitality, tourism and event management degrees, including distance-learning variants; competes with DHA for working professionals seeking recognized credentials in the same vertical.
• Tourismus-Akademie (TAV) Bayern / Tourismusakademie Deutschlands: German vocational academies focused on hospitality, gastronomy and tourism continuing education, often partnering with hotel groups; competes with DHA on employer-sponsored upskilling contracts in overlapping regions.
• ILS Fernschule: Germany's largest distance-learning provider with hospitality and gastronomy tracks; competes directly for the same working-professional continuing education customer, though at much greater breadth and scale.
• SGD Studiengemeinschaft Darmstadt: Long-established German Fernschule offering hospitality and tourism distance learning programs; directly competes with DHA on price, ZFU approvals, and distance-learning format for the same professional audience.
• Fernakademie für Erwachsenenbildung: Clett Group's adult distance-learning arm, offering hospitality and gastronomy certifications in the same ZFU-approved, subscription-based format that overlaps directly with DHA's catalog.

Broad incumbents

• Coursera: Global MOOC platform with hospitality, revenue management and food & beverage courses from universities; an emerging indirect competitor for learners willing to substitute non-accredited content for ZFU-certified credentials.
• EHL Hospitality Business School: Globally leading hospitality management institution; not a direct price competitor but sets the quality benchmark for German working professionals considering premium hospitality credentials and remote learning alternatives.
• iba - Internationale Berufsakademie: Germany's largest private vocational academy group with hospitality, culinary and bakery programs; overlaps on culinary and hotelier training but via onsite dual-study rather than distance learning.

Emerging players

• Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET): Global wine and spirits awarding body whose Level 2/3 programs DHA delivers locally; partially overlapping in sommelier curriculum but as a certification authority rather than a competing school.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/deutsche-hotelakademie

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Deutsche Hotelakademie