The department was designated a school in October 2001, which became an independent and autonomous academic unit within the university structure in July 2004.

Mr. and Mrs. Chan Chak Fu Building[6] The building that houses the School was named after the late Mr. and Mrs. Chan Chak Fu, a pioneer Hong Kong hotelier, in appreciation for the contributions by Seal of Love Charitable Foundation Limited to support PolyU's development and advancement in hospitality and tourism education and research.

The School established this award to honour individuals who have contributed substantially to the development of hospitality and tourism in Hong Kong, Asia, and the world.

The facility ensures that SHTM students will learn and research with the latest technologies and software used in our industry so as to nurture them to become global-minded leaders in the digital age.

1 in Asia in the “Hospitality and Leisure Management” category in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.

The Centre supports academic research for the advancement of hospitality and tourism knowledge on topics of importance to industry performance and the future.