Can you believe we're already a few months into 2024? Time flies! But, let's hit the pause button for a second and rewind back to 2023—a year full of achievements by our students and alumni which we are truly proud of! Let’s dive back into these standout moments together.

Student Success Stories

EM Cup 

On February 15th, our EM Cup team —Frederik Bakker, Kia Bolding, Kim van den Bongard, Daniel Groot Koerkamp, and Sam de Haardt—landed an impressive second place. Out of 28 European hotel schools, they wowed the judges with their Brick and Clicks methodology; a method that helps companies navigate these turbulent times.
Next to that the team won the “Best rumour around the brand” award for their extensive social media campaign, and individual awards were given to Sam de Haardt for “Best Idea” and Kim van den Bongard for “Best Resume”. 

Accor TakeOff Challenge

Remember the Accor TakeOff! challenge back on June 14th? Team HMSM, consisting of Maurin Gebser, Marlene Zanow, and Frederik Bakker, battled it out against 108 teams from all around the world and secured second place! They came up with "The ALL-in experience; live like a local" – a concept that focuses on authentic local adventures. 

Sustainable Hospitality Challenge Finals

Representing the Hotel Management School Maastricht, Kim van den Bongard, Maria Ioana Neicu, and Valentina J. S. Wießmeier, showcased their concept Ukiyo at the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge Finals with an impressive pitch. They teamed up with Desislava Paneva and Christian Brunnert from the FH Münster School of Architecture to create an innovative lodging concept designed for remote areas of NEOM, Saudi Arabia. Their idea, hotel rooms which blend seamless with nature, caught the jury's eye for its innovation and community spirit.

IHAB Awards

2023 was also a year to honor our very own Marisa Klay and Sophie van Schoot with the IHAB Awards for their outstanding defences. They've shown us what it means to combine passion with purpose, and we couldn’t be prouder.

Alumni Achievements

Hotello of the Year

During the HotelloTop Event on January 11, Martin Hendricks [F 2008] was awarded Hotello of the Year 2023!
“I am surprised and proud to have become Hotello of the Year. When I look at the list of winners that preceded me, I feel very honored.” Martin already has great plans for this year. “We are going to expand considerably in the Netherlands, but also abroad. ''

European Hotel Manager of the Year

For the first time in history a Dutch woman has been awarded European Hotel Manager of the Year! Alumna Emmy Stoel [F 1989], general manager of Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam was awarded this prestigious title by the EHMA - European Hotel Managers Association.

The Luxury Lifestyle Awards

And the applause doesn’t stop there. Emmy also secured a spot in the Top 100 Best Hotel General Managers for 2023, It is a unique accomplishment that we are very proud of.

Elevator Programme

Florian Keursten, fourth year student, has been selected for the Hilton Elevator programme, an amazing achievement since there are often more than 1000-1500 registrations for this programme!
"I was selected for Hilton's Elevator programme, a fast-track to become a GM. My first placement will start on September 4th for 9 months in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and the second placement will be clear after I start in Riyadh. This is another unique opportunity for me to gain a lot of experience!’’

What a year full of highs and recognition of success. We are proud of our HMSM community and can’t wait to see what 2024 will bring!