Queen Máxima visits Hotel Management School Maastricht

Inspiring encounters with students and staff

On Thursday 2 October, Hotel Management School Maastricht (HMSM) celebrated its 75th anniversary with a special visit from Her Majesty Queen Máxima. Upon arrival, she was welcomed by Chamberlain Diederik de Loë, Governor Emile Roemer, and Wim Hillenaar, Mayor of Maastricht. Hosts André Postema, Chair of the Executive Board of Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, and Bas Vogelsangs, Director of HMSM, extended a warm welcome.

Exploring history and future ambitions

The programme began with the presentation Roots and Wings and a short film. Josje van Dongen, Dean Development & Relations, offered insights into the school’s rich history and future plans. The HMSM Foundation was also introduced, aimed at providing financial support to students and promoting equal opportunities in education. Her Majesty was engaged in the story behind this initiative.

Tour of labs and the hotel: innovation in practice

The tour started in the Gastronomy Lab, where students, lecturers and researchers shared their work on international collaborations and sustainable initiatives in global hospitality. Queen Máxima was introduced to the Global Mind Monitor, a tool that measures and develops students’ international mindset. Students also spoke about their internships abroad, student challenges, and graduation projects. Her Majesty showed genuine interest and discussed the challenges students face when pushing their boundaries, both literally and figuratively.

In the kitchen, Queen Máxima attended a culinary demonstration. Students prepared Limburg oyster mushrooms in sour meat and explained how local products and traditions are reflected in Dutch cuisine. A festive anniversary mocktail, specially developed by students, was also presented.

At the Beverage Lab, a student demonstrated how hotel room cleaning is monitored using AI and virtual reality. The Queen recognised the value of this technology in education, not only for acquiring knowledge but also for encouraging experimentation.

In the Food Experience Lab, Queen Máxima was introduced to the future of food: projections, scent and sound experiences, and a 3D food printer that builds dishes layer by layer using sustainable ingredients. These innovations allow students to experiment with personalised nutrition and solutions to reduce food waste.

On the way to the Teaching Hotel, attention was given to a commemorative artwork by Maastricht-based artist Rob van Acker. It symbolises the theme Roots and Wings: the hotel school as a starting point from which students spread their wings across the world.

“Queen Máxima was visibly impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication of the students, as well as by the innovative character of the hotel school as a pioneer in a future-oriented and sustainable hospitality sector.”

Closing at the Teaching Hotel

At the Teaching Hotel, run by first-year students, the focus was on practical learning. The visit concluded in the French Room, where students spoke about life in the Student Residence, the activities of student association Amphitryon, and the founding of study association Iris.

Queen Máxima was visibly impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication of the students, as well as by the innovative character of the hotel school as a pioneer in a future-oriented and sustainable hospitality sector.

Director Bas Vogelsangs of HMSM responded with pride:
“It is an honour to showcase how our students and staff contribute to innovation in hospitality. The appreciation shown by our Queen is a wonderful compliment and a recognition of the broad impact our programme has on educational innovation, international collaboration, and a sustainable future.”

The anniversary celebration was attended by 200 guests, including alumni, academic partners, and industry representatives.

Photos: Aron Nijs