Hotello of the Year Award

The Hotello of the Year Award is an annual prize within the hospitality sector, presented by HotelloTOP. The award honors a Hotello alumnus who has distinguished themselves in a remarkable way over the past year — both professionally and personally. Only graduates of Dutch hotel management schools are eligible, and the winner is selected by an expert jury as well as a public vote.

Over the years, several alumni of Hotel Management School Maastricht have received this prestigious title. On this page, you will find an overview of our proud winners: inspiring Hotellos who, through their careers and personal leadership, demonstrate what hospitality is truly about.

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Pie Aerts (2026) | Martin Hendricks (2023)

Pie Aerts

[F 2008]

Pie Aerts

Pie, an internationally recognized wildlife photographer and founder of Prints for Wildlife, has built an impressive career dedicated entirely to creating positive impact.

After leaving the corporate world in 2019, Pie decided to fully commit to photography and storytelling. In 2020, he founded Prints for Wildlife to support African wildlife and local communities. What began in an attic in Amsterdam grew into a global movement: Pie brought together more than 400 photographers, and together they raised over 2.5 million dollars for conservation efforts. His work demonstrates the power of storytelling and how one person, driven by a dream, can make a meaningful difference.

Martin Hendricks

[F 2008]

Martin Hendricks

Hotel entrepreneur Martin Hendricks, director of the Sittard‑based hotel group Black Label Hospitality.

'I was surprised and am proud to be awarded the 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 in the Netherlands, but also abroad.' Last week a small party was organized for the Black Label Hospitality team. 'We won this prize together with the whole team.'

Gijs Hendrikx (2021) | Emma Veerhuis (2020)

Gijs Hendrikx

[F 2009]

Gijs Hendrikx

Gijs Hendrikx won the prestigious award partly due to his success with Theaterhotel Venlo and Hotel Mr Jigs. Gijs finds the most joy in creating innovative hotel concepts.

In addition, on 28 August 2020, Gijs Hendrikx officially opened the doors of Mr Jigs. At Mr Jigs, guests are constantly offered a choice between no‑nonsense and unexpected luxury - a concept that allows guests to take control, deciding what they want and when they want it.

“I see the HotelloTOP Award as an extra incentive in the run‑up to the opening of our third hotel, and as a reward for our work,” says Gijs.

Emma Veerhuis

[F 2013]

Emma Veerhuis

Emma won the award thanks to the success of her company Kitchen Republic, of which she is co‑founder.

Kitchen Republic is the first Food Business Incubator in the Netherlands. It offers starting food entrepreneurs, project developers and artisanal caterers two production kitchens of 2,500 m² in the Houthavens of Amsterdam. In addition, it provides support through knowledge, networking opportunities and extra sales channels.

This gives food entrepreneurs the chance to easily test their entrepreneurial skills and their products, stimulating food innovation and creativity. The goal is for these entrepreneurs to eventually outgrow Kitchen Republic and scale up sustainably. Veerhuis had already convinced the professional jury with her Hotello DNA - and now she has won over the public as well.

Joost Rietveld (2019) | Pim Pelser (2015)

Joost Rietveld

[F 2005]

Joost Rietveld

Joost Rietveld won this prestigious award thanks to his success with Too Good To Go. He managed to introduce this successful concept in the Netherlands after discovering the company in Copenhagen. Too Good To Go fights against food waste. When you download the app, you can choose a “magic box”; when you pick it up, you receive a box filled with food that would otherwise have been thrown away at the end of the day. You don’t know in advance what will be inside the magic box, but you do know it’s a great deal - and incredibly tasty too!

Pim Pelser

[F 2005]

Pim Pelser

Pim Pelser was elected Hotello of the Year 2015 for his initiative DoSocial. DoSocial, founded by Pim Pelser and Erik Driessen, is dedicated to giving lonely elderly people an enjoyable day through various social initiatives. Together with several partners, they provide a structural contribution in the form of financial resources, knowledge and expertise.

“Winning the Hotello of the Year Award is, for me, a confirmation that the market supports and embraces our initiative. We will continue to dedicate ourselves to combating loneliness among the elderly and giving them a pleasant day. In addition, we hope everyone takes a moment to consider what they have to offer. It doesn’t have to be money - knowledge is just as valuable. We encourage everyone to share their contribution in the Social Pantry,” he says.

Charles van Goch (2014) | Poléanne Vluggen (2012)

Charles van Goch

[F 1994]

Charles van Goch

Charles van Goch is the founder of Mise en Place, Staffable, HotelloTOP and Stadsbrouwerij Maastricht. As a networker and bridge‑builder, Charles played a key role in launching more than 50 initiatives aimed at connecting hospitality professionals. When he meets someone, his first question is always: “What can I do for you, how can I help you move forward?” This mindset makes him an active connector within the hospitality industry.

For Charles, the world of food, drinks and lodging is the most beautiful sector there is. He firmly believes that a foundation in hospitality is the key to a successful career - and he actively promotes this conviction.

Poléanne Vluggen

[F 1997]

Poléanne Vluggen

Winner Poleanne Vluggen was chosen as Hotello of the Year for her passion and expertise in the field of diversity, as well as her dedication to advancing it. In both her previous roles and her current position at Accor, she is fully committed to this mission.

Bas Hoogland (2007)

Bas Hoogland †

[F 1983]

Bas Hoogland †

Winner Bas Hoogland receives the award for the highly successful way in which he positions the Landal brand in the market. Over the span of ten years, Landal’s brand awareness has grown enormously. Bas Hoogland has always been the driving force behind every campaign, photo shoot, mailing, brochure and online development (winner of the Thuiswinkel Internet Award 2006).

As a result, Landal has consistently presented itself in a distinctive, original and authentic way. From bird sounds as hold music to honest photography - everything radiates green and nature, down to the matchstick heads that must be green. On 1 September 2002, he led a second rebranding following the acquisition of 34 Gran Dorado parks. With more than 60 parks in six countries and nearly 10,000 bungalows, Landal GreenParks has become a strong brand.

Hotello of the Year Award

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Pie Aerts (2026) | Martin Hendricks (2023)

Gijs Hendrikx (2021) | Emma Veerhuis (2020)

Joost Rietveld (2019) | Pim Pelser (2015)

Charles van Goch (2014) | Poléanne Vluggen (2012)

Bas Hoogland (2007)

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Hotello of the Year Award

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Pie Aerts (2026) | Martin Hendricks (2023)

Pie Aerts

Martin Hendricks

Gijs Hendrikx (2021) | Emma Veerhuis (2020)

Gijs Hendrikx

Emma Veerhuis

Joost Rietveld (2019) | Pim Pelser (2015)

Joost Rietveld

Pim Pelser

Charles van Goch (2014) | Poléanne Vluggen (2012)

Charles van Goch

Poléanne Vluggen

Bas Hoogland (2007)

Bas Hoogland †