Future Game Changers | Nils Dalebout

Nils Dalebout is a third‑year student at Hotel Management School Maastricht and the internal coordinator of the HMSM Excellence Programme. With experience in luxury hospitality, strategic projects, and international competitions, he is developing himself as a professional and driven Future Game Changer with a strong focus on leadership and growth.

Nils Dalebout

Growing up in Groningen, surrounded by hospitality from a young age, sparked my interest in an industry built around creating experiences. My name is Nils Dalebout, and I am currently in my third year at the Hotel Management School Maastricht. I recently completed the Strategic Real Estate and Revenue minor, and I am now preparing to start my second minor, Leading People and Culture in a Changing World. Alongside my studies, I am responsible for the internal coordination of the HMSM Excellence Programme.

Nils' experience

During my second year, I was selected for the 12th edition of the HMSM Excellence Programme. This was a defining experience for me, as I worked on developing a hotel concept in Lisserbroek from the ground up. From conducting in-depth market research to building a ten-year financial forecast and creating a full sales and marketing plan, it challenged me to combine creativity with strategic thinking.

After this, I completed my internship at The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi in Malaysia, where I worked at the Front Office. This experience played a big role in shaping my passion for hospitality. Being directly involved in guest interactions showed me how powerful it is to create memorable experiences through attention to detail and genuine service. It was also the first time I experienced what it truly means to operate at a luxury level on a daily basis, where even the smallest details make a lasting difference.

When I returned, I took on the role of internal coordinator for the HMSM Excellence Programme, contributing to both edition 14 and currently edition 15. In this role, I focus on supporting students in their development throughout the programme, which has strengthened my leadership and coaching skills.

Alongside this, during the Strategic Real Estate and Revenue minor, I participated in the EMEA CHRIE Challenge 2026, where I represented Hotel Management School Maastricht in a dynamic and competitive revenue management simulation. This experience challenged me to think strategically under pressure and apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.

Through these experiences, I have learned how to turn ideas into concrete concepts, think more strategically, and work with a strong eye for detail. At the same time, I have developed myself in leading teams and taking ownership in challenging situations.

“Through these experiences, I have learned how to turn ideas into concrete concepts, think more strategically, and work with a strong eye for detail.”

Nils' values

The HMSM value that resonates most with me is professional. For me, this means consistently striving to exceed expectations, taking ownership, and continuously looking for ways to grow. It is not only about delivering strong results, but also about how you present yourself, collaborate with others, and represent the school in every environment.

A clear example of this is my role as internal coordinator of the Excellence Programme, where I take responsibility for maintaining the quality of the programme while supporting students in their personal and professional development. During my internship at The Ritz-Carlton, I applied this same mindset by always looking for ways to go beyond standard service and create personalized guest experiences.

Nils' ambition

Looking ahead, I am driven by the ambition to continue developing myself within the hospitality industry. In the short term, I aim to pursue an international internship in a leadership-focused role, where I can further strengthen my understanding of operations and team dynamics. In the long term, I plan to complete a master’s degree in Hospitality Management and gain international experience across different markets. Ultimately, my goal is to work towards leading my own company within the hospitality industry.

Hotel Management School Maastricht plays an important role in this journey. The combination of experienced lecturers, challenging programmes, and strong industry connections continuously pushes me to grow. The school not only provides academic knowledge, but also creates an environment where you are encouraged to take initiative and build a valuable network.

In five to ten years, I see myself working in an international hospitality environment in a leadership role, where I can make a real impact on both guests and teams. I hope to have built a strong foundation in operations and strategy, allowing me to contribute to the industry in a meaningful way.

Looking further ahead, I want to contribute to the hospitality world by creating experiences that truly stand out and by building teams that are motivated to grow and perform at a high level. At the same time, I hope to stay connected to the school by sharing my experiences and supporting future generations of students.

Nils' tips

Go after opportunities that help you grow, but choose them with purpose. It is not about how many challenges you take on, but what you take away from them. And above all, believe in yourself.