Looking Back at 2025: Highlights of Hotel Management School Maastricht

Milestones of Hotel Management School Maastricht

75 years of Hotel Management School Maastricht

In 2025, we celebrated the 75th anniversary of Hotel Management School Maastricht. For 75 days, the school focused on the theme Roots and Wings, highlighting our connection with everyone who is part of our community.
Students, staff, alumni, industry partners, and neighbours came together during a wide range of events, such as the Staff & Student Event, the Partner Event, the Nederlandse Dansdagen, the Education & Research Day, Student Treats, a lunch for former employees, international alumni Chapters, the Alumni Reunion, and the Neighbourhood Event.
The anniversary offered a special opportunity to show how hospitality education has evolved over the past 75 years - and, above all, to celebrate this milestone together. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this anniversary unforgettable.

Teaching Hotel receives Dutch Cuisine certification

At the start of 2025, restaurant L’Étoile, part of the Teaching Hotel Château Bethlehem, reached an important milestone by receiving the Dutch Cuisine certification. This recognition highlights the strong focus on sustainability, local products, and seasonal cooking. The Dutch Cuisine principle, based on the 80–20 rule, where vegetables take centre stage and proteins are used consciously and sustainably, fits perfectly with the vision of the Teaching Hotel. This certification not only promotes healthier eating, but also increases awareness about food and its origins.

Top programme Keuzegids and NSE

In 2025, the bachelor’s programme in Hotel Management was once again awarded the title of top programme in the Keuzegids HBO. With this recognition, the Hotel Management School Maastricht remains among the best programmes in the Netherlands. It is a wonderful confirmation of the quality of our education and the dedication of both students and staff.

In the 2025 National Student Survey (NSE), the Hotel Management School Maastricht received 4 out of 5 stars for overall student satisfaction - a rising trend compared to previous years and above the national average. Students gave high scores for atmosphere, study guidance, and the connection between the programme and professional practice; a result we are proud of.

Launch of Executive Education at HMSM

In 2025, Hotel Management School Maastricht launched Executive Education. With multi day masterclasses, HMSM aims to support hospitality professionals and leaders who want to deepen their knowledge and stay relevant in a rapidly changing sector.
The masterclasses cover the themes Sustainable Business, Consumer Psychology, Leading People & Culture, Future proof Beverage Management, and Strategic Revenue Management, and are closely aligned with current developments in the hospitality industry.

Badge of Merit presented to four Remarkable people

In 2025, the Badge of Merit, Hotel Management School Maastricht’s tribute to individuals who have shown exceptional dedication to the school and its community, was awarded to four highly valued recipients. Walter Seib, former chair of the International Hospitality Advisory Board, and Mien Segers, former IHAB member, were honoured for their long term involvement and contributions from the professional field.
In addition, Sjra Theunissen, who worked for many years in planning and organisation at HMSM, and Vera Dühring, former Dean of Relations and Commercial Affairs, also received this distinction. With the Badge of Merit, HMSM expresses its gratitude for their lasting impact on the school and its development.

Student Achievements

IHAB awards 2025

During the Funda ceremonies in 2025, Faries Dib and Sam de Haardt received the IHAB Award. This prize is presented to the student who makes the strongest impression during the final assessment, based on their reflection on personal and professional development throughout the programme and their presentation as a ‘young professional’, ready for the next step in hospitality.
In addition to eternal fame, the winners receive a €1,000 cash prize sponsored by Bidfood and are given the opportunity to walk along with a member of the International Hospitality Advisory Board for a day.

EMcup 2025

The team GROW with the flow achieved an impressive 4th place in the 2025 EMcup. With this performance, Lucas Goewie, Pleun Schekkerman, Valerie Peeters, Amy Keulen and Nina Henderikx finished in the top four out of no fewer than 30 participating schools.

Global Mind award for Livia van der Heiden

The second half of the academic year began with the annual Global Mind Conference, the homecoming moment for returning operational interns. A key part of the conference is the Global Mind Award, sponsored by Black Label Hotels. The award for the best student podcast in 2025 went to Livia Van der Heiden, who was recognised for her podcast about her internship experience in Washington, United States.

Quality Lodgings College Next Gen Award and Talent of the Year Finalist: Valerie Peeters

Student Valerie Peeters was a finalist for the Talent of the Year Award and won the Quality Lodgings College Next Gen Award. During the QL Annual Event, she impressed the jury with her vision on small scale luxury hospitality, where personal attention and genuine connections take centre stage, supported by technology.

Young Hospitality Summit in Lausanne

At the Young Hospitality Summit in Lausanne, students Juliëtte van der Ham and Emily Neelen represented Hotel Management School Maastricht. Together with international teams, they worked on solutions to the challenge of overtourism in destinations such as Venice, Barcelona, and the Greek islands.

Emily Neelen’s team achieved an excellent 2nd place with the concept Local Venezia, focused on strengthening local communities. Juliëtte van der Ham explored the possibilities of gamification with her team through the concept VenEase, demonstrating how creativity and collaboration can come together.
 

Alumni Achievements

Alumni Chapters around the world

To mark the 75th anniversary, 10 international alumni Chapter events were organised in 2025. Alumni gathered in Berlin, Sydney, London, Singapore, Barcelona, Madrid, Dubai, Aruba, Curaçao, and Antwerp to reconnect, build new relationships, and raise a toast with a special anniversary cocktail from Maastricht.

Stay Connected! Interested in joining or starting a Chapter in your region? Send an email to alumnihmsm@zuyd.nl and become part of our growing alumni network.

Pie Aerts finalist for hotello of the year

Alumnus Pie Aerts [F 2009] was selected as a finalist for the Hotello of the Year Award, a prestigious industry prize within the hospitality sector. Pie reached the top three thanks to his inspiring work, including the fundraising initiative Prints for Wildlife, through which he creates global impact. In January, the winner will be announced.

Alumna Ylja Berends sommelier of the year

Alumna Ylja Berends [F 2020], sommelier at restaurant WY. in Maastricht, was honoured with the Michelin Sommelier Award (Sommelier of the Year) during the Michelin star ceremony in Maastricht. The jury praised her talent for creating perfect pairings through a carefully curated wine selection; a remarkable recognition of her craftsmanship and influence in the world of wine and gastronomy.

Alumna Tessa van der Wouw awarded sommelier of the year

Alumna Tessa van der Wouw [F 2018] was named Sommelier of the Year 2025 by Gault&Millau. Tessa, who works at the Michelin starred restaurant Inter Scaldes, received the award for her expertise, boldness, and unique wine food combinations. It is a wonderful acknowledgement of her passion and dedication to gastronomy and hospitality.

Alumni achievement award for Charles van Goch

During the 20th edition of HotelloTOP in Amsterdam, alumnus Charles van Goch [F 1994] received the Alumni Achievement Award in 2025. The award was presented in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the hospitality industry and serves as a meaningful acknowledgement of his professional impact and dedication to the field.

Hamburg foodservice award for Younique Concepts

Alumni Joseph de Jong [F 2013] and Sven Sallearts [F 2013] received the Hamburg Foodservice Award in 2025 with their company Younique Concepts. They were the first Dutch winners ever of this prestigious international prize! A remarkable recognition of their entrepreneurship and influence within the foodservice industry.

Looking ahead

Reflecting on 2025, we can be truly proud of everything we have achieved together. The stories and accomplishments of this year show what Hotel Management School Maastricht stands for: engagement, quality, and a strong community.
With this foundation, we look forward to 2026 with confidence; a new year in which we will continue to build on future oriented education. We are excited to create new highlights and milestones together in the year ahead!