Dear EuroCHRIE Colleagues,
Congratulations to everyone on the successful conclusion of the EuroCHRIE 2024 Conference, held from November 4–7 in Doha, Qatar, with the theme “Hospitality and Tourism in a New Era: Building Bridges and Overcoming Challenges.” Hosted by Al Rayyan International University College (ARIU). The conference provided an inspiring and impactful platform, featuring concurrent sessions, interactive workshops, insightful keynote presentations, and, last but not least, enriching cultural exchanges.
The conference brought together over 150 participants from more than 35 countries, spanning Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the USA, and Asia. The program addressed vital topics in hospitality and tourism, including sustainability, digital transformation, cultural integration, and leadership. From workshops for young scholars and PhD students to the EuroCHRIE board meeting, participants engaged in learning experiences that set a dynamic tone for the event.
Highlights included Prof. Danny Han’s workshop on career paths from PhD to professor, which was well-received by emerging professionals, and an STR workshop by Steve Hood that explored analytical approaches to hotel management. Dr. Anthony Brien’s workshop guided authors on writing for different audiences, adding a practical layer to the conference’s offerings.
Special appreciation goes to the organizing committee, student volunteers, and staff of ARIU for their dedication to ensuring the conference’s seamless execution. Their professionalism and hard work were integral to the conference’s success, transforming ARIU’s campus into a vibrant center of learning and exchange. The ARIU venue, set against the stunning Doha skyline, provided an exceptional atmosphere that enriched the conference experience. Additionally, we extend our thanks to Qatar for its warm hospitality and unique cultural richness, which contributed to an unforgettable event.
The official opening at the Qatar National Museum auditorium, featuring welcoming remarks from Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani and Conference Chair Prof. Ivan Ninov, was a remarkable start. The breathtaking architecture, inspired by the Desert Rose, set an inspiring backdrop, complemented by an impressive dual-language introduction from ARIU students. Prof. Florian Aubke, EuroCHRIE President, thanked the organizing committee and emphasized the theme of “Unreasonable Hospitality,” challenging the industry to continually exceed guest expectations.
The conference offered a wide variety of engaging presentations and workshops that delved into key topics such as sustainability and resource management, artificial intelligence in hospitality, cultural adaptation and diversity, as well as ethics and digital transformation in tourism. Participants explored innovative educational strategies for Generation Z, discussed the challenges of workforce management, and addressed pressing issues like recruitment and retention in the hospitality industry. Interactive sessions and skill-enhancing workshops provided valuable insights and fostered meaningful discussions on adapting to a constantly changing world.
The conference’s evening programs offered memorable cultural experiences, from a traditional Middle Eastern dinner in Doha’s iconic Katara Cultural Village with stunning views of the illuminated city to a gathering at Raffles Hotel, a strikingly designed landmark. Participants also toured the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum and enjoyed an authentic Qatari dinner at Al Samriya Hotel, showcasing the beauty and depth of Qatari heritage and hospitality.
The final day included a keynote presentation by Steve Hood of STR and a panel discussion led by Prof. Perry Hobson, Vice President of ICHRIE, featuring three senior women leaders in the hotel industry.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors—American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute, and STR/CoStar SHARE Center—as well as our local sponsors Qatar Tourism, Qatar National Bank, Katara Hospitality, and Qatar Museums, whose generous support made the conference possible. Special recognition goes to the student volunteers and the ARIU organizing team, whose tireless dedication ensured the success of every session, gathering, and program.
The conference concluded with a Gala dinner and an Awards ceremony at the Rotana Hotel. Special congratulations to the this year’s award winners:
EuroCHRIE President’s Award for a Lifetime of Distinguished Service
Rai Shacklock, received the President’s Award for Distinguished and Meritorious Lifetime of Service for her dedicated service and contributions to EuroCHRIE, where she served as President of EuroCHRIE, as well as President to ICHRIE.
Bridging the Gap Award
Peter Russell, another ex-President of EuroCHRIE and a Board member for over 10 years, was honored with the Bridging the Gap Award for his contributions to strengthening cooperation between academia and industry through research and developments in hospitality.
EuroCHRIE 2024 Best Paper Award
Courtney Suess & Omar Youssef
- First runner up: Gulbahar Abdallah
- Second runner-up: Matthias Fuchs & Valentina Clergue
EuroCHRIE 2024 Best Poster Award
Shams Uz Zaman & Ivan Ninov
Conference materials, including photos, videos, and posters, are now available on our website to help capture and share the memories of EuroCHRIE 2024. In 2025, we look forward to continuing these essential conversations in Hotelschool The Hague, November 10–13, 2025, as we strengthen our global hospitality and tourism community.
We are now accepting applications to host future EuroCHRIE conferences! This is a unique chance to showcase your institution and connect with hospitality and tourism professionals worldwide. For details on the hosting process, please contact us or visit our website.
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