Dear EuroCHRIE Colleagues,<\/p>\n
Congratulations to everyone on the successful conclusion of the EuroCHRIE 2025 Conference, held in The Hague, The Netherlands, from 10 to 13 November 2025, under the theme \u201cHospitality & Tourism Innovation: Exploring Inspiration Across Industry Lines.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n The EuroCHRIE 2025 Conference became a truly inspiring and memorable event for the international community of educators, researchers, and professionals in hospitality and tourism. The conference was proudly hosted and impeccably organized by Hotelschool The Hague<\/a>, one of Europe\u2019s leading institutions in the field of hospitality education.<\/p>\n Importantly, the entire conference week was fully embedded into the academic curriculum of Hotelschool The Hague, allowing students to participate not only as volunteers but as active contributors within their educational program. Their involvement was integral to the event \u2014 from operational support and guest services to assisting with academic sessions and evening functions. This immersive experience enabled students to apply their learning in a real-world international environment and demonstrated the powerful impact that practice-based education can have when aligned with major industry events.<\/p>\n EuroCHRIE, the European Federation of the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (ICHRIE<\/a>), once again united educators, researchers, and industry representatives from across the globe. This year\u2019s theme focused on innovation, sustainability, the integration of artificial intelligence, and new approaches to leadership across industry lines.<\/p>\n The event brought together over 220 participants from over 25 countries, representing more than 100 leading universities, research institutions, and industry partners.<\/p>\n Special appreciation goes to EuroCHRIE President Yasemin Oruc<\/strong> and her outstanding team for their exceptional professionalism and flawless organization. Under her leadership, the conference achieved an extraordinary level of execution \u2014 perfectly balancing academic content, logistics, fine dining experiences, and the warm, people-centered atmosphere that defines true hospitality. Yasemin Oruc<\/strong> officially opened the conference, emphasizing that the future of the industry lies in the synergy between technology and human connection \u2014 and that innovation should inspire hospitality, not replace it.<\/p>\n The EuroCHRIE 2025 program featured four vibrant days filled with academic sessions, workshops, panel discussions, paper presentations, and cultural experiences that celebrated the essence of Dutch culture and hospitality.<\/p>\n The keynote program set an ambitious and inspiring tone for the event. Prof. <\/strong>D<\/strong>r. Mark van Vugt <\/strong>(VU Amsterdam) offered a thought-provoking look at leadership through the lens of evolutionary psychology. Marloes Knippenberg<\/strong> (Kerten Hospitality) and Prof. <\/strong>D<\/strong>r. Mirella Kleijnen<\/strong> (VU Amsterdam) shared insights on purposeful and resilient leadership in times of systemic change. Hans Meijer<\/strong> (Zoku) and Marco van der Werf <\/strong>(Bit Academy) explored how artificial intelligence is transforming the hospitality sector while preserving the \u201chigh touch\u201d experience at its heart.<\/p>\n A special joint panel session by Ira Vouk<\/strong> (SDSU), Prof. Dr.<\/strong> Ian Yeoman<\/strong> (Stenden University), and Prof. <\/strong>D<\/strong>r. Alexander Schmidt <\/strong>(Hotelschool The Hague) showcased how AI is shaping the industry landscape toward 2030. The academic dimension was further enriched<\/p>\n Over 140 \u00a0research papers, workshops, and panels were presented. academic program addressed the most pressing topics of the modern hospitality and tourism landscape \u2014 from sustainable and regenerative tourism, ESG, and digital transformation to leadership, human capital management, and cross-industry innovation.<\/p>\n Central research directions included the role of technology and AI in creating personalized guest experiences, new models of education and professional development, the future of urban hospitality, and collaborative frameworks under Horizon Europe.<\/p>\n Particular attention was given to young scholars and PhD students, who participated in a series of development workshops focused on building research capacity, navigating the publication process, and developing meaningful and impactful academic careers.<\/p>\n On the second day, the conference featured a special Food Experience Symposium \u2013 Blending Research with Sensory Exploration. The session was led by Malu Boerwinkel (Future of Food Research Centre, Zuyd University) and brought together culinary researchers and chefs to explore how sensory immersion can enhance both academic research and culinary innovation.The closing day brought together participants for a series of insightful discussions. The \u201cFireside Chats: Game Changers in Hospitality\u201d session featured Trix van der Vleuten<\/strong> (The Social Hub), Rogier Braakman<\/strong> (Mr. Green Offices), and Matthijs Welle<\/strong> (Mews) \u2014 three leaders redefining innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship in hospitality. Steve Hood<\/strong> and Perry Hobson<\/strong> led an interactive session on elevating the credibility and visibility of careers in hospitality and tourism.<\/p>\n The conference concluded with heartfelt remarks from Yasemin Oruc<\/strong>, who thanked all delegates for their contribution and reiterated that EuroCHRIE\u2019s strength has always stemmed from collaboration, inclusivity, and the exchange of knowledge across regions.<\/p>\n EuroCHRIE 2025 offered participants not only intellectual inspiration but also exceptional culinary and cultural experiences. Each evening was designed as a journey through taste, creativity, and the art of service \u2014 embodying the latest fine dining trends and sustainable gastronomy principles.<\/p>\n The Opening Reception at Madurodam<\/a> symbolized a \u201cminiature journey through the Netherlands,\u201d featuring open-air dining among architectural icons and a student-prepared menu highlighting local, seasonal ingredients.<\/p>\n The next evening\u2019s Cultural & Culinary Experience at the Mauritshuis Museum<\/a> blended gastronomy and art \u2014 with dishes inspired by Dutch masterpieces, including Vermeer\u2019s \u201cGirl with a Pearl Earring.\u201d<\/p>\n The Royal Gala Dinner in Scheveningen crowned the event with elegance and emotion. A multi-course tasting menu, prepared under the guidance of Hotelschool The Hague\u2019s faculty and students, showcased creativity, precision, and world-class service. The warm, festive atmosphere reminded everyone that true hospitality begins with emotion, empathy, and attention to detail.<\/p>\n During the Gala Dinner, the EuroCHRIE 2025 Awards Ceremony honored outstanding contributions across several categories:<\/p>\n Best Paper Award sponsored by Al Rayyan International University College \u2014 I-An Wang; Szu-Yin Lin; Hsin Chang Chen; Ya-Lin Huang (\u201cExploring the Impact of Customer Mistreatment on Employees: The Mediating and Moderating Roles of Emotional Exhaustion, Cognitive Rumination, and Role Overload\u201d)<\/p>\n Best Poster Award \u2014 Zhiwei Wang, Xuan Lorna Wang, Shi Tracy Xu (“Workplace Ageism in the Hospitality\/Hotel Industry”<\/p>\n Special thanks are extended to the Hotelschool The Hague organizing team, EuroCHRIE Board members, student volunteers, and all contributors whose dedication and professionalism ensured the event\u2019s success.<\/p>\n We also express our sincere gratitude to the conference sponsors and partners: The Hague marked the final conference under the EuroCHRIE name. Beginning in 2026, the organization will officially transition into EMEA CHRIE (Europe, Middle East & Africa CHRIE) \u2014 reflecting its expanded geographical scope and renewed mission to connect academia and industry across these regions.<\/p>\n The next conference will take place in 9-11 November 2026 in Dubai, UAE, where the global community will reconvene to continue shaping the future of hospitality and tourism under the new EMEA CHRIE structure, hosted by the Dubai College of Tourism.<\/p>\n\n
\nBooking.com<\/a>, Russell Partnership Technology<\/a>, Cesim (Business Simulations<\/a>), CoStar Group<\/a>, and American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute \u00a0\/ ServSafe<\/a>.<\/p>\n