Heidi Anaya
March 23, 2025
11th Annual EuroCHRIE University Challenge Comes to an Amazing Finish!
The 11th Annual EuroCHRIE University Challenge, delivered by Russell Partnership Technology in partnership with EuroCHRIE, came to an exciting finish on March 20th.
The 18 schools competing were Strathmore University (Kenya), Stenden University (South Africa), Budapest University of Economics & Business (Hungary), Modul University (Austria), Hotel Management School Maastricht (The Netherlands), École Hôtelière de Lausanne (Switzerland), Odessa National University of Technology (Ukraine), Breda University of Applied Sciences (The Netherlands), Al Rayyan International University College (Qatar), Vocational College of Hospitality and Tourism Maribor (Slovenia), Boma International Hospitality College (Kenya), Thomas More University of Applied Sciences (Belgium), Copenhagen Business Academy (Denmark), Özyeğin University Faculty of Applied Sciences (Türkiye), TU Dublin (Ireland), FHWien der WKW (Austria), Hotel Management School NHL Stenden (The Netherlands), and the University of Derby (United Kingdom).
The teams, comprised of three to five students and one instructor, competed in a Simulation Challenge in two competitive sets of hotels (with one hotel operated by each school). Each week they formulated strategic plans to drive their hotels’ position in the competitive set, with a focus on Market Performance, Financial Management, Guest Satisfaction, and Associate Engagement. The winning team in each competitive set was the hotel with the best overall balanced scorecard at the end of the four-week competition. The top hotels from each competitive set were then compared against each other using a variety of metrics and a final overall winner was declared.
While competing, the students also completed their Certificate in Hospitality Business Acumen. This was delivered utilizing online learning modules and weekly web conferences.
This was a very dynamic competition with teams devising different strategies to drive their hotels forward in the competitive set. At the conclusion of the competition, it was the team from Hotel Management School NHL Stenden who were declared the winners, with second place going to Boma International Hospitality College.
This year’s EuroCHRIE Challenge involved 71 students representing schools from 14 different countries – and 26 different countries of birth! The commitment and focus each of the students displayed in meeting deadlines and actively participating during the weekly web conferences was outstanding.
Sincere congratulations to all involved! Russell Partnership Technology will be delighted to honour the top two teams at the EuroCHRIE Conference in The Hague in November.
What the teams said…
🥇 Winners
Hotel Management School Leeuwarden NHL Stenden
Looking back on the EuroCHRIE Challenge, winning was a highlight that showcased the value of this incredible experience. It provided us with the opportunity to deepen our understanding of the hotel industry, enhance our financial knowledge, and practice data-driven decision-making. The competition fostered strong teamwork and effective communication, even with our team spread across the globe. We also had the chance to connect with other hotel management schools worldwide, creating international bonds. This experience has been invaluable, and we highly encourage universities and students to participate—it’s a fantastic opportunity to gain knowledge and skills for future careers.
- Sophie Wijsman
- Zuzana Vavrova
- Pavel Simeonov
Instructor Lead: Joke Tasma
🥈 2nd Place
Boma International Hospitality College
Hôtel Lulu team representing Boma International Hospitality College: We are thrilled to share the story of our remarkable journey in the EuroCHRIE 2025 University Challenge, where our team achieved the esteemed position of runners-up in this prestigious competition. This accomplishment is a testament to our dedication, teamwork, and innovation.
Our success stemmed from rigorous preparation, an analytical approach, and a deep understanding of current industry trends. Our team engaged in collaborative efforts, leveraging a variety of skills and perspectives to craft new strategies every week, ensuring we remained proactive and well-prepared. Along the way, we gained invaluable insights from industry experts, networked with revenue managers, and experienced the thrill of tackling real-world scenarios.
Being recognized as runners-up was both an honor and a motivator. It highlighted our potential to make meaningful contributions to the future of tourism and hospitality. We left the competition with new perspectives, stronger bonds within our team, and a commitment to further excellence in our academic and professional pursuits.
We are grateful to the organizers, our school, our mentors, and peers who supported us throughout this journey. This achievement is a stepping stone as we continue to strive for excellence in the ever evolving dynamic hospitality industry.
- Brice Tchikaya
- Bunji Collette
- Doreen Ng’ang’a
- Yvonne Kanyeki
Instructor Lead: Gideon Okinda
Budapest University of Economics and Business
Our team feels that, based on what we have already learned in the classroom, this project allowed us to utilize all of our knowledge and tie it together through four weeks of teamwork.
- Zsombor found the Cash Flow Statement very explanatory, and the formulas were also helpful.
- Dóri believes that the overall knowledge she acquired will be important in her future career in a hotel-related position.
- Márton also highlighted the multiple sheets that broke down all the formulas and exact items line by line.
As a team, we managed to work together and achieve a great position with the assistance of our professor Mrs Klára Morvay Karakas. Thank you very much for the opportunity and the great organization of Heidi. Congratulations to the other teams as well. We really enjoyed the competition!
- Aklan Dorottya
- Simon Zsombor
- Urbán Márton
Instructor Lead: Klára Morvay Karakas
Vocational College of Hospitality and Tourism Maribor
As students — Matija Pišorn, Alja Potočar, Dora Egghart, and Katja Šebenik from Vocational College of Hospitality and Tourism Maribor, Slovenia — we had the privilege of participating in the EuroCHRIE Challenge, an experience that proved both enriching and unforgettable. The competition was intellectually stimulating and offered us valuable insights into hotel operations, as well as the vital role managers play in the hospitality industry.
The weekly lectures were particularly impactful, providing in-depth knowledge that greatly informed our strategic decision-making throughout the program. We were especially impressed by the high level of engagement and the diversity of participants from across the globe.
We are truly grateful for the opportunity to take part in this challenge and for the knowledge and experience we gained along the way.
Al Rayyan International University College
The EuroCHRIE University Challenge 2025, which commenced a month ago, has provided us with an invaluable opportunity to enhance our skills in finance, decision-making, communication, and collaborative teamwork. Given the unique challenges posed by the hotel’s operational circumstances, these competencies have been essential in our efforts to improve results each quarter. This experience has deepened our understanding of key hotel management principles, such as departmental spending ratios and market competition analysis. The weekly lessons and quarterly challenges have played a crucial role in refining our research capabilities and providing insight into the hotel’s internal operations and the broader competitive landscape. Moreover, this challenge has not only expanded our knowledge and skill set but has also highlighted the complexities of hotel management, revealing the intricate dynamics at play when considering the bigger picture.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Girish Nair for his invaluable guidance and unwavering support throughout the competition. Our thanks also go to EuroCHRIE and its organizing team for providing this exceptional opportunity. A special note of appreciation is extended to Ms. Heidi Anaya for her outstanding mentorship and training, which were pivotal to our success. The knowledge, skills, and experiences we have gained through this competition are invaluable and will undoubtedly contribute to our future professional growth.
- Anuja Srivastava
- Angela Lavarias
- Pooja Neelakantam Saithaiah Rajanarsaiah
- Hana Fouad
Instructor Lead: Girish Nair
Hotel Management School Maastricht
We, as Hotel Management School Maastricht, had a lovely time, joining the EuroChrie REVsim challenge. We enjoyed the competitive, yet supportive atmosphere that existed during the challenge. The enthusiasm and kindness of Heidi inspired us throughout the challenge and gave us even more motivation within the challenge. There were a lot of learning opportunities during this period and with the practical nature of this competition, we can proudly say that we learned a lot from this. We had a great time as a team and would highly recommend others to participate in this challenge.
- Kevin van Ommen
- Valerie Peeters
- Quirien van der Ploeg
- Pleun Schekkerman
- Vera Wagelaar
Instructor Lead: Luc Houben
Odessa National University of Technology (Ukraine)
We sincerely appreciate the opportunity provided by the EuroCHRIE Challenge 2025. Despite ongoing difficulties in Ukraine, this event remains a source of hope and inspiration. The experience significantly enriched our knowledge, resilience, and spirit. Our heartfelt gratitude to Heidi Anaya for her steadfast support and to all organizers for their dedication. This competition empowered our team, offering profound insights and unforgettable connections. We are eager to apply the lessons learned and cherish every moment of this inspiring journey.
- Mariia Stas
- Chekhova Victoriia
- Yuliia Trofimets
- Melamed Kristina
- Dr Kateryna Fedosova
Modul University (Austria)
We had a great time participating in the challenge! We found it extremely valuable to deepen our understanding of the competition while also applying the theoretical knowledge we gained in class, allowing us to continuously improve throughout the course. Our group working skills improved a lot, as we had to work collaboratively and discuss the results from week to week, helping us not only to get to know each other better, but we could also learn a lot about ourselves. This skill will be essential in our future life. Throughout the competition, we could get insight into how the different departments collaborate and affect each other and the consequences that came along when a certain department did better or worse in the quarter. Furthermore, the competition helped us to think critically and view different things from many perspectives, as that was one of the key elements of the challenge. We had a great time participating in the challenge, and even though we did not reach the final round we consider ourselves as winners, we gained a lot during the 6 weeks.
- Mariia Seliuk
- Marcell Fülöp
- Gleb Vorobiev
- Moritz Fürsattel
- Nikolay Rosenberg
Instructor Lead: Maroun Aouad
Stenden South Africa
Participating in the EuroCHRIE 2025 Challenge was an engaging and insightful experience for our team. As second-year hospitality students at Stenden South Africa, we are still expanding our knowledge of the industry, and this challenge provided a valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding of hotel operations. It enhanced our appreciation of key factors such as staffing competency or the impact of premium room rates on overall room revenue. Heidi’s expert advice really helped us stay competitive, build confidence, and improve our hotel’s performance. With her guidance, we navigated challenges effectively and grew both individually and as a team throughout the simulation.
- Gemma Braun
- Julia Kilpin
- Ehrin Schmidt
- Juliet Alexander
Instructor Lead: Megan Sharrock
TU Dublin
The opportunity to compete in the EuroCHRIE Challenge was an exciting and eye-opening experience for our team. Coming from F&B and reception backgrounds, we were confident in our hospitality skills, but this challenge pushed us to think more strategically. We had to make quick decisions, adapt to unexpected situations, and trust each other’s expertise and opinions. There were highs and lows, but every decision and cycle taught us something new. Competing in the EuroCHRIE challenge enabled us to grow as a team and gain a deeper understanding of the decisions involved in all aspects of the hospitality industry. Looking back, we’re proud of what we achieved and how we supported each other along the way. Our team is incredibly grateful for the opportunity and the lessons we learnt throughout this competition – Lisa, Adam, and Chris, Team TUDublin.
- Lisa Mc Cormack
- Adam O’Toole
- Christopher Coughlan
Instructor Lead: John Ryan
Copenhagen Business Academy
Participating in the EuroCHRIE University Challenge 2025 has been an incredible and rewarding experience. We have truly enjoyed being part of the competition, meeting new people from all over the world, and exchanging insights with other teams. It has been a valuable opportunity to apply our theoretical knowledge in a realistic setting and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to run a successful hotel.
The challenge has at times been demanding, requiring us to make strategic decisions in a competitive and dynamic environment. However, these challenges have only strengthened our problem-solving skills and pushed us to think critically under pressure.
Even though we did not win the competition, we are proud to walk away with a Certificate in Hotel Business Acumen, which further strengthens our understanding of the hospitality industry. We look forward to applying our newfound knowledge during our internships later this year and continuing to build on the skills we have gained throughout this experience.
Overall, we are grateful to have been part of this competition. We take away not only new knowledge and skills but also great memories and connections with people from across the world.
Also, a big thanks to Heidi, for leading the competition, being a great help, bringing positive and supportive energy, as well as sharing valuable knowledge about hotel management throughout this experience.
- Sara Frederikke Isaksen
- Louise Mickelborg
Instructor Lead: Kasia Peterson
Özyeğin University Faculty of Applied Sciences Hotel Management Department
Our team participated in the EuroCHRIE University Challenge competition, utilizing RevSIM to implement weekly revenue strategies and monitor our hotel’s growth. Through this experience, we gained valuable insights into dynamic pricing, demand forecasting, and strategic decision-making in a competitive market. The simulation challenged us to analyze real-time data, adjust pricing models, and optimize revenue streams. This competition not only enhanced our analytical and teamwork skills but also deepened our understanding of revenue management principles. It was an invaluable learning opportunity that prepared us for real-world challenges in the hospitality industry.
- Beyza Nur Özşen
- Eslem Özdemir
- Lidya Şahin
- Sema Etiz
Instructor Lead: Hanım Kader Şanlıöz-Özgen
Thomas More University of Applied Sciences
Doing the EuroCHRIE challenge was a truly rewarding experience. We learned so much about the most important metrics that are responsible for making a hotel run. This international competition will be greatly useful in the future, as we now know what to concentrate on in every hotel’s operation area. And of course, being able to work with our team made it all the more fun. Meeting new colleagues and turning them into friends was an awesome added benefit.
- Kristína Bulandová
- Dieter Hendrickx
- Jeet Gothi
- Chelsey Eyong
Instructor Lead: Liesbeth Uvin
École Hôtelière de Lausanne
Participating for the second time in the EuroCHRIE Challenge, our team enjoyed the experience since it relies on data & a comp set similar to a real competitive environment. We enjoyed getting to meet students from various universities & obtaining a certificate that acknowledges our participation. We thank Heidi & the Russell Partnership Technology group for allowing us to participate & gain this valuable experience.
- Rares Vasilescu
- Andreaas Bogdan Balas
- Shiraz Papiernik
- Aseel Nafadi
- Alexandru-Daniel Costescu
Instructor Lead: Kassem Jouni
Strathmore University School of Tourism and Hospitality
Participating in the EUROCHRIE Challenge 2025 was an incredibly rewarding experience for us. Despite the challenges of coordinating meetings due to varying internship schedules and work shifts, we remained committed to maximizing this opportunity. The limited time for collaboration encouraged us to maximize efficiency and communicate effectively. We worked diligently to craft strategies and make key decisions for our demo hotel, Nyota Hotel, embracing the learning process along the way. Overall, we not only overcame obstacles but also found joy in applying our revenue management skills to the hospitality industry, fostering teamwork and growth.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Heidi Anaya of Russell Partnership Technology for her invaluable support in organizing and guiding the weekly web conferences during the EuroCHRIE Challenge. A special note of thanks goes to Philip Okombo, Lead Instructor of Team Hotel Nyota, as well as Videar Kwoba, who provided their insights and encouragement.
Our warmest congratulations to the winning team and all the participants for their incredible performances. It has been an honor to compete alongside such remarkable talent, and we cherish the experience of this thrilling and closely contested event.
- Daisy Komen
- Mbugua Kibe
- Lakita Mbui
- Stephanie Waiharo
Instructor Lead: Mr. Philip Okombo (Doctoral Fellow)
Breda University of Applied Sciences
The 11th Annual EuroCHRIE University Challenge was an unforgettable experience for our team. We had the opportunity to work with Heidi and engage with 18 universities from 14 countries participating, which enriched our learning journey.
This challenge pushed us beyond our comfort zone, providing deeper insights than the revenue game in school. We gained deeper understanding of how F&B and staffing influence the hotel performance and experienced the impact of making different strategic decisions from our competitors. Despite the challenges, this experience was incredibly meaningful, helping us grow both professionally and personally. Congratulations to all participants for their dedication and achievements!
- Tim van Leeuwen
- Lieke Kreeft
- Maud Pereboom
- Maxime de Ruijter
Instructor Lead: Tim Browne
FHWien der WKW
Competing in the EuroCHRIE challenge was a valuable experience for our team. At first, it was tough getting used to the system and understanding all the hotel data and reports. Anticipating market trends and the actions of competing hotels proved to be challenging. But as time went on, we became more and more comfortable and adapted our strategies. We started to connect the numbers to real-world decisions, using our knowledge of our work experience and the last years of university to make better choices. In the end, placing 5th was a great result, and we were proud of how we grew as individuals and as a team throughout the competition.
- Laura Kendlinger
- Nico Six
- Selena Fischer Flores
- Sophie Tüchler
- Vanessa Kanoczova
Instructor Lead: Florian Aubke
University of Derby
Participating in the 2025 EuroCHRIE Challenge was an incredible and transformative experience. Competing at such a high level against brilliant minds from prestigious universities pushed us to think strategically and make effective decisions under pressure. It was both challenging and rewarding, and I would highly recommend it to students interested in managerial roles or those just starting out who are unsure of their path. The competition truly complements in-module university learning and builds confidence in practical applications.
We would also like to thank Heidi Anaya for her exceptional support and training.
- Sanjay Lakhani
- Ajay Kumar
Instructor Lead: Leonard Cseh
Heidi Anaya
Head of Education – Russell Partnership Technology
heidi.anaya@russellpartnership.com
Heidi Anaya
March 23, 2025
Last updated on April 8, 2025
