EuroCHRIE 2025 Conference Wrap-Up

Dear EuroCHRIE Colleagues,

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 “Hospitality & Tourism Innovation: Exploring Inspiration Across Industry Lines.”

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, one of Europe’s leading institutions in the field of hospitality education.

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 — 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.

EuroCHRIE, the European Federation of the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (ICHRIE), once again united educators, researchers, and industry representatives from across the globe. This year’s theme focused on innovation, sustainability, the integration of artificial intelligence, and new approaches to leadership across industry lines.

The event brought together over 220 participants from over 25 countries, representing more than 100 leading universities, research institutions, and industry partners.

Special appreciation goes to EuroCHRIE President Yasemin Oruc and her outstanding team for their exceptional professionalism and flawless organization. Under her leadership, the conference achieved an extraordinary level of execution — perfectly balancing academic content, logistics, fine dining experiences, and the warm, people-centered atmosphere that defines true hospitality. Yasemin Oruc officially opened the conference, emphasizing that the future of the industry lies in the synergy between technology and human connection — and that innovation should inspire hospitality, not replace it.

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.

The keynote program set an ambitious and inspiring tone for the event. Prof. Dr. Mark van Vugt (VU Amsterdam) offered a thought-provoking look at leadership through the lens of evolutionary psychology. Marloes Knippenberg (Kerten Hospitality) and Prof. Dr. Mirella Kleijnen (VU Amsterdam) shared insights on purposeful and resilient leadership in times of systemic change. Hans Meijer (Zoku) and Marco van der Werf (Bit Academy) explored how artificial intelligence is transforming the hospitality sector while preserving the “high touch” experience at its heart.

A special joint panel session by Ira Vouk (SDSU), Prof. Dr. Ian Yeoman (Stenden University), and Prof. Dr. Alexander Schmidt (Hotelschool The Hague) showcased how AI is shaping the industry landscape toward 2030. The academic dimension was further enriched

Over 140  research papers, workshops, and panels were presented. academic program addressed the most pressing topics of the modern hospitality and tourism landscape — from sustainable and regenerative tourism, ESG, and digital transformation to leadership, human capital management, and cross-industry innovation.

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.

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.

On the second day, the conference featured a special Food Experience Symposium – 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 “Fireside Chats: Game Changers in Hospitality” session featured Trix van der Vleuten (The Social Hub), Rogier Braakman (Mr. Green Offices), and Matthijs Welle (Mews) — three leaders redefining innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship in hospitality. Steve Hood and Perry Hobson led an interactive session on elevating the credibility and visibility of careers in hospitality and tourism.

The conference concluded with heartfelt remarks from Yasemin Oruc, who thanked all delegates for their contribution and reiterated that EuroCHRIE’s strength has always stemmed from collaboration, inclusivity, and the exchange of knowledge across regions.

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 — embodying the latest fine dining trends and sustainable gastronomy principles.

The Opening Reception at Madurodam symbolized a “miniature journey through the Netherlands,” featuring open-air dining among architectural icons and a student-prepared menu highlighting local, seasonal ingredients.

The next evening’s Cultural & Culinary Experience at the Mauritshuis Museum blended gastronomy and art — with dishes inspired by Dutch masterpieces, including Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring.”

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’s 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.

During the Gala Dinner, the EuroCHRIE 2025 Awards Ceremony honored outstanding contributions across several categories:

• President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement — Steve Hood
• Bridging the Gap Award — Ed Kastli

Best Paper Award sponsored by Al Rayyan International University College — I-An Wang; Szu-Yin Lin; Hsin Chang Chen; Ya-Lin Huang (“Exploring the Impact of Customer Mistreatment on Employees: The Mediating and Moderating Roles of Emotional Exhaustion, Cognitive Rumination, and Role Overload”)

Best Poster Award — Zhiwei Wang, Xuan Lorna Wang, Shi Tracy Xu (“Workplace Ageism in the Hospitality/Hotel Industry”

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’s success.

We also express our sincere gratitude to the conference sponsors and partners:
Booking.com, Russell Partnership Technology, Cesim (Business Simulations), CoStar Group, and American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute  / ServSafe.

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) — reflecting its expanded geographical scope and renewed mission to connect academia and industry across these regions.

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.

Conference materials — including photos, videos, and posters — are now available on our website to help capture and share the memories of EuroCHRIE 2025.