On Wednesday, 27 November, the WestCord WTC Hotel in Leeuwarden hosted the Industry Fair XL event, where students from the Hospitality Management, Tourism Management, and Leisure and Events Management programmes came together. With 100 companies and 600 students in attendance, the day offered plenty of opportunities for networking and connection. Many professionals praised the preparation and engagement of our students, which led to several internship matches and positive feedback. This collaborative effort between the programmes helped create a dynamic environment for both students and industry representatives.
Tourism Trend Talk highlights
A key highlight was the Tourism Trend Talk, moderated by Nicholas Hall, founder of the Digital Tourism Think Tank. Known for his expertise in digital tourism, innovation, and sustainability, Nicholas guided discussions on the future of the industry. Panellists Bernadette Papp (NHL Stenden/ETFI), Bouke Kors (Merk Fryslân), and Chris Knaap (ANVR) addressed major developments in tourism, including reducing its carbon footprint, enhancing its benefits for local communities, and leveraging data and technology like generative AI.
Data, transparency, and evolving skills
The discussion also explored how data can improve visitor experiences and enable transparency, as well as the evolving skills needed to navigate these changes. Both Industry Fair XL and the Tourism Trend Talk offered valuable insights and strengthened connections between students, professionals, and educators.
Hotelschool students: versatile and adaptable
A notable quote from former student Cas Meuleman of VDW Horecamakelaars underlined the strength of the Hotel Management School Leeuwarden alumni network: “Hotello’s are known for their versatility and adaptability across various sectors. Around 80% of our 17 employees are alumni of Hotel Management School Leeuwarden. Their solid foundation in hospitality, combined with a strong work ethic, helps them quickly master the real estate industry. That’s why we are happy to attend the Industry Fair to meet new talent.”
Looking forward to future editions
Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to this successful event. We look forward to building on this momentum in the next edition!