Maryah Tahboub, a first-year student at Hotel Management School Leeuwarden (HMSL), has been named Talent of the Year at the prestigious HotelloTOP Year Event, held on 15 January during the Horecava in Amsterdam. Although she only began her studies in February 2024, she has already made a profound impression with her vision of hospitality and her impact in the world of skateboarding.
The Talent of the Year Award is presented annually to a student or recent graduate Hotello who has achieved exceptional accomplishments over the past year. During the final, Maryah impressed the professional jury with her unique combination of creativity, passion, and social engagement.
Skateboarding as a Source of Inspiration
Maryah’s success story begins outside the walls of the school, in the world of skateboarding. In 2020, she stepped on a skateboard for the first time, and just two years later, she became the first woman from Jordan with Palestinian roots to compete in the World Championships in Aljada. What started as a personal challenge grew into a mission to inspire others.
In collaboration with the skate brand Habibi, Maryah organises skateboarding lessons for children, allowing them to experience the freedom and joy of the sport. Her dedication to making a positive impact is a recurring theme in all her endeavours.
In addition to her work as a skateboarding instructor, Maryah caught the attention of global brand Nike, which appointed her as an ambassador. In this role, she promotes diversity and inclusion within the world of sports.
Creativity and Connection in Hospitality
Maryah channels her energy and passion for skateboarding into the hospitality industry, where she focuses on creating impact by prioritising creativity and connection. She translates her ability to inspire and unite people in the world of sports seamlessly into the hospitality sector, where she works with the same drive and enthusiasm.
An Inspiring Role Model
The jury was unanimous in its decision: Maryah’s story demonstrates how personal passion can lead to societal change. This not only makes her a deserving winner but also an inspiring role model for the industry.