The Hotel Schools of Distinction (HSD) Annual Meeting, hosted by EUHT StPOL, brought together leading educators to explore the transformative power of storytelling and gamification in hospitality education. This gathering provided an opportunity for thought leaders to share innovative approaches to shaping the future of the industry.
IGCAT’s President, Dr. Diane Dodd PhD, was one of the two distinguished guest speakers. She shared key lessons from over a decade of awarding the European – and now World – Regions of Gastronomy, highlighting how this platform enhances international visibility, encourages smart visitor spending, and fosters the well-being of local communities through a regenerative approach. Her session underscored the vital role of storytelling in creating deeper, more meaningful visitor experiences that connect people to local cultures.
The second keynote speaker, Román Zabal Bustamante, delivered a thought provoking session on gamification in education, illustrating how interactive storytelling and game mechanics can revolutionize hospitality training. His presentation offered practical insights for educators eager to enhance student engagement and learning through innovative, gamified approaches that bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.
The meeting also featured a dynamic panel of Experts, including John Niser PhD, Rogier Bysser, LeBel Catherine, Brandi Guerinot, Frédéric Beaumont-Debrésie, and Johanne Delage, whose contributions enriched the discussions with diverse perspectives on innovation and excellence in hospitality education.
Congratulations are due to Lluís Serra, Executive Director; Eva Canaleta, Academic Director; and the entire staff at EUHT StPOL for their exceptional hosting and seamless organization of the event.
We also extend our congratulations to Ralf Burbach on his election as HSD’s new president, succeeding John Niser, who provided 11 years of visionary leadership. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the network, reinforcing its mission to bridge the classroom with the real-world demands of the hospitality industry.
As we continue to advocate for sustainable and culturally rich tourism, IGCAT is proud to support discussions that strengthen the link between gastronomy, education, and destination development.
