A HUGE SUCCESS

International congress at the Bad Gleichenberg tourism schools

Last week, the Bad Gleichenberg Tourism Schools organised the 61st EUHOFA Congress with the motto “Bring the congress back to school”. EUHOFA or European Hotel Managers Association is an association of leading tourism schools and universities for tourism and hotel management, initially in Europe and now worldwide.

The varied, future-oriented congress programme attracted a total of 65 participants from 15 nations (USA, Australia, India, Holland, France, Spain, etc.) to Bad Gleichenberg. Among the guests were representatives from renowned tourism (higher) education institutions such as Lausanne (CH) and Cornell University (USA). The programme included short presentations, panel discussions and workshops by tourism experts/visionaries, as well as excursions to model tourism businesses. Of course, getting to know Styrian cuisine and hospitality was also part of the programme.

The congress brought together leading tourism experts to discuss the latest developments, trends and challenges in the industry. As part of the four-day congress, the Bad Gleichenberg tourism schools invited five speakers to give a short presentation followed by a panel discussion:

Christian Baumgartner (Professor, University of Applied Sciences Graubünden, Chur Switzerland)

Mr Baumgartner, also founder and CEO of Response and Ability Enterprise, gave insights into the implementation of sustainable projects in tourism. His focus was on best practice examples from around the world. He presented his current projects in Kyrgyzstan, Morocco, Georgia and Austria.

Harald Friedl (Professor, lawyer and philosopher, University of Applied Sciences Bad Gleichenberg, Austria)

Mr Friedl, an expert in applied tourism ethics, showed how the gap between rich and poor in the tourism sector can be reduced. Focusing on the ethical approach in tourism, he presented (inter)national projects.

Ricardo Leppe (visionary and open thinker, founder of Wissen Schaft Freiheit – Science Creates Freedom)

All studies clearly show that short-term learning for tests does not really promote learning in the long term. Ricardo Leppe presented his personal plan for the school of the future. In his interactive lecture, the principles of a new education for new people were presented. Unconventional thinking in education is the order of the day.

Melanie Franke (Managing Director of Rogner Bad Blumau & graduate of the Bad Gleichenberg tourism schools)

Melanie Franke has been managing the world-famous Rogner Bad Blumau spa resort, an outstanding example of sustainable tourism, for more than a decade. The focus of this discussion was on employee management and motivation in tourism.

Julia Zotter

In addition to sweet delicacies, Julia Zotter’s workshop focussed on fair cooperation with farmers and organic quality. New projects in the areas of viticulture and milk were also presented.

From the first reception at the airport to the day of departure, the students of the Bad Gleichenberg tourism schools showed how Styrian hospitality is put into practice. They ensured a smooth transfer, a warm check-in at the hotel and organised the logistical processes for excursions and workshops. Their efforts impressively illustrated the interlinking of theoretical knowledge and practical application, which is at the heart of high-quality training in the tourism sector.

The evening events “Styrian Evening” and “Imperial Dinner”, which were organised by the students, were a particular highlight. In terms of taste and organisation, they impressed with their cooking and service skills. Cultural understanding and diversity were expressed through performances such as traditional folk dancing and an intellectually challenging fashion show. Students who tried their hand at moderating in English strengthened the international flair of the congress and demonstrated communication skills at a professional level. In addition, the modernised understanding of marketing was demonstrated by the students taking their own photographs and posting them on social media platforms to bring the congress closer to a global audience in real time.

The imperial couple Franz Josef and Sisi came all the way to the event for the imperial dinner and invited guests to a waltz.

The congress also provided a platform for networking between experts and for the presentation of new products. For example, a non-alcoholic fermented drink from the region was presented to the public for the very first time.

Lluis Serra, EUHOFA President on the congress: “The selection of speakers, presentations, accommodation, excursions and activities was excellent for the delegates. Both the students and the professors were incredibly committed. I have been attending EUHOFA congresses since 1998 and I can’t remember the last time when the students’ motivation and passion went so far beyond the technical aspects.”