From The Hague to Osaka: Hotelschool The Hague Strengthens Global Connections at APacCHRIE 2026
At the end of May, Hotelschool The Hague made a strong contribution to the 24th APacCHRIE Conference in Osaka, Japan, represented by a senior delegation consisting of Dean Dr. Rogier Busser, Prof. Dr. Daphne Dekker, Yasemin Oruc, MSc MBA (EMEA CHRIE President), and Prof. Dr. Alexander Schmidt. The conference, hosted by Ritsumeikan University Business School and co-hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University's School of Hotel and Tourism Management, brought together hospitality and tourism educators, researchers, industry professionals, and students from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
This year's conference theme, Futurizing Tourism and Hospitality: Embracing New Challenges and Innovation, provided a timely lens through which participants explored the forces shaping the future of our industry, from emerging societal and technological shifts to workforce sustainability and educational innovation.
Advancing Female Leadership in Hospitality
One of the most impactful contributions from the HTH delegation was the workshop From Classroom to Boardroom: Advancing Women in Hospitality Across the Career Lifecycle, facilitated by Prof. Dr. Daphne Dekker and Yasemin Oruc, MSc MBA. The session attracted a high number of participants from academia and industry and generated rich dialogue on the opportunities and challenges women encounter throughout their professional journeys, from education and internships to leadership positions.
Building on conversations initiated during EuroCHRIE 2025 and further developed through Hotelschool The Hague Research Centre and EMEA CHRIE, the workshop explored how education, industry, and research can work together to create more inclusive and sustainable career pathways. Participants shared experiences, identified research priorities, and formulated concrete actions to strengthen support for women in hospitality. The momentum generated has already led to plans for continuation at the ICHRIE 2026 Conference, while also inspiring future initiatives within Hotelschool The Hague and across our international network.
Representing Hotelschool The Hague on the Deans & Directors Panel, Dean Dr. Rogier Busser shared insights on the future of hospitality education and industry developments. Discussions explored the evolving role of human-centred design, the opportunities and implications of artificial intelligence, and the importance of preparing future hospitality leaders for a rapidly changing world.
Contributing to the Global Conversation
A keynote on the transformative developments taking place in Osaka covering the MGM Osaka integrated resort project and the anticipated need for approximately 15,000 hospitality employees in the coming years. This topic underscored the urgency of these conversations around talent development, leadership, and the collective responsibility of hospitality educators to prepare the next generation.
Beyond the formal programme, APacCHRIE 2026 offered valuable opportunities to strengthen existing partnerships and explore new strategic connections. Conversations throughout the conference opened doors for future research collaborations, educational initiatives, guest lectures, and international projects that will further enrich the learning experience of our students and faculty.
The conference was also a reminder of what hospitality looks like at its best. The gala dinner combined an exceptional Japanese culinary experience with cultural performances. A fitting celebration of friendship and professional collaboration.
Looking Ahead
APacCHRIE 2026 reinforced HTH's commitment to shaping the future of hospitality education through international collaboration, research, and knowledge exchange. We look forward to continuing these connections in the years ahead.
