Accor announces the launch of the 14th edition of the Take Off! Student Challenge, which is being reinvented for 2025 with a focus on local involvement and inclusivity. The 2025 edition aims to make the competition more accessible and relevant to a greater number of students around the world.

An approach in tune with the times

The Take Off! Student Challenge, launched 13 years ago, is getting a makeover in 2025. The competition will no longer be a single international event in English, but will offer challenges tailored to local markets, in local languages.

The countries involved include Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Brazil, China, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Chile, Mexico and many others.

This change is designed to break down language and cultural barriers, enabling a greater number of students to take part. ‘Take Off! 2025 offers a unique opportunity for students to take on practical challenges while gaining hands-on experience, with concrete ideas that are in tune with the realities of the hospitality industry,’ explains the group in a press release. 

Focus on accessibility and inclusion

The 2025 edition will focus on innovative projects to improve accessibility and inclusion in Accor hotels. These initiatives aim to improve the experience of guests with special needs, ensuring a quality welcome for all.

The focus on accessibility is part of Accor's ongoing commitment to a more inclusive hotel industry, reinforced by its involvement in the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

‘More than 400 Accor hotels are certified ‘Tourisme & Handicap’ by the French government, guaranteeing high standards of accessibility,’ stresses the group. This competition is an extension of Accor's commitment to improving accessibility in the hotel industry by encouraging students to design solutions to remove obstacles and improve customer welcome. 

Supporting the future of the hotel industry

Accor's commitment to inclusiveness is also reflected in its approach to talent development.

‘At Accor, we are convinced that the future of the hotel industry is also in the hands of the new generation. By deploying the Take Off! Challenge as close as possible to the markets, we are giving students the means to develop concrete solutions, while reinforcing our commitment to accessibility and inclusion. The hotel industry has a duty to be welcoming to all, and with this initiative we are paving the way for a more inclusive future’. - Laurence Dambrine, Managing Director, Talent & Culture, Accor

This initiative illustrates Accor's commitment to making the hospitality sector more inclusive and welcoming for all. With the Take Off! Challenge, Accor is paving the way for an innovative and inclusive future, driving positive change for the future.

At Hospitality ON, we are also committed to showcasing the next generation of hospitality, and this year we are launching Hospitality Operator Fiction, which will take place on 12 June, following on from the Hospitality Operator Forum. Find out more about these two events here.