Accor elevates the global TakeOff! student challenge with exclusive pilot challenge in China for 2024 edition

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Today marks the launch of the highly anticipated 2024 edition of the TakeOff! Student Challenge by Accor. This innovation competition, aimed at university students worldwide, continues to grow, now including a special challenge dedicated to China. This addition offers an unparalleled experience with significant value for the younger generation.

As a prominent player in the hospitality industry, Accor prioritizes fostering and empowering its extensive workforce of nearly 300,000 individuals spread across over 5,500 hotels in 110 countries, representing 45 distinct brands. The dedication to fostering the talents of the future remains unwavering, with a commitment to providing a platform for innovation and advancement. The challenge is designed to inspire students from varied backgrounds to embark on a path of exploration, creativity, and career enhancement.

This year, Accor invites students to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ibis, its iconic economy brand. To enrich participants’ experience, the 2024 edition introduces two exciting initiatives. Firstly, all participating students will attend a kickoff session with ibis, followed by an interactive Q&A session to provide comprehensive context and information on the competition’s theme and objectives. Additionally, selected contestants on the design thinking shortlists will receive exclusive coaching sessions with external experts and access to various learning resources.

Participants can expect numerous benefits, including networking opportunities with peers and industry experts worldwide, priority access to job opportunities within Accor Group, and hands-on experience addressing real-world business challenges. Winners will enjoy an exclusive trip to Paris, where they will meet Group management members, showcase their projects to the board of sponsors, and engage in a tailored program blending city exploration with professional activities.

A significant addition this year is the launch of a pilot challenge exclusively in China, aimed at younger students from diverse backgrounds. This initiative invites them to propose solutions to operational hotel subjects, providing an opportunity for early career exploration and promoting the hospitality profession on a national scale. The pilot program aims to pave the way for future international expansion in the coming years.

Launched 12 years ago, the TakeOff! Student Challenge symbolizes opportunity and innovation within the industry, engaging more than 6,000 students from various backgrounds across more than 40 countries. With the introduction of the pilot challenge in China, Accor continues to evolve and expand, empowering young talent globally.

Steven Daines, Chief Talent & Culture Officer of Accor, said: “We are thrilled to launch the 2024 edition of the TakeOff! Student Challenge and the first pilot competition in China. Accor is committed to nurturing young Talent and driving innovation in the hospitality industry. The TakeOff! Challenge not only serves as a talent incubator for Accor but also as a catalyst to inspire the next generation of hospitality leaders. We are excited to witness the transformative ideas and solutions that participants will bring forward to shape the future of our industry.”

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