Hotel School Riga

From May 25 to May 30, 2026, adult learners from HOTEL SCHOOL Hotel Management College embarked on an inspiring group mobility trip to Cologne, Germany. Hosted by EDT TECH LAB UG, the program featured a tailored English Course for Travel and Tourism (A1/A2 level) designed specifically for adult learners, including participants with fewer opportunities. In addition to language training, participants mastered the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for learning purposes, perfectly aligning with EDT TECH LAB’s mission to foster technology-enriched lifelong learning.

This experience beautifully illustrates how lifelong learning enriches adult lives. Stepping back into education does so much more than just teach new skills; it builds immense personal confidence, keeps the mind sharp and curious, and bridges the digital gap by making modern tools like AI accessible to everyone. Beyond the classroom, it creates powerful social connections and opens doors to the world, proving that personal growth and new discoveries have no age limit.

This group mobility of adult learners was organized within the framework of the project No. 2025-1-LV01-KA121-ADU-000312992, co-funded by the European Union.

On May 25, 2026, the halls of HOTEL SCHOOL Hotel Management College buzzed with innovation and forward-thinking ideas during our IX International Applied Research and Project Results Dissemination Conference.

Engaging our students in applied research is at the very core of our educational philosophy. It goes far beyond standard coursework—it empowers our future hospitality leaders to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world industry challenges. By actively investigating workplace dynamics, management strategies, and guest experiences, our students cultivate critical thinking and drive meaningful innovation. They aren't just studying the industry; they are actively working to elevate it.

The inspiring day kicked off with a warm welcome and agenda overview by Jekaterina Korjuhina (Ph.D., Mg. oec., Mg. philol.), Deputy Chair of the Conference. This was followed by an insightful session led by Olga Zvereva (MIB, Mg. paed.), Chair of the Conference Board and Development Director. She shared the exciting progress and impactful outcomes of our dynamic Erasmus+ strategic partnership projects, including InternshipConnect, SAVOR, X-VET, PRE-CULINARY, and Master Chef Simulator.

The spotlight then turned to our brilliant students, who presented their applied research. Rather than just scratching the surface, they tackled the substantive challenges facing modern hospitality management. Their presentations explored critical industry themes, including:
📌 Workplace Culture and Employee Retention: Analyzing how organizational environments and internal cultures directly influence staff motivation and long-term engagement.
📌 Service Quality and Guest Experience: Evaluating the direct correlation between specialized staff training programs and elevated guest satisfaction levels in premium hotels.
📌 Diversity and Inclusion: Investigating modern staffing initiatives and how inclusive hiring practices are shaping a more dynamic workforce in the international hospitality sector.
📌 Global Comparative Analyses: Drawing insights from operational strategies by comparing management practices in local European markets against international counterparts abroad.

We are incredibly proud of our students, researchers, and faculty for their dedication to advancing the global hospitality sector. A huge thank you to everyone who participated, presented, and helped make this conference a resounding success!

From April 21 to 23, 2026, Olga Zvereva (Mg. Paed., MIB), Development Director of HOTEL SCHOOL Hotel Management College, participated in the second transnational meeting of the SAVOR project. The event was beautifully hosted by El CIFP Hostelería LHII (Gamarra Ostalaritza Hostelería) in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.

Over three intensive days, the project partners achieved a lot:
✔️ Reviewed progress and commitments since the last gathering in Lisbon, Portugal. ✔️ Collaborated deeply on the project's website architecture and educational module templates.
✔️ Planned strategies for project visibility and public dissemination.

The gathering also featured hands-on training activities focused on two vital topics: "Sustainable Gastronomy" and "Trash Food" (upcycling ingredients), brilliantly demonstrating innovative techniques for zero-waste culinary arts!

Day three was dedicated to the Erasmus Multiplier Event. This was a fantastic opportunity for partners to present the SAVOR project to a wider audience and build bridges with other organizations implementing projects under Erasmus+ programme.

Beyond the hard work, participants had the unique chance to explore authentic Basque cuisine, enjoy a cultural tour around Vitoria-Gasteiz (the vibrant capital of the Basque Autonomous Community), and experience unending Basque hospitality.

A massive and heartfelt THANK YOU to Project Coordinator Javier Aretxederreta for his warm welcome, incredible hospitality, and flawless organization!

The SAVOR project (Sustainability and Value in Organic Resources) is co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme (Project No. 2025-1-ES01-KA220-HED-000350651).