News Releases

PARIS (November 22, 2011) – Following success from the previous three years, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the fourth edition of the Hyatt Student Prize, a prize created to emphasize the value that hotel management professions hold and to encourage schools around the world to include hospitality programs within their curriculum.

To take part in the competition, 20 schools specializing in Hotel and Tourism management, will each select one student to put forward for the prestigious prize in compliance with certain criteria determined by Hyatt. This year, schools involved will include Bad Honnef in Germany, Cornell University in the United States, Galicia in Spain, Glion in Switzerland, Bocuse and Savignac in France.

Gebhard Rainer, Managing Director of Hyatt Hotels & Resorts EAME commented, "We are very proud that this competition will be taking place for the fourth year running. It is important to spotlight the career opportunities in our profession therefore we wanted to create a prize for dedicated hotel and tourism management students."

To enter, each student must submit a file including their CV and a series of answers to questions, provided by Hyatt, focused on why they chose the hospitality industry as their career path. The members of the jury will then scrutinize these later this month. Candidates will also be assessed on their charisma, body language, oral expression, their persuasion skills and their ability to listen, as well as moral values that characterize hotel industry professions such as humility and integrity and the the ability to communicate when working within a team. New for this year, candidates will also be asked to provide a short video documentary presenting themselves and their school, therefore allowing them to showcase their creative skills and their ability to use new technologies.

On November 18, 2011, a group of eight semi finalists was selected by a jury, which, this year will be chaired by Daniel Picouly, Nikos Aliagas, Anne Sophie Von Claer, Brigitte Garambois, Robert Pirès, Gail Rosseau, Justine Picardie and Michèle Laroque will also honour us with their presence. Following this, a prize giving ceremony will be held at the Park Hyatt Paris- Vendome for the final eight candidates on December 8, 2011.

After the winner has been announced the successful candidate will fly off to Chicago to the head office of Hyatt Hotels Corporation. They will also spend one week in Zurich, in the offices of the Europe, Africa and Middle East Division, finishing with a stay in Paris with the General Managers of the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, Hyatt Regency Paris-Madeleine and Hyatt Regency Paris-Charles de Gaulle hotels.

Elisabeth Rollin, winner of the 3rd edition of the Hyatt Student Prize recalls,  "It was a very rewarding experience, both on a personal and professional level. The trip taught me a lot, and visiting Paris, Zurich and Chicago was a fantastic learning experience. The week I spent in Chicago allowed me to understand how the group functions and its long-term strategies. I also learned more about the essential services that must exist within hotels. For me, the year after winning the prize was very fulfilling and Hyatt was incredibly supportive".