Accor Class INSPIRE Program Opening Ceremony takes place at CityU, cultivating high-quality hotel managerial talents through academic-enterprise collaboration
The opening ceremony for the “Accor Class INSPIRE Program” was held today at the Ho Yin Convention Centre, City University of Macau (CityU), Taipa campus. The program is jointly developed by CityU’s Faculty of International Tourism and Management (FITM) and the Accor Group, a global leading hotel corporation with the aim to provide students with international professional training and hands-on opportunities, cultivating future talents for the tourism and hospitality industry. The event was attended by Rector Jun Liu, Martin Verpoorten, Accor’s regional vice president and general manager of Pullman and Novotel Hotels at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, and Vinzenz Rosa De Pauli, general manager of Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16.
Rector Jun Liu highlighted that FITM always prioritizes teaching quality in his speech, introducing the educational indicators that are benchmarked against the industry standards and a closed-loop training model of “classroom learning – situational teaching – internship practice” by engaging with renowned hotel and tourism enterprises in Macao and the Greater Bay Area. He regarded the collaboration with Accor Group as a significant advancement towards internationalization in higher education, which reflected CityU’s commitment to nurturing high-quality talents with international perspectives, practical skills, and innovative thinking. Rector Liu encouraged students to seize this opportunity and immerse themselves in their studies with enthusiasm, diligence, and an open mindset.
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Martin Verpoorten and Vinzenz Rosa De Pauli emphasized the Accor Group’s commitment to cultivating young talents. They mentioned that this collaboration would provide students with a profound understanding of hotel operations, paving the way for their success in future careers.
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Accor representatives presented welcome letters of the “Accor Class INSPIRE Program” to the students, which were received by student representatives Chen Zinian and Xu Shuyun. Chen Zinian expressed heartfelt gratitude to Accor and shared the honor of being a member of the class. Chen regarded this as not only a unique learning opportunity but also an important step toward an international career, encouraging the class to cherish this opportunity and try their best to learn, preparing themselves for future careers in tourism and hospitality. Hotel representatives also extended warm wishes and expectations to the students.
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The “Accor Class INSPIRE Program” is a specialized training project developed by FITM and the Accor Group. This program covers various fields including hotel management, operations in frontline departments, and human resources development. Participating students will have the opportunity to take part in internship projects and management trainee programs at Accor’s affiliated hotels while receiving guidance from industry experts, thereby enhancing their practical skills and professional competencies.
The event was attended by Xi Li, FITM executive associate dean; Esther Kou Lok Teng, master’s program coordinator; Wendy Gao Bo, bachelor’s program coordinator; Assistant Professors Tammy Meng Ting and Adrienne Liu Ting Yao; Janet Wu, manager for learning and development at Pullman and Novotel Hotels at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport; Lucia Peng, vice manager of the front office; Stella Chong, director for talent and culture at Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16; Kay Lei, head of talent and culture; Eddie Chen, vice director for talent and culture at Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich; Amy Li, manager for talent and culture at Sofitel Foshan; Jeffery Gao, vice director of food and beverage at Pullman Zhuhai; and Bonnie Lam, director for talent and culture at Novotel Century Hong Kong and MGallery Hotel Collection.
Source: Faculty of International Tourism and Management
Photo Credits: CityU Reporter
