Unveiling hospitality’s most exceptional icons: 95 HICONS for 95 years of Hotelschool The Hague
Who or what is your most exceptional hospitality icon? That was the question posed by Hotelschool The Hague as it marked its 95th anniversary, inviting industry professionals, students, employees, and alumni to join in celebrating the people and objects that shape the world of hospitality.
A great reason for Hotelschool The Hague to proudly unveil the HICONS – a distinguished list of the 95 most influential individuals and innovations in the hospitality industry, recognising those who set new standards and inspire hospitality students around the world. Nominations were made by a jury of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and alumni, with over 3,000 votes from across the industry shaping the final list.
The full list of HICONS can be viewed on our website: www.hotelschool.nl/hicons
In addition to announcing the list with HICONS, Hotelschool The Hague has also presented four special awards to highlight outstanding contributions in hospitality.
The overall winner and Innovative HICON
The top honour has been awarded to Abdelhamid Idrissi, founder of Foundation Studiezalen and Fris Supermarket in Amsterdam—the world’s first free supermarket. Idrissi’s innovative model provides groceries at no charge, with visitors committing instead to life coaching sessions that help them work toward a sustainable future. By combining essential support with personal growth, his vision creates a dignified, community-driven space that goes beyond traditional charity. This award celebrates Idrissi’s commitment to a future where care, respect, and opportunity are the cornerstones of hospitality.
We are extremely proud of this winner. Abdelhamid’s dedication to service and hospitality is truly admirable and an example for our students. He has redefined what it means to give back to underserved communities through hospitality. Regine von Stieglitz, President of the Board of Directors
Other Special Awards
- Senior HICON: Awarded to Roberto Payer for his exceptional career with Hilton Worldwide, Hilton Amsterdam and Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, where his vision and commitment have left an indelible mark on hospitality.
- Junior HICON: Awarded to Jozien Boersma and Laurie Lancee, Co-founders of Vini Mini, which promotes a healthy, allergy-free start in life for children in their first 1,000 days.
- HTH Alumni HICON: Awarded to Pieter Olierook, a digital commerce and management expert with a passion for nurturing talent and driving teams to success.
From Alumni to Innovators
Over its 95-year history, Hotelschool The Hague has seen countless exceptional individuals and objects that make hospitality a unique and inspiring industry. From alumni to self-made pioneers, from iconic buildings to beloved restaurants, this initiative recognises those who set new standards in hospitality.
Read more about these outstanding HICONS:
Overall winner and Innovative HICON: Abdelhamid Idrissi
Junior HICON: Jozien Boersma and Laurie Lancee
Senior HICON: Roberto Payer
HTH alumni HICON: Pieter Olierook
About Hotelschool The Hague
Hotelschool The Hague is one of the oldest independent hotel schools in the world, with two campuses, one in The Hague and one in Amsterdam, and more than 2850 students and 250 employees. The school offers a four-year Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management, a Fast-Track Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management, a 13-month Master of Business Administration in International Hospitality Management, a Master in Leading Hotel Transformation, and a Professional Doctorate Programme in Leisure, Tourism & Hospitality.
Hotelschool The Hague has been voted the best public hotel school in The Netherlands since 2014 and ranks among the top hospitality management schools worldwide according to QS World University Rankings.
The school is the proud founder of the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge, an international student competition that aims to enhance the evolution of sustainable hospitality.
The school invites industry stakeholders to engage in research within the realm of international hospitality management, with emphasis on the evolution of sustainability and digitalisation initiatives.
Graduates of Hotelschool The Hague hold management positions in the hospitality industry worldwide. www.hotelschool.nl
