Accor takes off to new horizons: Buckle up for 2024 TakeOff! student challenge adventure

Prepare for a thrilling journey as Accor introduces the much-anticipated 2024 edition of the TakeOff! Student Challenge, an innovation competition designed for university students worldwide. This year, the challenge takes on a new dimension with an additional dedicated segment for China, providing an extraordinary experience and substantial value for the younger generation.

As a globally acclaimed hospitality group, Accor’s Talent culture revolves around nurturing and empowering nearly 300,000 employees across 5,500 hotels in 110 countries and spanning 45 brands. Committed to providing the next generation with a platform for innovation and growth, the TakeOff! Challenge aims to inspire students from diverse backgrounds to embark on a journey of discovery, creativity, and professional development.

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of ibis, the iconic economy brand founded in 1974 in Bordeaux, Accor invites students to participate in this landmark event. To enhance participants’ preparation, the 2024 edition introduces two exciting initiatives. Firstly, a kickoff session with competition sponsors – ibis, including an interactive Q&A, equips participants with comprehensive context and information, ensuring a confident and clear start to their journey. Additionally, shortlisted contestants on the design thinking track will benefit from exclusive coaching sessions with external experts and access to a range of learning resources.

Participants can anticipate a plethora of benefits, including global connections with peers and industry experts, priority access to job opportunities within the Accor Group, and hands-on experience addressing real-world business challenges. Professional development is further enhanced with Accor’s support, offering coaching, mentoring, and access to learning resources. Winners will embark on an exclusive trip to Paris, where they will meet Group management, present projects to the board of sponsors, and partake in a tailored program combining city exploration with professional activities.

This year marks the debut of a pilot challenge exclusively in China, adding an exciting layer to the competition. Aimed at young Chinese students, especially those with limited academic experience, the pilot initiative invites proposals for solutions to operational hotel subjects. Participants will have the unique opportunity to meet Accor teams, visit hotels, and explore various job roles, promoting early career exploration and the hospitality profession on a national scale. The pilot program in China sets the stage for future international expansion.

Having launched 12 years ago, the TakeOff! Student Challenge has become a symbol of opportunity and innovation within the industry, engaging over 6,000 students from diverse backgrounds across 40 countries. With the inaugural pilot in China this year, the challenge continues to evolve, empowering young talent and shaping the future of the hospitality industry.

Steven Daines, Chief Talent & Culture Officer of Accor, expressed his excitement, stating, “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.”

Registration for the TakeOff! Students Challenge opens on March 11th, 2024, and concludes on April 7th, 2024. Get ready to embark on a journey of innovation and creativity!