Accor Launches Revamped 14th Edition of Take Off! Student Challenge with Local Focus on Accessibility and Inclusion

(IN SHORT) Accor has launched the 2025 edition of its Take Off! Student Challenge, reimagining the long-standing initiative as a locally hosted, language-specific competition across ten pilot countries. The new format fosters accessibility and inclusivity, both in participation and in the challenge topic, which calls for innovative ideas to enhance the hospitality experience for all guests, particularly those with disabilities. With a focus on practical, actionable solutions and real-world immersion, the competition reflects Accor’s broader mission to champion inclusive tourism and prepare the next generation for impactful hospitality careers.

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 2025-Apr-23 — /Travel PR News/ — Accor has officially launched the 2025 edition of its signature Take Off! Student Challenge, marking a pivotal transformation in the initiative’s structure and reach. Now in its 14th year, the competition will shift from a global English-only format to localized editions tailored to specific countries, bringing the experience closer to students on the ground and breaking down language and accessibility barriers. This change aims to make participation more inclusive and reflective of real-world hospitality operations.

The 2025 challenge calls on students to reimagine hospitality through the lens of accessibility and inclusion, proposing innovative and actionable ideas that ensure every guest—regardless of ability—feels welcomed across Accor properties. This year’s business case aligns with Accor’s growing focus on inclusive hospitality, building on momentum from the Paris 2024 Games and the company’s more than 400 properties certified under the French “Tourisme & Handicap” initiative.

Students from countries including Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Brazil, China, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Chile, and Mexico will participate through challenges hosted in their local languages. By embedding the competition in regional contexts, Accor aims to foster a deeper connection between participants and the industry’s operational realities, while also broadening the pipeline of talent entering the sector.

“With this new format, we’re not just asking students to innovate—we’re enabling them to engage directly with hospitality professionals and propose ideas rooted in daily hotel experiences,” said Laurence Dambrine, Chief Talent & Culture Officer at Accor. “This is about building a future where everyone, everywhere, can feel truly at home in our hotels.”

Since its inception, the Take Off! Challenge has engaged nearly 6,500 students across five continents, providing a platform for the next generation to influence the future of travel and hospitality. The 2025 edition reaffirms Accor’s commitment to accessible tourism, practical education, and inclusive innovation.

For more information, visit the Accor Take Off! Challenge website.

Press contacts
Xinyue Wang
Group Corporate Communications Manager
xinyue.wang@accor.com

SOURCE: Accor