Joost de Vos, a distinguished lecturer from Hotelschool The Hague (HTH) in the Netherlands, played a key role in the IN2FOOD Program, an international initiative supported by Erasmus+, the CBHE Program (Capacity Building in Higher Education) of the European Union, and Marriott International. As an expert in hospitality and sustainability, Joost contributed significantly to addressing the pressing issue of food waste, combining his academic expertise with practical industry insights to inspire meaningful change.
Joost’s involvement in the program encompassed a variety of impactful activities, including leading Design Thinking workshops, facilitating group projects, and guiding participants in food waste investigations. His sessions were known for their engaging and practical approach, helping participants bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications. By encouraging innovative thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration, Joost empowered students and staff to develop creative solutions to sustainability challenges within the hospitality sector.
The Erasmus+ and CBHE Program provided the foundation for Joost’s involvement, enabling international collaboration and capacity building among partner institutions such as BINUS Bandung, Ghent University, Tampere University, and Universitas Parahyangan. Joost’s ability to integrate European best practices with local contexts enhanced the program’s impact, offering participants a well-rounded and globally informed perspective on sustainability.
Joost also played an essential role in field visits to Marriott Hotels and Resorts, where participants observed how the hospitality industry manages food waste. These visits highlighted the practical implications of food waste reduction efforts, and Joost’s insights into industry strategies helped participants connect these practices to broader sustainability frameworks. His ability to make complex concepts relatable and actionable made a lasting impression on everyone involved.
Beyond his academic and professional contributions, Joost participated in the program’s cultural activities, promoting an exchange of ideas and traditions between international and local participants. He also contributed to the International Interdisciplinary Conference, where his expertise sparked valuable discussions on sustainability and innovation in the hospitality industry.
Joost de Vos’s contributions to the IN2FOOD Program underscored the importance of international collaboration in solving global challenges. His dedication to sustainability and his ability to inspire and connect with participants ensured that the program not only addressed food waste but also left a legacy of innovation and collaboration for future initiatives.