The University of Balamand (UOB) proudly congratulates its students from the School of Tourism and Hotel Management (THM) for their outstanding achievements at HORECA 2025, held from April 8 to 11 at Beirut Seaside Arena. As one of the most prominent annual events in the hospitality and foodservice industries, HORECA provided students with a valuable platform to showcase their skills, creativity, and professionalism.
Throughout the event, the THM team demonstrated exceptional dedication and team spirit. They actively engaged with industry professionals, seeking out potential collaborations and building connections that could support their future careers. The students also took part in a series of informative sessions and masterclasses designed to improve their cooking skills as well as highlight the latest trends and innovations in the field, ensuring they remain up-to-date with the evolving demands of the hospitality sector.
Under the guidance of Executive Chef Georges Soueid, the support of the THM team, UOB students earned six medals in total, a remarkable achievement that reflects their talent and hard work. Laura Maria Moufarrej won a gold medal in the Cold Sandwich category, while Heidi Saba earned silver and Maria Celeste Wehbe received bronze in the same category. In the Hot and Cold Oriental Appetizers (Mezze) category, Maria Saleh and Tereza el Khoury received silver medals. Izzat Yassine was awarded a bronze medal for his work in the Chocolate Fondant category.
A special moment during the exhibition was the visit of First Lady Nehmat Aoun, to the UOB THM stand. She tasted bites and sweet treats prepared by the students and spoke warmly with the team, expressing her admiration for their creativity and professionalism.
Reflecting on the impact of the event, Dr. Jihane Adeimi, Director of the School of Tourism & Hotel Management, shared: “This HORECA2025 edition has pushed our THM students towards new levels, triggering curiosities, unveiling talents and nurturing their hospitality spirit.”
Commenting on the students’ performance, Executive Chef Georges Soueid said: “Our THM students have demonstrated remarkable creativity, elevating traditional recipes and transforming sandwiches, appetizers, and chocolate fondant into culinary expressions rich in flavor and passion.”
UOB is proud of its THM students and their accomplishments at HORECA 2025. Their success is a testament to the quality of education and training they receive, and to their commitment to excellence in the hospitality and tourism industry.
