Hungary has been performing well in international professional competitions year after year; however, in the tourism and hospitality sector, there hasn’t been a participant for a long time due to lack of support. Thanks to the collaboration of the Zalaegerszeg Vocational Training Center, Hotel Helikon, and the West-Balaton Tourism and Hospitality Sectoral Training Center, a new goal is being realized in 2024, as they are preparing a chef and a waiter for the EuroSkills competition, which will be held in Herning, Denmark, from September 9-13, 2025.

The national qualifier took place on October 30, 2024, at Hotel Helikon, where students showcased their practical skills. This was preceded by an online theoretical test on October 10, 2024. Eleven candidates advanced to the practical assessment, with the tasks conducted at the hotel. The waiters had to escort guests to their tables, prepare and serve cocktails and amuse-bouches, followed by serving a three-course meal for two (including bottled wine), and then preparing black coffee according to the guests' preferences.

The announcement of the serving methods for the food and drinks took place on-site. The competitors had to demonstrate high-level serving skills, and the professional jury selected Berta Horváth, a first-year student of Tourism and Hospitality at the Kautz Gyula Faculty of Economics, to represent Hungary in Denmark. Her mentor was Dr. Csaba József Kőmíves, university lecturer.

Congratulations to Berta, and we wish her much success in Denmark!