In a remarkable display of innovation, leadership, and resilience, Cherry May Regalado, a final-year student from our Bachelor of Hospitality Management program, has won first place in the prestigious Hospitality Rising Star Competition 2025.
This accomplishment not only highlights her personal dedication but also underscores the strength of Acsenda’s academic and industry-focused approach to hospitality education.
The competition, hosted by Partners in Tourism brought together students from 23 post-secondary institutions across British Columbia. Participating student were tasked with designing a future-facing guest journey for an existing hotel in Vancouver—one that blends technology, sustainability, and human connection.
Cherry’s winning concept, powered by her original “Green App,” earned her a $5,000 bursary and the admiration of hospitality leaders from Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, JW Marriott, and other global brands.
Reimagining Hospitality: Designing a Future-Facing Guest Journey.
The Hospitality Rising Star Competition 2025 was more than a contest—it was a call to action. Participants were invited to rethink the guest experience from the ground up. The brief encouraged students to view hotel operations through the eyes of the guest, unlocking opportunities to create memorable, meaningful, and sustainable experiences.
Cherry’s proposal stood out for its clarity, creativity, and practicality. Furthermore, her concept addressed key industry needs, including staff engagement, operational efficiency, and the integration of Indigenous tourism. By combining digital innovation with authentic human interaction, she demonstrated how the future of hospitality can be both high-tech and deeply personal.
In addition, what began as a one-page proposal evolved into a compelling 7-minute video presentation. During the evaluation process, the judging panel assessed submissions based on several criteria: creativity, knowledge of hospitality, understanding of guest-journey trends, integration of technology, colleague engagement, and connection to the destination. According to the panel, Cherry excelled in every category.
The Green App and Sustainable Guest Experience
Cherry’s project, titled Designing a Sustainable and Personalized Guest Journey, introduced the mockup Green App. A multilingual, all-in-one digital platform designed to enhance the guest experience while promoting sustainability and community engagement.
The app allows guests and staff to:
- Manage check-ins and bookings.
- Explore local tourism packages.
- Choose eco-friendly dining options around BC.
- Earn and redeem “green points” for sustainable actions.
- Donate points to Indigenous tourism organizations and local initiatives.
This concept strongly reflects the values taught in Acsenda’s Bachelor of Hospitality Management program: innovation, sustainability, and guest-centric design.
Moreover, Cherry’s approach ensured that technology would not replace human connection but rather enhance it. Through this vision, her app empowers both guests and staff, creating a more personalized and responsible hospitality experience.
Cherry managed to win this prestigious competition while also balancing with her academic workload, leadership responsibilities as Hospitality Club President, and recovery from a knee injury.
Cherry’s story serves as a powerful reminder that dreams know no boundaries—and that with heart, hard work, and purpose, anything is possible.
Participation & Teamwork: A Collective Effort Behind the Win
Although the competition was individual, Cherry’s success was built on collaboration within Acsenda’s vibrant academic community. She received support from fellow students, mentors, and faculty members who helped shape her vision and refine her presentation.
Key contributors included:
- Second-year student Uzay Yildirim, from Management Information Systems concentration who helped visualize and build the Green App mock-up.
- Nijan Adhikari—a third-year MIS student—who assisted with video editing and presentation design.
- Professors Brian Rohl, Jian Huang, Nirmal Vasanth, and Dr. Thomas Gomez, who provided mentorship and feedback.
- Fellow Acsenda students and Hospitality Club teammates Mark Eruel Providence & Mikhaela Andrea Capuloy who acted as co-actors and moral supporters during rehearsals.
This teamwork reflects the collaborative spirit of Acsenda’s Bachelor of Hospitality Management and the Bachelor of Business Administration programs. Acsenda’s approach to teaching and career preparation encourage students to learn from one another and build strong professional networks.
Acsenda’s Bachelor of Hospitality Management: A Program Built for Future Leaders
Cherry’s achievement is a testament to the quality and relevance of Acsenda’s Bachelor of Hospitality Management program. Designed with input from industry professionals, the program prepares students to lead in a dynamic global hospitality landscape.
Here are some reasons Cherry Regalado project stands out:
Personalized Learning: She has been benefited from sizes and has direct access to faculty. At ASM students receive personalized coaching and mentorship, allowing them to grow academically and professionally.
Global Perspective: With a diverse faculty and student body, Acsenda fosters cross-cultural understanding. Students gain insights into global hospitality trends and develop the skills needed to work in dynamic environments.
Industry-Relevant Education: Our curriculum is shaped by real-world business needs. Courses are designed to align with market demands, ensuring that graduates are job-ready and equipped to innovate in their field.
These pillars of education are what helped Cherry succeed—and they continue to empower students across the program.
Consequently, the judges praised her originality, practicality, and presentation skills. Meanwhile, her mentors expressed pride in how she translated classroom learning into a real-world solution.
Shaping the Future of Hospitality
Congratulations to Cherry May Regalado on her outstanding achievement at the Hospitality Rising Star Competition 2025!
Her success demonstrates what passion, perseverance, and purpose can accomplish.
If Cherry’s story inspires you, consider applying to Acsenda’s Bachelor of Hospitality Management program. Whether you’re passionate about guest experience, sustainability, technology, or leadership, this program provides the tools and support you need to thrive in a global industry.
After all Canada’s hospitality market is projected to reach USD 20.29 billion in 2025 and grow to USD 26.34 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.37% over the forecast period. (Source: Mordor Intelligence)
And at Acsenda, we don’t just teach hospitality; we shape future leaders who are ready to make a difference in an ever-changing world.
Watch Cherry Regalado’s award-winning presentation from the Hospitality Rising Star Competition 2025 and discover her innovative guest journey concept.
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