On September 7, Hainan Lausanne Tourism University (HLTU) held its 2026 Opening Ceremony, welcoming new students from 19 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities across China. The Class of 2030 gathered in Haitang Bay, Sanya, marking the beginning of their university journey at HLTU.
Over the next four years, students will learn through Business Theory, Practical Arts and a diverse campus experience, gaining a broader understanding of the industry and the world around them. Along the way, they will have the time and space to explore their interests, discover their strengths and find their own direction for the future.
Follow Your Passion Pursue with Professionalism
Mr. Xing Kongzheng, Deputy Director-General of The Education Department of Hainan Province; Ms. Yin Chengling, Vice Mayor of Sanya Municipal Government; Dr. Juan PERELLON, Chief Academic Officer of EHL Hospitality Business School, Dr. Luciano LOPEZ, Acting President of Hainan Lausanne Tourism University together with other leadership team from EHL and HLTU and distinguished guests, attended the ceremony to witness this important moment for the new students alongside all faculty and staff.
At the opening ceremony, Dr. Luciano LOPEZ, Acting President of Hainan Lausanne Tourism University; Xing Kongzheng, Deputy Director-General of The Education Department of Hainan Province; and Dr. Juan PERELLON, Chief Academic Officer of EHL Hospitality Business School, delivered remarks to the Class of 2030, sharing their perspectives on university life, the industry and the journey ahead.
Dr. Luciano LOPEZ
Acting President of Hainan Lausanne Tourism University
Dr. Luciano LOPEZ welcomed the new students and encouraged them to see university as more than a path to a degree. He reminded them that some of the most important learning happens beyond the classroom — through working with others, facing challenges and learning from mistakes. These experiences, he noted, will help them develop the communication, problem-solving and lifelong learning skills they will need as future professionals and leaders.
Mr. Xing Kongzheng
Deputy Director-General of The Education Department of Hainan Province
Mr. Xing Kongzheng addressed the opportunities created by the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port. He encouraged students to build a strong academic foundation, develop practical skills and gain a broader understanding of different cultures, while considering how their own growth can contribute to the development of the region and the industry. In doing so, they can grow into tourism professionals with an international perspective and a deeper understanding of China and the world.
Dr. Juan PERELLON
Chief Academic Officer of EHL Hospitality Business School
Dr. Juan PERELLON shared his perspective on the future of tourism and hospitality, highlighting the value of an international learning environment in developing students’ global perspective, adaptability and cross-cultural skills. He also highlighted the wide range of career opportunities ahead, encouraging students to think beyond their first job and consider the career they want to build.
Ms. Verena REN
Student Representative
As a student representative from the Class of 2030, Ms. Verena REN shared her personal story with sincerity. Growing up between Jiangnan and Inner Mongolia, and coming to HLTU after years of training as a competitive athlete, she reflected on resilience and the value of different perspectives. She spoke about what makes tourism and hospitality so meaningful — the way different cultures come together and enrich one another — and looked forward to embracing new perspectives, growing with her classmates and making the most of the opportunities ahead at HLTU.
For the new students just beginning university, these perspectives offered a first glimpse of life at HLTU and the world they are preparing to enter. HLTU will support them along the way as they explore who they are, embrace different perspectives and take on new challenges.
Looking Ahead
University life is shaped by more than what happens in the classroom. During the ceremony, messages from HLTU’s industry partners gave students valuable insight into the industry and the opportunities ahead. Parents also shared their wishes through video messages, hoping their children will make the most of their four years at university, learn from their experiences and grow along the way.
Pinning Ceremony
The ceremony concluded with the HLTU pinning ceremony, a special moment for the Class of 2030. With the HLTU pinning, the new students officially became part of the HLTU community.
More than a symbol of belonging, the pin will accompany students throughout their four years at HLTU — from the classroom to practical experiences, as they learn more about the industry and explore their own interests and direction. For the Class of 2030, it will also become a lasting reminder of where their university journey began.
Welcome to HLTU
From this moment on, the next four years begin. May every member of the Class of 2030 make the most of the years ahead — exploring, growing and discovering what lies ahead at HLTU.
