It all began at Turku University of Applied Sciences in 2001. At the time, hospitality management education was not yet widely known or highly valued, and new ways were being explored to increase its visibility and recognition. Finnish chef, teacher and entrepreneur Aki Wahlman had won the Chef of the Year competition in 1996 and represented Finland at the international Bocuse d’Or Competition in 1997. Inspired by competitions, Aki came up with an idea at a teachers’ development day: could competitions be used to increase the visibility and recognition of hospitality management education?
The idea quickly gained support, and the planning of the first RESTO competition began. One of the first challenges was designing the competition tasks. Students with a general upper secondary school background hoped for more theory-based tasks, while students with a vocational education background wanted the competition to place more emphasis on practical skills. The challenge was therefore to bring these different types of expertise together in a way that would be fair and engaging for everyone.
Eventually, a common solution was found, and in spring 2002, the first RESTO competition was held in Turku. Four-person student teams from different universities of applied sciences took part, accompanied by their teachers, known as “colleagues” within the RESTO community. The first competition was a one-day event, but based on feedback, it quickly developed into a two-day event featuring not only competition tasks but also a programme for both students and colleagues.
The RESTO competition is a national skills competition for hospitality management students. It puts to the test the skills needed both in hospitality studies and in working life: expertise, problem-solving, creativity, teamwork and the ability to put theory into practice.
Over the years, the competition tasks have evolved alongside the host cities, developments in the industry and current trends. The tasks are often based on real-life assignments from companies and organisations, allowing participants to apply their knowledge and skills in situations that closely resemble the real working world.
Teams get to tackle genuine challenges related to tourism, hospitality, food and beverage, accommodation and service, while showing what they can do. The tasks are also evaluated by professionals from the industry, bringing a real working-life perspective into the competition.
But RESTO is about much more than competing.The event brings together students, teachers and industry professionals from across Finland. It is an opportunity to learn, connect, exchange ideas and gain new perspectives on the hospitality industry – while, of course, having a great time along the way.
One of the defining features of the RESTO Competition is that it moves from city to city. Each year, the responsibility for organising the competition is passed on to a different university of applied sciences offering hospitality management education. This travelling format has allowed RESTO to take on the character of different parts of Finland over the years.
The future hosts are agreed upon within MARATA, the national network of hospitality management educators coordinated by the Rectors’ Conference of Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences (Arene).
The competition has been held annually since 2002, with one exception: the 2021 competition had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
| Year | Host University | Winner University |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Turku University of Applied Sciences | Haaga Institute Polytechnic |
| 2003 | Turku University of Applied Sciences | Laurea University of Applied Sciences |
| 2004 | Turku University of Applied Sciences | JAMK University of Applied Sciences |
| 2005 | Rovaniemi University of Applied Sciences | Pirkanmaa University of Applied Sciences |
| 2006 | JAMK University of Applied Sciences | Laurea University of Applied Sciences |
| 2007 | Pirkanmaa University of Applied Sciences | Turku University of Applied Sciences |
| 2008 | Laurea University of Applied Sciences | Laurea University of Applied Sciences |
| 2009 | Saimaa University of Applied Sciences | Saimaa University of Applied Sciences |
| 2010 | Mikkeli University of Applied Sciences | Kajaani University of Applied Sciences |
| 2011 | Turku University of Applied Sciences | JAMK University of Applied Sciences |
| 2012 | Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences | Turku University of Applied Sciences |
| 2013 | Lahti University of Applied Sciences | Savonia University of Applied Sciences |
| 2014 | Savonia University of Applied Sciences | JAMK University of Applied Sciences |
| 2015 | Lapland University of Applied Sciences | Turku University of Applied Sciences |
| 2016 | Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences | Lapland University of Applied Sciences |
| 2017 | Kajaani University of Applied Sciences | Savonia University of Applied Sciences |
| 2018 | Laurea University of Applied Sciences | Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences |
| 2019 | Karelia University of Applied Sciences | Laurea University of Applied Sciences |
| 2020 | Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences | Lapland University of Applied Sciences |
| 2022 | JAMK University of Applied Sciences | Satakunta University of Applied Sciences |
| 2023 | Tampere University of Applied Sciences | Laurea University of Applied Sciences |
| 2024 | Satakunta University of Applied Sciences | Tampere University of Applied Sciences |
| 2025 | LAB University of Applied Sciences | Laurea University of Applied Sciences |
| 2026 | South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences | JAMK University of Applied Sciences |
| 2027 | Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences | To be determined |
Haaga-Helia has already hosted the RESTO Competition twice – in 2012 and 2020.
The 2020 competition was particularly meaningful, as it was held during the 50th anniversary year of Haaga Campus’s hospitality management education. The competition’s gala dinner was held at the Haaga Campus just before the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic began to reshape the events industry.
In 2027, the RESTO Competition returns to Haaga-Helia – but this time, to the newly renewed RestoCamp facilities at Tripla!
History has been made. And now it is time to make more!