Think Local. Grow Global. Evano’s Unexpected Path into Tourism.

Originally from Indonesia, he chose to continue building his future in Belgium. Looking back, it was a decision that shaped both his studies and the opportunities that followed. “You don’t always have to travel far to grow globally,” he says. “Sometimes the right opportunities are closer than you think.”

Finding more than a degree

When he started the International Tourism & Leisure programme at Thomas More, he was looking for a place where he could develop himself personally and professionally. “The programme is a nice balance between practical learning and room to grow.”

Life in Mechelen became an important part of the experience. The city felt like the perfect student city: calm and welcoming, with everything nearby. “At the same time, Brussels and Antwerp were easy to reach for weekends, which made student life feel both local and international.”

Learning in Amsterdam, Lausanne and Frankfurt

Several moments during his studies still stand out. During the ATLAS Project in Amsterdam, his team won the final pitch of an international student competition where participants developed a strategy to attract a major conference to a destination. It was an experience that showed him what strong teamwork and creative thinking can achieve.

“Representing Thomas More with my friend Cristina at the Young Hospitality Summit, hosted by the prestigious École Hôtelière de Lausanne, gave me the chance to meet students, experts and industry leaders from around the world, while gaining a broader view of the future of hospitality.”

A visit to IMEX in Frankfurt added another perspective. As Europe’s largest trade show for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry, it brought together professionals from across the globe and showed him the scale and variety of opportunities within tourism and events.

Smart choices instead of the obvious ones

When it was time to choose an exchange semester and internship, Evano made deliberate decisions. “While many classmates went further abroad, I stayed closer to home.” He completed his exchange in the Netherlands, where he improved his language skills and gained international experience in a familiar region. For his internship, he remained in Belgium and focused on building the professional network he hoped to rely on later.

That approach proved valuable. He credits his studies with preparing him for the transition into work through real-life cases, guest lectures by industry professionals and courses such as personal branding. “Knowing how to present yourself matters when you’re starting your career,” he says.

Working at the heart of international travel

Today, Evano works as M&E Coordinator at Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Airport, where he helps organise meetings and events in one of Europe’s busiest travel hubs. He also contributes to sustainability projects as Responsible Business Trainer and supports the hotel’s Green Key certification.

For him, tourism has always been broader than people expect. “It connects events, business travel, hospitality, festivals, sports and many other worlds,” he says. “That’s what makes it so interesting.”

Advice every future student should hear

One piece of advice to future students: “Follow your heart. If you don’t enjoy your studies, it can feel like forever. But if you do enjoy it, time flies.”