LQA officially opens The Academy by LQA in Lisbon, setting a new benchmark for luxury hospitality training

PORTUGAL – Leading Quality Assurance (LQA), the global market leader in quality assurance and benchmarking for luxury hotels, has marked a significant milestone by officially opening The Academy by LQA in Lisbon, Portugal.

This state-of-the-art training facility demonstrates LQA’s unwavering commitment to elevating hospitality standards worldwide by nurturing service excellence in the industry.

Situated in Lisbon’s vibrant Benfica district, The Academy by LQA is a fully immersive, simulated luxury hotel environment designed specifically for hospitality professionals.

The innovative space features meticulously designed areas including a reception, bar, lounge, restaurant, and bedroom, each replicating the highest standards seen in five-star hotels.

A spa treatment room is currently under development, further enhancing the realistic training experience.

The Academy combines interactive, practical activities and real-world scenarios to immerse participants in an authentic hotel environment.

The hands-on approach allows trainees to sharpen their skills, ranging from frontline guest service to behind-the-scenes operations, preparing them for diverse challenges in luxury hospitality.

The inaugural training program, called the Accelerator Programme, is tailored for rising stars in hospitality management and quality assurance roles.

This intensive five-day course aims to develop leadership skills, enhance guest-centric service delivery, and empower participants to lead service improvement initiatives across hotel departments.

Certification is awarded based on rigorous assessment by LQA’s expert trainers.

Edward Hooper, CEO of LQA, emphasized the Academy’s role in inspiring new generations of hospitality leaders.

“The Academy is more than a training facility—it is a catalyst for transformation, where service leaders are shaped to deliver unforgettable guest experiences with authenticity and teamwork,” he said.

The Academy by LQA also partners with prestigious brands such as Molton Brown and Lameirinho to immerse trainees in authentic luxury through premium products used in the finest hotels worldwide.

By complementing LQA’s existing services, including benchmarking, inspections, and digital learning solutions, the Academy provides a comprehensive ecosystem for luxury hotels to achieve operational excellence and guest satisfaction.

With sign-ups filling fast for 2025, the Academy’s launch responds to growing industry demand for skilled professionals who can uphold and evolve ultra-luxury hospitality standards in a competitive global market.

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