MICHELIN extends its partnership with Maastricht and BBB Maastricht until 2029

Photo, from left to right: Jo Cortenraedt – Owner of Chapeau Magazine, Stephan Sandhövel – Key Account Manager, the MICHELIN Guide, Rob van de Wiel – Managing Director, MECC Maastricht, Lindsey Duijsings – Exhibition Manager, BBB Maastricht, Diederik Timmer – Managing Director, Province of Limburg, Julianna Twiggs – Global Business Development Director of the MICHELIN Guide, Ward Vleugels – Entrepreneur, Hubert Mackus – Councillor for Economy and Housing, Maastricht City Council, Stephan Satijn – Member of the Provincial Executive of Limburg, Pierre Gubbels – Entrepreneur.

The MICHELIN Guide Restaurant Ceremony will remain part of BBB Maastricht for the next three years. MICHELIN and Maastricht are extending their successful partnership, meaning that the prestigious ceremony will also take place at MECC Maastricht in 2027, 2028 and 2029. This continues the partnership between MICHELIN, MECC Maastricht, BBB Maastricht, the Province of Limburg, the Municipality of Maastricht and the regional business community, and ensures that BBB Maastricht remains the platform where the very best of Dutch gastronomy and the hospitality sector come together.

The natural venue for the MICHELIN Guide Restaurant Ceremony

Since the return of the MICHELIN Guide Restaurant Ceremony to Maastricht, the awards ceremony has become a key part of BBB Maastricht. The combination of MICHELIN, BBB Maastricht and the city of Maastricht has developed into a unique platform where the very best of gastronomy and the wider hospitality sector come together.

Maastricht is a natural home for this, thanks to its strong gastronomic reputation, hospitality and rich culinary tradition. BBB Maastricht brings together chefs, entrepreneurs, suppliers and other hospitality professionals, whilst MICHELIN represents the very pinnacle of Dutch gastronomy.

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide: “We are looking forward to organising our next MICHELIN Guide Restaurant Ceremony for the Netherlands in Maastricht and are delighted that the partnership has been extended for a further three years.  This charming Limburg town, full of bon vivants, is characterised by hospitality, conviviality and that typical Dutch zest for life. Maastricht is therefore the obvious setting in which to celebrate the very best that Dutch gastronomy has to offer.”

Gastronomy and the hospitality industry come together

During the upcoming event, visitors to BBB Maastricht will be able to follow the awards ceremony via a live broadcast directly from the exhibition floor. This means that not only will the hospitality professionals, suppliers and business owners in attendance witness the announcement of the new MICHELIN Stars, but the supporters of the nominated restaurants will also be able to experience this special moment up close.

The annual MICHELIN gala dinner has also become a key part of the programme. During the evening, around 750 guests are taken on a culinary journey by various Michelin-starred chefs, combining fine dining with entertainment.

Lindsey Duijsings, Exhibition Manager at BBB Maastricht: “The fact that MICHELIN has once again chosen Maastricht highlights the strength of what we have built together. By linking the MICHELIN Guide Restaurant Ceremony to BBB Maastricht, we are creating a unique platform where the cream of the gastronomy and hospitality sectors come together to inspire one another and shape the future of the industry. Precisely because MECC Maastricht is the epicentre of gastronomy during these days, we see this as a wonderful opportunity to showcase local produce. That is why, on the Sunday preceding BBB Maastricht, we are organising the ‘Proef je Regio’ local produce festival, which is free to attend. In doing so, we demonstrate that regional produce is accessible to a wide audience and we contribute to raising the profile of the culinary heritage of South Limburg and the surrounding area.”