Published on
September 22, 2025

Leading Quality Assurance (LQA), the global market leader in quality assurance and benchmarking analysis for the luxury hotel industry, has officially launched the Academy by LQA in Lisbon, Portugal. The opening of this state-of-the-art facility marks a significant step in the company’s commitment to elevating hospitality standards worldwide. Located in Lisbon’s Benfica district, Academy by LQA offers a fully immersive, simulated luxury hotel environment, designed to provide hospitality professionals with an exceptional training experience.

An Immersive Learning Experience

The immersive space is equipped with a reception area, bar, lounge, restaurant and bedroom, all set up to replicate the high standards of luxury hotels. A spa treatment room is also currently under development, further enhancing the authenticity of the training environment. The Academy has been meticulously designed to blend practical, real-world activities with high interactivity, allowing participants to engage in hands-on learning while honing their skills in a real hotel setting.

One of the Academy’s key features is its versatility. The space is not only designed for hospitality training but is also available for private hire and leadership sessions, making it an ideal location for bespoke training solutions for hotel partners. The facility will host hospitality professionals from all over the globe, with the first group set to arrive in October 2025.

The Accelerator Programme: Shaping the Future of Hospitality Leadership

The Accelerator Programme, which is the inaugural training program at the Academy, is tailored specifically for junior managers and rising stars in luxury hospitality. This five-day intensive course focuses on developing crucial skills, such as leadership, operational excellence and a guest-centric mindset. The programme aims to equip participants with the tools needed to drive meaningful change across all departments within a hotel. It is designed to help these future leaders develop a comprehensive understanding of the luxury hospitality industry, ensuring they are ready to face the challenges and demands of their roles.

Industry Partnerships Enhancing the Luxury Experience

The Academy is also proud to partner with premium brands that enhance the authenticity of the luxury experience it offers. Molton Brown, the renowned luxury brand, has been integrated into the Academy, with their Reviving Rosemary and 1971 Scent Experiences featured throughout the space. These collaborations ensure that participants experience the same high-quality products found in the world’s most prestigious hotels. In addition, Lameirinho, a company known for its exceptional Portuguese textiles, has also partnered with the Academy. Their products bring the same premium comfort and quality to the Academy that is expected in the finest hotels around the world.

Real-World Training for Future Hospitality Leaders

Diego Renda, Head of Training Development at LQA, explained the unique approach of the Academy’s training programs. According to Renda, the Academy creates a real hotel environment where participants don’t just learn about service excellence; they experience it firsthand. The live assessments conducted alongside expert trainers help participants develop critical analytical skills and gain the confidence needed to identify areas for improvement in their own hotels. The training is designed to equip participants not only with the knowledge to excel but also with the ability to train and inspire their teams to elevate guest experiences.

All training sessions at Academy by LQA are led by the LQA UpFront training team, a group of professionals who actively assess luxury hotels across the globe. This ensures that the training delivered is always relevant, up-to-date and based on the latest trends in the luxury hospitality industry.

In conclusion, the opening of Academy by LQA in Lisbon represents a significant advancement in hospitality training. With its immersive learning environment, strong industry partnerships and focus on real-world excellence, the Academy offers a unique opportunity for hospitality professionals to refine their skills and advance their careers. As a hub for future leaders in the hospitality industry, the Academy by LQA is poised to shape the next generation of hospitality experts in Portugal and beyond.

Image credit- academylqa.com