The winners of the Recreation Awards 2025 have been announced. During the Day of Recreation on 10 December, prizes were awarded to Eugénie Touwen (Employee of the Year), Nienke Knuppe (Best Practical Trainer) and Beerze Bulten (Best Training Company). Over 150 professionals from the recreation sector were present to honour these remarkable individuals and organisations who make a difference in hospitality, guidance, and training.
Jury selects winners
The winners were chosen by an independent jury consisting of experts from the recreation and education sectors: Peter van Binsbergen (De Rooi Pannen), Aafke Snip (SBB), Petra Alkema (Hof van Saksen), Herbert van Oord (HISWA-RECRON) and Johan Bijlsma (De Horecabond).
Eugénie Touwen: inclusion and customisation in the workplace
Eugénie Touwen, housekeeping support staff at Center Parcs De Huttenheugte, has been named Employee of the Year. The jury praises her exceptional commitment to colleagues with a distance to the labour market. “Eugénie organises suitable workplaces, provides customisation where needed, and ensures a safe, inclusive environment,” according to the jury. Thanks to her approach, employees can now independently perform various tasks. She even actively involves people from day care at the park, thereby strengthening the connection in the workplace.
Nienke Knuppe: the practical trainer who helps interns grow
Nienke Knuppe receives the title of Best Practical Trainer. She stands out for her structured approach, clear learning objectives, and genuine attention to each intern. “Nienke provides tailored guidance and knows how to help interns grow step by step, while always creating a safe and open learning environment,” states the jury. With her personal involvement and the motto “Together we are one,” she demonstrates what characterises a strong practical trainer.
Beerze Bulten: where learning comes naturally
Beerze Bulten has been chosen as the Best Learning Company. The organisation demonstrates what characterises a strong learning company: learning and Your career are naturally part of daily work. Employees and trainees are warmly welcomed, carefully inducted, and grow step by step in their roles. “Beerze Bulten offers a safe and enjoyable learning environment where experimenting and making mistakes are part of the process,” according to the jury. The intensive collaboration with educational institutions, through guest lectures and company visits, contributes to the training of new talent in the sector.
The other finalists also deserve recognition
In addition to the winners, other organisations and employees reached the finals. For Best Learning Company, these were Resort Arcen and Parc Sandur, both organisations that demonstrate the importance of learning and Your career in the recreation sector. In the Employee of the Year category, Nick Blijenberg (EuroParcs) and Richard Hostermans (CenterParcs het Meerdal) impressed with their commitment, creativity, and positive contribution to their teams. Julia van der Haar (Rabbit Hill) was among the finalists for Best Practical Trainer and was praised for her enthusiasm, approachable style, and the safe learning environment she creates for trainees. All finalists, through their nominations, show how valuable their contributions are to the sector.
About the Recreation Awards
The Recreation Awards annually highlight the people and organisations that contribute to the quality and future of the recreation sector. With categories such as Best Learning Company, Best Practical Trainer, and Employee of the Year, the importance of good guidance, training, and involvement is recognised. The awards are intended for organisations and employees who fall under the Social Fund Recreation. The Recreation Awards are organised by kikk recreatie, HISWA-RECRON, de Horecabond and CNV.