What began as a simple one-month idea from our colleagues in Budapest and Miskolc has now grown into a meaningful tradition at Szallas Group, Hungary: colleagues collect and return empty bottles, then donate the proceeds to a cause we care about.

Our very first donation went to Piros Orr Bohócdoktorok Alapítvány, a foundation that brings joy and healing to hospitalized children through the power of clown doctors. We were deeply touched to receive a heartfelt thank-you note from them, a beautiful reminder that even the smallest actions can bring smiles and make a difference.

The initiative was so well received internally that we decided to make it a monthly act of giving. Each month, our colleagues decide on which organization to support next, making it not only a charitable project but also a shared decision rooted in our team values.

We are proud of our colleagues’ initiative and their collective effort for a great cause.

We are proud to share that Szallas Group was represented at the prestigious Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity during 16-20 June. Following their victory in the Hungarian national round of the Young Marketers competition, Yuliia Vinualez and Petra Messinger attended the global event in Cannes.

Read on to discover their personal reflections and key takeaways from the experience.

„We’re back from an intense and inspiring week at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, where we had the honour of representing Szallas in the global Young Lions Marketers competition.

This year’s brief came from the Braille Institute of America, a US-based non-profit that has supported people with vision loss for over 100 years. Our challenge was to position the organisation as essential and relevant for people with low vision—to compel them to seek help and ultimately grow the Institute’s reach.

With just 24 hours to develop a full campaign strategy, we focused on clarity, with touches of humour, empathy, and accessibility. We built the concept on simple, relatable insights and paired them with accessible digital touchpoints and a clear call to action—leveraging the Braille Institute’s incredible resources. Our campaign was structured, insight-driven, and grounded in practical marketing. The jury responded with curiosity, laughter, and genuine surprise—a reaction we didn’t expect, but were proud to earn.

Beyond the competition, the week was filled with creative energy—from AI-led content prototyping and digital brand transformation to interactive storytelling and even early morning yoga.

We returned from Cannes deeply inspired—though admittedly with less physical energy! It was an incredible opportunity to challenge ourselves, connect with the global creative community, and proudly represent Szallas on an international stage.

A heartfelt thank you to Dorina Pardi and Rita Szilveszter — your support meant the world to us. It wouldn’t have been the same without you!”

Two exciting team events for the Czech team of Szallas Group… and countless memories made along the way!

The beginning of June was all about team spirit for the Czech team of Szallas Group, with not one, but two unforgettable teambuilding events.

First, the colleagues embarked on a breathtaking adventure in the High Tatras, Slovakia. Traveling by night train, they explored mountain trails, stayed in cozy chalets, and even experienced a brief, intense thunderstorm. An unexpected moment also put their skills to the test when they provided first aid to a fellow hiker – a great example of how they respond to challenges as a team, even under pressure. This trip was about strengthening team spirit, fostering mutual support, and realizing that no challenge is too big when tackled together.

Then, just a few days later, colleagues came together again at Ekocentrum near Liberec for a lighthearted, company-wide challenge: “Olympics: What Didn’t Make the Official Program”. From GPS decoding and timed nail hammering to optical illusions and treasure hunts, the day was full of fun, laughter, and energetic teamwork. Teams waved their flags, passed their torches, and crossed the finish line with smiles on their faces.

Special thanks to the Organizers for these amazing experiences!

The Travelminit Teambuilding, a long-standing tradition usually held in May just like this year, gives the team an extra boost right before the busy summer season.

It’s the perfect opportunity to spend quality time together outside of work – to laugh, play, discover new sides of the colleagues, and also to relax and have fun! As per tradition goes, the team has a motto that’s printed on their T-shirts. This year’s motto was: “APParently, we are the best!” – a fun and motivating wordplay that also celebrates a major moment for not just Travelminit, but also Szallas Group: the launch of the Travelminit mobile app!

Colleagues enjoyed a variety of activities, from quick icebreakers to get to know each other better, to creative team challenges – including acting out proverbs and taking part in a fast-paced treasure hunt that had them running around and working together at full speed! After that, it was time to relax, party, chat, and laugh late into the night. The next day, part of the team visited a nearby waterfall at Răchițele, the Vălul Miresei – a beautiful spot.

Now, they are all recharged and ready for the summer season in full swing!

Big thanks to the Organizing Team and to everyone who helped make this happen!