Greece to Expand Tourism Studies Options and Programs

Deputy Tourism Minister Manos Konsolas (center) at the School of Tourism Studies on Rhodes.

Focused on improving the provision and quality of tourism services, the Greek Tourism Ministry announced plans for the upgrade of tourism studies across all levels to be implemented. The announcement comes prior to a relevant bill going to parliament for approval.

After visiting and consulting with sector educators and experts this week, Deputy Tourism Minister Manos Konsolas announced plans for new courses, new areas of specialization and curricula. He also stressed the need link tourism education with the labor market.

Konsolas noted the need to add new buildings or modernize former facilities in order to host the new schools and departments.

Besides suggesting that the Anavyssos School of Tourism Studies serve as the base for Greece’s higher schools of tourism, he also underlined the importance of combining public training and educational programs with private studies programs following EU and international best practices.

Konsolas visited the Anavyssos tourism school, the Rhodes tourism training facility, and the BCA College tourism department.

Demonstrating the ministry’s commitment to upgrading the Greek tourism product and improving education in the field, the minister said a complete overhaul of tourism education and training programs was underway.

Among others, Konsolas said a new school for tourist guides was slated to open on the Ionian island of Corfu next year, with plans including new openings on Rhodes and Crete.

In relevant news, students interested in pursuing post-graduate studies in tourism for the 2019-2020 period can apply by 1 November 2019 at the local tourism ministry departments in 11 Greek cities.