Greece to Promote Tourism Training for European Year of Skills

Deputy Tourism Minister Sofia Zacharaki. Photo source: Delphi Economic Forum.

Enhancing tourism education is a key priority for the Greek Tourism Ministry during the European Year of Skills which kicks off on May 9.

Deputy Tourism Minister Sofia Zacharaki underlined the importance of tourism training and upskilling during the 8th Delphi Economic Forum held in Greece last month.

In this direction, Zacharaki said Greece would be participating in the European Year of Skills aimed at giving a fresh impetus to lifelong learning, empowering people and companies to contribute to the green and digital transitions, supporting innovation and competitiveness.

The goal, said Zacharaki is to meet the growing demand for new skills in tourism and to contribute to the creation of better paying jobs.

As part of plans to upgrade education and training in the field, Zacharaki announced the creation of the country’s first tourism academy to operate under ministry supervision and offer contemporary tourism education, monitor the needs of the tourism market, and improve employment opportunities in the sector.

Additionally she also announced that this month 20,000 people will be able to register for tourism training programs to run across Greece.

Deputy Tourism Minister Sofia Zacharaki coordinating the panel. Photo source: Delphi Economic Forum.

 Lastly, coordinating a panel discussion at the forum, Zacharaki underlined the importance of connecting tourism education with the job market.

“There must be a link between educational institutions and companies so that together they can assess the skills and professions that will be needed in the future and prepare young people to enter the labor market,” she said.

Zacharaki also said there was a need to introduce new thematic units in education with the aim of developing the necessary skills needed in the modern work environment, adding that there must be more opportunities for young people and women.