Greek Events & Conferences Body Aiming for University-level Educational Programs

University of West Attica Rector Panagiotis Kaldis (right) with HAPCO & DES President Sissi Lygnou, HAPCO & DES Honorary Chairman Rena Tolis, HAPCO & DES Vice President Maria Papadaki, HAPCO & DES Secretary General Antonia Alexandrou and University of West Attica Assistant Professor at the department of Tourism Management Athina N. Papageorgiou.

The HAPCO & DES (Hellenic Association of Professional Congress Organizers & Destinations Events Specialists) announced this week that it had teamed up with the University of West Attica for the formulation and design of professional and conference tourism studies programs to be included into the curriculum.

In this direction HAPCO-DES and the University of West Attica signed a memorandum of cooperation which foresees:

• the joint design of educational studies programs,
• the strategic cooperation initiatives in Greece and abroad,
• participation in research and development projects,
• the utilization of new technologies for the design of educational material for distance learning programs,
• the inclusion of students in intern programs,
• and the organization of day events, workshops and career days.

HAPCO & DES President Sissi Lygnou, University of West Attica Rector Panagiotis Kaldis and University of West Attica Assistant Professor at the department of Tourism Management Athina N. Papageorgiou.

“This memorandum consolidates our cooperation with the University of Western Attica, which is the first university in the country showing us its trust thus marking the beginning of efforts to strengthen education offered in professional and conference tourism in university study programs,” said HAPCO & DES President Sissi Lygnou.

“It is a major leap forward and a commitment to education that is at the center of our strategic planning for the 2020-2030 period,” she added.

Also commenting on the news, University of West Attica Rector Panagiotis Kaldis referred to the university’s tourism program and plans for the creation of a Tourism Innovation Center that will organize high-level educational initiatives focusing among others on conference and events tourism.