Thessaloniki Tourism Body Looks to Help Educate Future Sector Professionals

Thessaloniki Tourism Organization President Voula Patoulidou and and Xeni Gerna, deputy director of the Institute of Vocational Tourism Training of Thessaloniki.

The Thessaloniki Tourism Organization (TTO) announced this week that it had teamed up with public vocational training institutes for tourism (IEK) as part of efforts to further expand into education.

In this direction, TTO President and Vice Governor of the Metropolitan Area of Thessaloniki Voula Patoulidou and Xeni Gerna, deputy director of the Institute of Vocational Tourism Training of Makedonia, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU).

Among others, the agreement foresees joint initiatives for the further development of tourism, the exchange of knowhow, offering upskilling and reskilling options to employees in tourism, and the implementation of innovative business models aimed at encouraging synergies and the development of good practices.

The move comes after the TTO signed an MoU with the University of the Aegean as part of efforts to develop synergies with tourism bodies and the academic community in order to enhance Thessaloniki’s appeal and attract more visitors. Through this partnership, the TTO will have access to a large network of universities, tourism bodies and research centers from 11 European countries.

“Education and training in tourism are an integral part of tourism policy. The Thessaloniki Tourism Organization can offer expertise to IEK students, especially in the area of destination promotion,” said Patoulidou.

Also commenting on the news, Gerna said the goal was to “create and develop joint initiatives that will contribute to the tourism development of Thessaloniki and the wider region”.