Tourism Ministry Secretary General Vassia Koutsoukou, Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, Deputy Tourism Minister Anna Karamanli. Photo source: Tourism Ministry
The Greek Tourism Ministry is launching a comprehensive initiative to upgrade three Public Vocational Tourism Training Institutes (SAEK) in Attica, Crete, and Thessaloniki.
According to Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, the goal is to provide high-quality education to the next generation of tourism professionals, strengthening the country’s tourism sector.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Minister Kefalogianni stressed that improving tourism education is a “strategic priority”. She highlighted that the initiative aims not only to support industry workers but also to ensure a truly welcoming experience for visitors.
“We aim to revive the traditional hotel-school model using modern methods and tools,” Kefalogianni said, adding that the project will inspire young people, offering them the necessary tools to contribute to Greece’s tourism legacy.
Reviving the traditional hotel-school model
Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni. Photo source: Tourism Ministry
As part of this initiative, the focus will be on upgrading the institutes in Anavyssos, Heraklion (Kokkini Hani) and Perea, reviving the traditional hotel-school model based on the Swiss system.
The properties housing the schools will be leased through long-term contracts awarded via a competitive process. Under these terms, tenants will be responsible for upgrading the facilities to support the educational and training programs throughout the contract period.
However, Minister Kefalogianni clarified that the educational mandate of the schools will remain the exclusive responsibility of the Tourism Ministry.
The project will be funded through the Public Investment Program, the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF), and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
New tourism institute in the pipeline
Kefalogianni also revealed plans to establish a new training unit in Agios Nikolaos, Crete, following an agreement with the local municipality. This unit will be part of the Higher Institute of Tourism Education of Crete and will provide additional opportunities for tourism education in the region.
Additionally, an energy upgrade is already planned for the SAEK unit in Galaxidi. Meanwhile, an experimental SAEK will be set up in Macedonia, with experimental specialties to be included at schools in the Peloponnese, Macedonia, and Crete.
New academic framework and upgrades for tourist guide schools
Photo source: European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (FEG)
The ministry’s agenda also includes initiatives aimed at strengthening education for tourism professionals.
According to Deputy Tourism Minister Anna Karamanli, a key component of this plan is the signing of memorandum of understanding with foreign institutions that follow the Swiss model of tourism education.
In addition to this, students will have access to specialized seminars designed to prepare them for real-world scenarios, including first aid and training on how to serve individuals with autism. Furthermore, tourist guide schools will be upgraded with the adoption of modernized regulations governing their operations.
“We are committed to shaping an education system that addresses current needs and supports the evolving tourism economy,” said Karamanli.
Alongside these reforms, the ministry has launched a skills development program aimed at supporting up to 20,000 individuals, including employees, seasonal workers, and the long-term unemployed in the tourism sector.
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