News About Minoan International College in Crete Greece:school tourism management, hospitality management greece, hotel management studies crete

Minoan International College on the move

louise — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Minoan International College is pleased to announce that, beginning with this Fall semester, its programs will be given at its new campus in Ammoudara, Gazi, Heraklion.

The move grows out of a constellation of factors. The administration of MIC had decided this past year to relocate in the Heraklion area since the city can offer its students all of the important amenities of student life including entertainment, museums, cafes and easy access to the airport and port facilities.

The anticipated move was hastened by a recently passed law which provides strict guidelines for college facilities. MIC was fortunate to find an ideal building for its needs and decided to undertake the move now, even though it was given a year to do so. The new campus is in an area that provides excellent, reasonable accommodation for students from abroad and, of course, is easily accessible to those from Heraklion.

MIC’s President, Mr. Nikos Skoulas says that: “The new campus will provide students and faculty with a first-rate learning environment in an area that is already known as a college and university hub in Crete”.

The mayor of Gazi, Mr. George Markogiannakis, expressed his delight with the impending arrival of MIC within his jurisdiction, emphasising the importance of having college level education as part of the community and particularly that provided by a college of MIC’s widely-recognized stature. He went on to point out that the municipality of Gazi can provide MIC and its student body with the services and infrastructure to support their activities.

Greek Deputy Minister of Education Honors MICs 1st Convocation

litsa — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:00:00 GMT


Greek Deputy Minister of Education, Mr. Andreas Lykourentzos, addressing Minoan International College’s Spring Convocation.	Graduates, Faculty, Officers of MIC and the Deputy Minister of Education, Mr. Lykourentzos, following the Convocation Ceremony.	Master’s Degree recipient Tasveer Kaur, her father, the President and the Academic Dean at Minoan Interational College’s Convocation.

In the presence of the Deputy Minister for Education, Mr. Andreas Lykourentzos and a large crowd of well-wishers, Minoan International College’s held its first convocation at the Moevenpick Resort & Thalasso, at Amoudara, Heraklion, Crete.

In his address to the convocation, Mr. Lykourentzos praised MIC for its high standards of education and its sound business practises. The minister characterized Minoan International College as a ‘prototype’ for institutions of higher learning. He went on to say that, “as a result of MIC’s good infrastructure, facilities, and organization of its educational programs, the youth of the international community will turn their interest and attention to Greece, for they can now say that they are going to study at Minoan International College”.

President Nikos Skoulas welcomed the many dignitaries present, including Mr. Andreas Lykourentzos, and then addressed the graduating class. The President’s parting words to the students were: “You are our first graduating class and, as such, will play a major role in defining MIC’s significance to the Tourism and Hospitality Industry. And, I hope that you will remember that, as college graduates, the pursuit of your personal goals needs to be encased in a broader commitment to give back to your communities and countries both as active and thoughtful citizens and as skilled professionals”.

MIC graduates were awarded their degrees in a ceremony that followed a traditional academic format. The graduating students, appropriately attired in cap and gown, and the platform party entered the hall to the strains of Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance March”. The students were hooded by MIC’s president, Nikos Skoulas and had their diplomas presented by Mr. Andreas Metaxas, founder of MIC and Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

The convocation was officially opened by Dr. Stergios L. Mourgos, Vice President and Chef Academic Office. Other members of the platform party included Academic Dean, Dr. James P. Moran, MIC’s Professional Development Manager, Dimitris Perrakis and faculty members Maria Kanderakis, Emmanuil Sfakianakis and Themis Moudrakis. The degrees awarded were MIC’s Associate Degrees and Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management, MIC’s Bachelor of Science Degrees in Tourism and Hospitality Management and Southern New Hampshire University’s Master of Science Degree in Hospitality Administration. SNHU’s master’s program was offered at Minoan International College and was taught jointly by MIC and SNHU faculty.

Emmanuil Sfakianakis read a message from Dr. Ravi Pandit, Chair, Department of Hospitality Business, Southern New Hampshire University to the graduating Master’s students.

An Honorary M.Sc. degree was awarded to Mr. Antonis Panagiotopoulos, President of the Greek Academy of Taste. When presenting Mr. Panagiotopoulos with his degree Mr. Skoulas said, “As President of the Greek Academy of Taste for the past twelve years, he (Mr. Panagiotopoulos) has exercised inspired leadership for all of us and has made an inestimable contribution to the cause of culinary tradition and healthy eating”.

Valedictorian for this graduating class was Nikos Vlassiadis. In his introduction Dimitris Perrakis described Nikos as a real hospitality professional: “Having started his career with Maris Hotels and Resorts and promoted from within, Nikos found the time, the energy and the inspiration to work and at the same time complete his BSc in Tourism and Hospitality Management. In this way he became the best example of a highly educated industry professional who is already an assistant F&B manager in Terra Maris Hotel and he is ready to climb to the top”.

The convocation was officially closed by Dr. Stergios L. Mourgos.

Following the ceremony, graduates and guests enjoyed a reception on the terrace of Moevenpick Resort & Thalasso.

armaos sa sponsors scholarship for a student of minoan international college

litsa — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:00:00 GMT

The well known technical equipment and security systems company, ARMAOS S.A., valuing Minoan International College’s contribution to the business and tourism field, has provided a grant of 4,500 euro, with the provision that it be given in the form of a scholarship to a student of the highest academic and ethical standards.

The scholarship was awarded to Kenyan student Sharon Mwaura by the Academic Committee based on her academic and overall achievements.

BUSINESS EDUCATION IN THE 21st CENTURY

litsa — Thu, 28 May 2009 23:00:00 GMT

The keynote address delivered by Nikos V Skoulas,
President, Minoan International College,
at the Annual Conference of the European Council for Business Education.
Athens, May 29, 2009

I feel very honoured to have been asked to address this Annual Conference of the European Council for Business Education and I hope that my remarks this morning will provide a useful frame of reference for the talks and sessions that are to follow over the next few days.

However, before I begin my presentation, I think it would be useful to tell you a little bit about myself – specifically about my life in business, politics and business education.

A native of Crete, I have spent most of my time living and working in Athens and Canada and wandering around the world, faithful to the paradigm of Odysseus, one of my better known ancestors. For the major part of my life I have been a practicing manager as a business executive in food distribution and tourism and hospitality enterprises, broadcasting and government service.

Through out this period, education, training and human resource development have been very high on my professional agenda, being of the firm belief that business development and education are twin sisters. In fact, true to this belief, for the past five years I am exclusively dedicated to running Minoan International College, an institution of higher learning delivering programs in general business and the business of tourism and hospitality, together with a team of outstanding academics, three of whom are here today, namely Dr. Stergios Mourgos, Dr. James Moran and Dimitris Perrakis.

The reason for this rather lengthy self-introduction is to pre-empt any notion of bias on my part, inasmuch as I will be presenting a dilemma which, I believe, business educators face, or should face, at this time. In my defense, let me say that if there were to be any bias at all, given my background, one might expect that it would lie on the side of a strictly technical and professional orientation towards business education.

In considering what I was going to say today, I was drawn, not surprisingly, back to the Bologna Declaration and specifically to those sections which relate to the broad role of university education in “establishing a more complete and far-reaching Europe, in particular, building upon and strengthening its intellectual, cultural, social, scientific and technological dimensions”.

It is within this context, I believe, that we, as business educators must design and deliver our programs and degree studies. In other words, while many of the presentations and sessions of this conference will deal with its stated and important theme – “Creativity and Innovation: Developments in Programmes, Content and Delivery”, I would like to be so bold as to suggest that this theme must be couched in the wider considerations indicated in the Bologna Declaration and that many of the negative political and economic developments of the past few years have underwritten an unquestionable need for a reconsideration of the role of what we have referred to as “general education” in all professional programmes of study and, perhaps, most importantly, within business programmes.

Undoubtedly, our role as business educators demands that we provide “creative and innovative programmes, content and delivery” within our business schools. But it has become crystal clear to many, myself included, that this is not our only responsibility as business educators.

In fact, it is arguable that, as business studies have become increasingly “professional and technical”, that we have, in many ways, abdicated another equally important responsibility – that of preparing our business graduates, not only for the rigors of the business world, but also for their lives as intelligent, moral, cultured and active citizens of their countries, of Europe and of the global community.

The philosophy of education in the West began, as do most good things, with the Greeks. These ancient Greek thinkers were preoccupied with the concept of the “citizen”, with the distinction between the “private sphere” and the “public sphere” and with the relationship of both of these to education.

They believed that a proper education was one that addressed all facets of a human being (intellectual, physical, cultural and moral) and all subject matters and was really a means of preparing the individual for his/her contribution to the “public sphere” – that is for citizenship and an ability to contribute to the public good! I use “his/her” contribution here since Plato, if not many other Ancient Greeks, believed that this education should be designed for females as well as males.

An educated citizen was one who, while attending to personal needs and requirements, was motivated, at least equally if not more, by the desire to give back to the community. And, it is this essential element of education that I fear we are in the process of losing within the specialized, professionalized and highly technical programs that we often find at the centre of university curricula today!

Recently, a colleague of mine was attending an on-campus recruiting session at one of my school’s partner institutions – D’Youville College in New York State, and I am reminded of the remarks of the President while addressing a room of potential students.

The President, Dr. Roche, acknowledged that a student often chooses a college or university that he/she believes will best contribute to his/her personal career and long-term success.
The President then pointed out that those able to complete a college education are, in fact, a privileged minority of American citizens and then suggested that a student choose D’Youville ONLY if part of his/her reason for obtaining a college education was to increase his/her ability to give something back to society. She further pointed out that this commitment was an integral part of the working ethos of the entire college.

Unfortunately, I think that many of us in education have either under-emphasized or forgotten altogether this extremely important and foundational element of education in the West.

However, many American universities have, to date, maintained a very nice balance between professional education and general education, with many committing the equivalent of a full year of study– out of a four year undergraduate programme – to general education courses in the humanities, social sciences etc. The requirement usually applies to all disciplines, including business. Such schools continue to see their mission as education in the fullest sense.

Another of my college’s partner institutions is Southern New Hampshire University.
SNHU has developed an innovative, 3 year undergraduate honors degree programme in business administration. While perusing the academic content of this degree programme, I was struck by the fact that although it is 3 years in duration – something new for SNHU I believe - it mandates 2 courses in English, a public speaking course, a course in critical thinking, a history course, micro and macroeconomics, psychology, a humanities course, a world literature course, a philosophy course and a course on the environment.
Apparently, SNHU continues, as it has in the past, to grasp the importance of what the Ancient Greeks considered to be a well-rounded education.

As I mentioned earlier, the philosophy of education in the West began with the Ancient Greeks. In fact, the word “paidagogy”, that has worked its way into the English language lexicon of education, derives from the Greek word paideia. In his book, “The Passion of the Western Mind”, Richard Tarnas defines paideia as

     “. . . the classical Greek system of education and training, which came to
     include gymnastics, grammar, rhetoric, poetry, music, mathematics, geography,
     natural history, astronomy and the physical sciences, history of society and ethics,
     and philosophy – the complete pedagogical course of study necessary to produce a
     well-rounded, fully educated citizen”.

Paideia, in the Greek sense, aimed at the creation of a “higher type” of man. The Romans reproduced this notion in their concept of “humanitas” from which our modern term “humanities” evolved.

The point I would like to make here is that educational theory in the West began by eschewing any attempts to separate “training” and instruction in “task-specific” skills from the more fundamental aims and goals of education – those of advancing the well-being of social existence in the Greek polis and of harmonizing training and skills development with the search for wisdom and virtue.
Is it possible that the current global economic and, I dare say, social crisis may be a consequence of the failure of the educational system to harmonize these two? I have a strong suspicion that the “golden boys”, the corporate leaders and the government officials whose actions or omissions precipitated the crisis, probably have an excellent command of the skills necessary to manipulate the “hedge funds” and the other functions of the financial markets, but lack the ethos and the sense of social responsibility “Paideia” endows us with.

According to Plato, a wide range of highly developed skills, in all facets of life, was necessary for the polis (city state) but only to the degree that the skills could be blended with the other elements of paideia – in his view, especially philosophy. Skill development and training alone could never be enough! In fact, Plato was highly critical of the so-called Sophists of his time who, for money, taught the youth of Athens the skills of rhetoric as a means of equipping them for individual success. One may conclude that many modern politicians are under the influence of the Sophists’ rhetoric rather than the teachings of Plato.

Plato and a long line of political thinkers to the present time, have argued convincingly that the “good society” can never be simply a collection of self-maximizing individuals. And, it has become clear to many modern students of political economy that “community”, “citizenship” and a “public sphere” will not and cannot arise spontaneously from the “free market” and, that these objectives, for that matter, will always be in at least some degree of antagonism with the logic of the market. Indeed, the establishment of “community”, “effective citizenship” and a “public sphere” operating in the interests of the “common good” has been seen by many to be the proper task of a variety of non-market institutions of society, including, perhaps most importantly, educational institutions, in general, and those of higher education, more specifically.

A modern Canadian philosopher, George Grant, has argued, rather convincingly I think, that a primary function of European universities, from their inception until very recently, has been to provide an “intellectual check” on, or “brake” for vested interests operating in the “private sphere” - in terms of the concepts introduced here – to ensure that education serves, first and foremost, the aims and objectives of “community”, “citizenship” and the “public good” through a curriculum based in “paideia”.

However, Grant goes on to say that, in the 20th Century, many of these same universities, their offspring in Europe and many others in North America, have succumbed to the lure of vested interests in the “private sphere”, as the distinction between the “private sphere” and the “public sphere” has been blurred.

And, in light of that, a “new” breed of educational theorists and gurus has insisted that colleges and universities recast themselves as mirror-images of the “private sphere” they must increasingly come to serve. In this “new” conception, universities become producers of “goods” ie. graduates for a re-conceptualized notion of the “public good” that is, in fact, as I have just said, the result of a modern blurring of the distinction between the “private” and “public” spheres of society.

Their exhortations are often encased in language that extols the virtues of a “client-based education” in which measurable outcomes that serve the interests of the buyers of the educational outputs ie. graduates are given priority. An example, that some here might be familiar with, is Marc Tucker’s Human Resources Development System by which the government trains individuals to serve the state and the economy. In a letter to Hillary Clinton he wrote:

“What is essential is that we create a seamless web of opportunities to develop one’s skills that literally extends from cradle to grave and is the same system for everyone – young and old, poor or rich, worker and full-time student. It needs to be a system driven by client needs, guided by clear standards that define the stages of the system for the people who progress through it, and regulated on the basis of outcomes that providers produce for their clients, not inputs into the system”.

The orientation here is, I believe, all too familiar and has found increasingly fertile ground in the past few years as colleges and universities in many parts of Europe and North
America continue to face increasing competition for a diminishing student population and often crippling private and public funding cuts.

Understandably, the faculty of professional programmes, such as business, would rather have hours or courses trimmed from the “non-essential” components of the programmes – very often the general education requirements.

But what then of paideia?

Does the “client-based” approach to education ultimately serve the best interests of the wider society?

Do professional programmes such as those of business schools which reduce or eliminate general education adequately serve the “public sphere”?

And, in the absence of a substantial education in the humanities and social sciences, who, except for a small number of apparently inconsequential philosophers, religious thinkers, environmentalists etc., is even asking the question?

Are we, business educators, as surely as we must, including in our courses and programmes a reassessment of the relationship between the world of business and the wider society in light of the recent economic crisis and the revelations of widespread greed and corruption among our corporate leaders?

Do we support the idea that our business students would benefit from attending more (in some cases, any) classes in philosophy and ethics, economic history or political theory as part of their preparation for the business world and citizenship? Or have we accepted, as many have, that the interests of business are identical to those of the wider communities in which they operate?

Perhaps we assume that the often mandatory business ethics course will deal adequately with the relationship between the business community and the wider society?

I’m reminded that last year, while attempting to establish an articulation agreement between my college in Greece and a British university’s School of Business, I was told by the relevant administrator from there that my school’s commitment to general education would be a stumbling block to cooperation.

The theme for this Annual Conference of the ECBE is an important theme. We, as business educators, must continue to explore ways of being creative and innovative in the content and delivery of our business programmes - ensuring their relevance and guaranteeing that the graduates are adequately prepared to make substantial contributions to the “new” and rapidly changing world of business and able to forge successful careers.

But this, I have argued, is not enough! In addition, it is imperative for our business schools and programmes to graduate young people with the broader knowledge that general education provides and that will allow them to utilize their business acumen as citizens of their countries, of Europe and of the global community. They must, as the Bologna agreement declares, contribute to the strengthening of Europe’s intellectual, cultural, social, scientific and technological dimensions in order to truly serve the public sphere.

The authors of a recent article in the New Statesman (March 9, 2009) propose, as part of their writing, ten ideas that constitute a “manifesto for change” given the present global economic crisis. These include electoral reform, tax reform, bank regulation, new minimum wage guidelines etc. What strikes me most about the article is the complete absence of any consideration of education, although there is an oblique reference to the need for people to begin listening to one another.

Why should readers of the article entertain or accept the proposed ideas for change? What would be the readers’ frame of reference for assessing the proposals? I believe that, in the absence of a population prepared through paideia, a meaningful assessment is impossible.

Before closing, please allow me a short parenthesis. What do our students-clients think? A fitting response can, in my opinion, be found in an excerpt of a prospective student’s application essay which I would like to share with you:

“A college educates people intellectually but also develops personalities, characters, values, attitudes, teamwork, mutual support, problem solving and creativity. Essentially, the personal development of students is as important as the acquisition of knowledge and skills. To this end, the education imparted to students should be wider than what they would need in order to simply work in one particular field”.

Ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues,

As we meet together over the next couple of days, I would ask, and hope that your discussions of “creativity and innovation in the development of programs, content and delivery” are conducted within the broader context of education I have reminded us of today! We at this Conference are all striving to create the best business programmes we can. I simply think that the ultimate aims and objectives of such programmes must be forged within a concept of education that necessarily reaches beyond our own departments and programmes.

*******

References

1. The Bologna Declaration, June 19, 1999.
2. Richard Tarnas, The Passion of the Western Mind : Understanding Ideas That
    Have Shaped Our World View.
3. Marc Tucker, Human Resources Development System, National Centre on Education
    and the Economy (NCEE)
4. Neal Lawson & John Harris, “No Turning Back” in The New Statesman
    (March 9, 2009).
5. George Grant, Technology and Empire: Perspectives in North America (1969)
    Chapter: “The University Curriculum”

MINOAN INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE LAUNCHES BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (BBA) PROGRAM

litsa — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Minoan International College (MIC), formerly TRINITY, has announced that it is offering a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program, beginning in September of this year, in addition to its existing Degree programs in Tourism and Hospitality Management.

The courses offered in MIC’s business program provide students with a broad overview of how the business world operates. They cover the entire range of business functions and provide students with a strong foundation that can be applied to many sectors and industries. Students will develop the knowledge and managerial skills employers are now looking for. The knowledge gained and the skills acquired are relevant to today’s ever- changing business environment and reflect MIC’s commitment to academic excellence and career placement.

“The decision to design and offer the BBA Degree”, according to MIC’s President Nikos Skoulas,” was made largely in response to the growing concerns of parents and students in regard to an increasingly unstable economic situation and the inability of graduates from many other degree programs to secure positions and career paths in the world of business”.

The entire program is taught in English, the international language of business. Through cooperation with North American Universities, students are offered the opportunity to complete part of their studies abroad and, therefore gain a valuable international perspective and, through specific arrangements, also gain access to an American Master’s Degree Program in international business.

MIC’s faculty members are, for the most part, practicing managers who, in addition to sound academic qualifications, bring to their classes substantial field experience and global exposure. As well as in traditional classroom settings, knowledge is exchanged through management workshops, group projects, real-life projects, seminars, guest lectures, field trips and other educational activities. The advantages from this participatory learning methodology are further enhanced by a multi-cultural student body.

Minoan International College Faculty Member Publishes An Important New Book

louise — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Dr. Kostis Christakis, archaeologist and a member of Minoan International College’s teaching faculty has just published an important work based on his recent research on Minoan Civilazation.

The book entitled The Politics of Storage: Storage and Sociopolitical Complexity in Neopalatial Crete, published by INSTAP Academic Press, demonstrates how an archaeologist can use an analysis of the storage of staple surpluses (grain, olive oil etc.) as a window on the sociopolitical structure and interaction among different social sectors operating in ancient societies such as Minoan Crete.

Dr. Christakis who teaches art history and archaeology at Minoan International College has just retuned from a lecture tour in the eastern United States. As part of the tour, he was invited to deliver a paper to the 110^th Annual Meeting of the Archaeological Institutes of America in Philadelphia. Dr. Christakis’ paper focused on the role of redistribution of wealth in the functioning of palatial economic systems of Minoan Crete.

TRINITY International School of Tourism Management changes its name

litsa — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A N N O U N C E M E N T

Hersonissos, Crete

November 3rd, 2008

TRINITY International School of Tourism Management changes its name to

Minoan International College

In order to comply with recent Greek legislation which provides government recognition to qualified non-state institutions of higher education, TRINITY is announcing that, effective immediately, its name is changed to Minoan International College. The chosen name, Minoan International College, reflects the College’s geographical and cultural position as well as its international focus.

The name, Minoan International College, also accommodates an expansion of its degree programs into the field of Business Studies as a complement to its existing programs in Tourism Management.

The above mentioned legislation mandates that a government recognized private institution of higher education use the word “College” in its name. Minoan International College reflects the uniqueness of MIC and distinguishes it from other existing institutions which have the phrase “Trinity College” as part of their names.

Agreement for Student Exchange with the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey (USA)

litsa — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 23:00:00 GMT

June 25, 2008

PRESS RELEASE

Mr. Nikos Skoulas, President and Dr. Stergios L. Mourgos, Vice President and Chief Academic Officer of TRINITY International School of Tourism Management are pleased to announce that TRINITY has concluded an Agreement for Student Exchange with the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey (USA).

The agreement follows discussions by administrators of the two institutions - first at Stockton and then here at TRINITY where the agreement was signed by Dr. Mourgos and Dr. David Carr, Provost and Executive Vice President of Stockton.

Under the terms of this agreement, TRINITY’s courses are fully recognized by Stockton College as one-to-one equivalents for courses offered in its hospitality and tourism program and vice-versa. This arrangement allows for students from either school to study for one or two semesters at the partner school and then to transfer the accumulated credits back to their own institution.

TRINITY’s collaboration with Stockton College provides its students with additional opportunities for developing an international focus as they pursue exciting careers in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry of the 21^st Century. The first exchange of students under the agreement will take place in 2009.

Commenting on this agreement, the President of TRINITY stated: “This agreement with Stockton College, one of the most progressive universities in the Eastern United States, represents excellent study abroad options for TRINITY’s student body and is another confirmation of the high academic standards and relevance of our degree programs”.

It should be noted that TRINITY is an English speaking institution of higher learning, operating close to Heraklion, Crete, Greece. The program combines specializations within the hospitality and tourism industry, a required general education component and fully paid internships during the summer months.

The specializations for the Bachelor and Associate Degrees are:

Tourism & Hospitality Management
Food, Beverage & Culinary Management
Convention, Event and Exhibition Management

TRINITY is a truly international school as its student body, at present, includes students from more than 20 countries including Greece.

Classes for the Fall Semester of 2008 begin on September 22^nd.

Impressive turnout at the Forum on Greece as a destination for tourism management education

litsa — Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT

Athens, May 16^th, 2008

PRESS RELEASE

Impressive turnout at the Forum on Greece as a destination for tourism management education

The Forum on tourism management education in Greece was an unqualified success both in terms of participation as well as content. The Forum, under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism Development, the Greek National Tourism Organization and the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, was organized by the Initiative Committee for the Promotion of Greece as a Destination for Hospitality & Tourism Education at Electra Palace Hotel in Athens.

“The initiative of this Committee carries special importance in that the quality of Greek tourism is directly related to education and training”, stated Mr. Aris Spiliotopoulos, Minister of Tourism Development.

“Such initiatives” continued the Minister, “which promote university level education as an essential element for improving the competitiveness of Greek tourism and Greece as a destination for hospitality and tourism management education, greatly contribute to the achievement of our objectives”. Mr. Spiliotopoulos pledged continuing support of his Ministry to the efforts of the Initiative Committee towards the tourism development of Greece.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, Mr. Gerassimos Fokas, observed that neither the public sector nor the entrepreneurial community has fully comprehended and appreciated the relationship of education and training to quality in tourism” and added: “There are welcome exceptions in the form of structures and individuals who work hard at earning the recognition that Greece is a worthwhile global tourism and hospitality education destination. These are the people who comprise the Initiative Committee. The most positive element of this initiative is that it represents, as has from the outset, an alliance between the public and private sectors”, concluded Mr. Fokas.

TRINITY’s President Mr. Nikos Skoulas, speaking on behalf of the Founding Members, outlined the Committee’s objectives, as follows:

· to propagate the reality of modern Greece as one of the world’s top hospitality and tourism destinations;

· to raise awareness of the importance of higher education in hospitality and tourism in order to provide the thriving industry with highly qualified young men and women who will take it to new heights;

· to encourage local students to benefit from the world class education offered both by the private and public sector in Greece; and

· to promote Greece as a destination for hospitality and tourism education, attracting students from many countries and contributing to a growth in tourism.

A number of subjects related to tourism education were developed, presented and discussed with the audience by a number of distinguished educators and professionals. Among them:

Mr. Georgios Drakopoulos, General Manager, SETE – Association of Greek Tourist Enterprises on “Education as a tourism product”

Dr. Paris Tsartas, Professor of Tourism Development, Director of the Post-graduate Programme on Tourism, University of the Aegean on “The role of a public university in the internationalization of tourism studies: the case of the University of Aegean”

Dr. Perikles Lytras, Professor of Tourism Enterprises, TEI – Technological Educational Institute, Athens, and Visiting Professor, Athens University of Economics on “The role of TEI in higher education in the Tourism Industry”

Ms Sybil Hofmann, President, Alpine Center, the Swiss Business School for Hospitality & Tourism Education in Greece, on “Career opportunities in the global hospitality and tourism industry”

Dr. Stergios L. Mourgos, Professor of Business Administration, Vice President & Chief Academic Officer, TRINITY International School of Tourism Management on “The urgent need for talent in the tourism industry” and

Dr. Georgios Papageorgiou, Academic Dean, Alpine Center, the Swiss Business School for Hotel & Tourism Management Education in Greece, on “The need for life-long learning in the Greek hospitality and tourism industry”

The Forum was attended by Members of Parliament, other political personalities and leaders of the entrepreneurial and professional communities, journalists, as well as other opinion makers who participated in the intense discussion, expressing their support for higher level tourism education and contributing ideas and proposals.

The Forum became possible thanks to the sponsorship of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels and the Electra Hotel Chain, while the Communication Sponsors were: Greek Travel Pages (GTP), Travel Daily News and Pathfinder.

The Committee announced that, during the next several days and weeks, it will initiate a process of expansion by inviting other educational institutions to join, based on qualitative criteria. As well, the Committee will intensify its activities for promoting Greece as a global destination for hospitality and tourism management education.

Initiative Committee for the Promotion of Greece as a Destination for Global Hospitality and Tourism Education

litsa — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Initiative Committee for the Promotion of Greece as a Destination for Hospitality & Tourism Education is organizing a Forum on Wednesday 7 May 2008, 18:00 - 21:00, at Electra Palace Hotel, Plaka, under the auspices of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels.

The Initiative Committee comprises institutions and educators who believe in promoting tourism as a very promising career that offers enormous job opportunities as Greece's tourism expands and grows exponentially. The Committee which was formed in March 2008 aims at:

reducing the exodus of Greek students for study abroad and benefiting from the world class education offered both by the private and public sector here in Greece;
promoting higher education in hospitality and tourism management as a pre-requisite for upgrading service quality;
promoting Greece as a destination for hospitality and tourism education, attracting students from many countries and contributing to growth in tourism.

The main speakers at the Forum will be the founders of the Initiative Committee, namely: Mr. Nikos Skoulas, President, TRINITY International School of Tourism Management; Dr. Paris Tsartas, Professor in Tourism Development at the Aegean University; Dr. Perikles Lytras, Professor of Tourism at TEI Athens; Ms Sybil Hofmann, President, Alpine Center, the Swiss Business School for Hospitality & Tourism Management Education in Greece.

Other speakers will include Mr. Gerassimos Fokas, President of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels; Mr. George Dracopoulos, General Manager of SETE; the Chief Academic Officer of TRINITY Dr. Stergios Mourgos and the Academic Dean of ALPINE, Dr. Georgios Papageorgiou.

The Minister of Tourism, Mr. Aris Spiliotopoulos, has been invited to support the efforts and aims of the Committee as this initiative will benefit Greece's tourism industry by continuously upgrading quality in tourism through education.

Founding Members

Nikos Skoulas, President,
TRINITY International School of
Tourism Management
GR 700 14 Limin Hersonissos,
Crete
Tel: +30 28970 26200
e-mail: nskoulas@trinity.edu.gr
www.trinity.edu.gr

Paris Tsartas, Professor
of Tourism Development,
Director, M.S.E.Tourism
Aegean University
8 Michalon Street
GR 821 00 Chios
Tel.: +30 22710, 35322
e-mail: ptsar@aegean.gr
www.chios.aegean.gr/tourism

Perikles Lytras, Professor of
Tourism Enterprises TEI-Athens and
Visiting Professor at the Economic
University of Athens
Agiou Spyridonos Street
GR 122 10 Aegaleo, Athens
Tel.: +30 210 5385244
e-mail: plytras@teiath.gr

Ms Sybil Hofmann, President
Alpine Center, the Swiss Business
School for Hospitality & Tourism
Management Education in Greece
70 Poseidonos Avenue
GR 166 75 Glyfada-Attiki
Tel: +30 210 8983022
e-mail: shofmann@alpine.edu.gr
www.alpine.edu.gr

Talent Search Competition for the academic year 2008-2009

litsa — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hersonissos, Crete, Greece, March 13, 2008

TRINITY TALENT SEARCH COMPETITION 2008

TRINITY International School of Tourism Management will award several academic scholarships for the academic year 2008 - 2009, to gifted candidates who wish to study hospitality and tourism management at TRINITY.

The competition is open to all high school graduates who meet the entrance qualifications listed below. Students in their final year of high school (graduating summer 2008) are also welcome to participate.

The International Talent Search Competition will take place at TRINITY International School of Tourism Management (Terra Maris Hotel, GR 700 14 Limin Hersonissos, Iraklion, Crete, Greece) on Wednesday May 14^th 2008, between 12.00 noon and 3.00 p.m. Candidates living outside the area will be offered the opportunity to participate “on-line”.

The aim of the competition is to identify and support gifted individuals who wish to obtain a university level education at an English speaking institution of higher learning and to pursue a managerial career in the hospitality and tourism industry.

With this initiative, TRINITY underlines its commitment to improving the quality of tourism through the development of new managers imbued with the culture, education and training required in the contemporary, competitive tourism and hospitality environment.

Qualifications for Participation

In order to participate in the competition, candidates are required:

To be High School (Lyceum) graduates with an average grade of 80% and above or High School seniors with an average grade of 80% and above
To be fluent in English
To submit a completed “Talent Search” application form
To submit all required documents as listed on the application form
To submit a 250 – 350 word essay. The topic for the essay is “Why I am considering Hospitality and Tourism Management as a desirable academic and career path”.
To demonstrate a commitment to hard work.

Selection Procedure

Candidates are required to take a three hour written test designed to assess their:
Competence with the English Language
Creativity
Critical thinking
Originality of approach
Problem solving ability

No special preparation is necessary.

Assessment Procedure: An Academic Committee consisting of the Chief Academic Officer, the Academic Dean and three faculty members of TRINITY will evaluate each candidate’s test performance. It should be noted that the scholarships will be awarded on the basis of prior academic achievement, letters of recommendation, participation in extracurricular activities, the essay submitted at the time of application and the Talent Search test results.

Finalists for the competition will be short-listed and interviewed by the Academic Committee. The scholarship recipients will then be announced and will begin their studies on September 22nd, 2008.

The Academic Scholarship covers tuition for one academic year only (it does not include accommodation costs, activity fees, text books and other extras).

Deadline for applications and supporting documents: April 30^th, 2008

For Further Information

· Call: +30 28970 26200
· Fax: +30 28970 26203

·         Write: TRINITY International School of Tourism Management
                      Terra Maris Hotel
                      GR 700 14 Limin Hersonissos
                      Heraklion, Crete, Greece
           ·         E-mail: info@trinity.edu.gr

· Website: www.trinity.edu.gr

TRINITY RECEIVES UNWTO CERTIFICATION

litsa — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

TRINITY International School of Tourism Management is proud to announce that it has just successfully completed the certification process of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The certification process involved an intensive on-site audit of Trinity’s Bachelor Degree programs, academic structure, administrative procedures, physical facilities and budgets.

The certification places Trinity among a select group of hospitality and tourism universities operating internationally which have received UNWTO’s recognition.

UNWTO employs the TEDQUAL Certification System which supports excellence and quality in tourism education.

Following the announcement of the certification, TRINITY’s President Nikos Skoulas made the following statement: “At Trinity we have always been very proud of the high standard of education that we offer our students. The UNWTO recognition of our standards and of the relevance of our programs for the tourism and hospitality industry reinforces TRINITY’s commitment to providing the industry with well educated and well trained managers.”

TRINITY and D’Youville College of the USA sign a Memorandum of Cooperation

litsa — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 23:00:00 GMT

As part of Trinity’s and D’Youville’s ongoing commitment to increase opportunities for their student bodies and to expand the scope of their international profiles, Sister Denise Roche, President, D’Youville College, Buffalo, New York, USA and Mr. Nikos Skoulas, President, Trinity International School of Tourism Management, Crete, Greece are pleased to announce the signing of an agreement of cooperation between the two institutions.

The formal statement of cooperation follows a recent visit to TRINITY by a delegation of D’Youville College administrators composed of the President, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Director of Public Relations, the Director of Admissions and the Chair of the Dietetics Department. The agreement was signed in the presence of Mr. Spyros Danellis, Mayor of Hersonissos, Crete and a staunch supporter of hospitality and tourism education in general and of Trinity’s programs in particular.

Under the terms of the agreement, D’Youville and Trinity will work together, in two phases, to develop and implement a range of joint programs and activities that would help fulfill the commitment referred to above.

In Phase I, the two schools will establish the parameters for a Study Abroad Program under which students from one institution will be able to study at the other institution, for one or two semesters, with a full transfer of credits back to the home school. This Study Abroad Program will begin in the Spring Semester of 2008.

In Phase II, D’Youville and TRINITY will develop five year, two degree (Bachelor Degree and Master Degree) programs in Dietetics and International Business. Students in these programs would complete their dual degree requirements through attendance at both institutions.

The Dietetics dual degree program reflects a growing demand in Europe for
university level, research-based professional education in Food Science and Nutrition. This program would allow some specifically qualified students of Trinity’s Food, Beverage and Culinary Management major to pursue graduate education in this highly specialized field within D’Youville’s accredited Dietetics Department and, after completing the dual degree program, to sit the licensing examination of the American Dietetics Association. In addition, the collaboration would allow Trinity, with D’Youville’s assistance, to expand the important dimension of nutrition education within its already existing food and beverage management program.

The International Business dual degree program would allow some of Trinity’s students to complete their hospitality and tourism management studies and then to expand their international focus through D’Youville’s graduate program in international business. While completing their graduate work at D’Youville, Trinity students would complete an internship with an internationally based company.

Students participating in these programs would dramatically improve their academic credentials and enjoy all of the benefits that accrue from an international education.

TRINITY International School of Tourism Management and Tbilisi State University of Georgia Sign a Memorandum of Cooperation

litsa — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 23:00:00 GMT

As part of TRINITY’s ongoing commitment to increase opportunities for its student body and to expand the scope of its international profile, Dr. Maya Margvelashvili, Director of the International School of Tourism, Tbilisi State University of Georgia, and Dr. James P. Moran, Academic Dean, Trinity International School of Tourism Management, Crete, Greece are pleased to announce the signing of an agreement of cooperation between the two institutions.

The cooperation follows a recent visit to Georgia by TRINITY’s President Mr. Nikos Skoulas. As well as meeting with the Ambassador of Greece and the Rector and other Tbilisi State University officials, Mr. Skoulas delivered lectures at the university on entrepreneurship and aspects of an “emerging” hospitality and tourism industry such as exists in Georgia.

During the visit, it was agreed that Dr. Margvelashvili, accompanied by her colleague Marina Purtseladze, would come to TRINITY to discuss matters of common interest. The Memorandum of Cooperation is a direct result of those talks.

Under the terms of the agreement, TRINITY and Tbilisi State University will work together to develop student and faculty exchange programs and to engage in joint research into the rapidly changing hospitality and tourism industry.

TRINITY has also agreed to provide Tbilisi’s International School of Tourism with assistance in the development of its new English language BBA Degree program in Tourism and Hospitality Management. Such a program at Tbilisi will facilitate inter-institutional cooperation and ultimately provide students of each school with an opportunity to do part of their studies at the other institution. Students participating in such an exchange program would therefore be availed of the possibility of expanding their academic horizons and experiencing different countries and cultures.

TRINITY Talent Search Competition 2007

litsa — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

TRINITY International School of Tourism Management will award several academic scholarships for the academic year 2007 - 2008, to gifted candidates who wish to study hospitality and tourism management at TRINITY.

The competition is open to all high school graduates who meet the entrance qualifications listed below. Students in their final year of high school (graduating summer 2007) are also welcome to apply.

The International Talent Search Competition will take place at TRINITY International School of Tourism Management (Terra Maris Hotel, GR 700 14 Limin Hersonissos, Iraklion, Crete, Greece) on Thursday May 10^th 2007, between 12.00 noon and 3.00 p.m. Candidates living outside the area will be offered the opportunity to participate "on-line".

Qualifications for Participation

In order to participate in the competition, candidates are required:

To be High School (Lyceum) graduates with an average grade of 80% and above or High School seniors with an average grade of 80% and above
To be fluent in English
To submit a completed "Talent Search" application form
To submit all required documents as listed on the application form
To submit a 250 - 350 word essay. The topic for the essay is "Why Hospitality
and Tourism Management is being considered as an academic path as well as describing future / career aspirations within the industry".
To demonstrate a commitment to hard work.

Selection Procedure

Candidates are required to take a three hour written test designed to assess their:

Competence with the English Language
Creativity
Critical thinking
Originality of approach
Problem solving ability

No special preparation is necessary

Assessment Procedure: An Academic Committee consisting of the Chief Academic Officer, the Academic Dean and three faculty members of TRINITY will evaluate each candidate's test performance. It should be noted that the scholarships will be awarded on the basis of prior academic achievement, participation in extracurricular activities, the essay submitted at the time of application and the Talent Search test results.

The Academic Scholarship covers tuition only (it does not include accommodation costs, text books and other extras).

Deadline for applications and supporting documents: April 30^th, 2007

For Further Information

Call: +30 28970 26200
Fax: +30 28970 26203
Write: TRINITY International School of Tourism Management, Terra Maris Hotel,
GR 700 14 Limin Hersonissos, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
E-mail: admissions@trinity.edu.gr

SNHU and TRINITY forge new international partnership

litsa — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Manchester, N.H. (Jan. 22, 2007) – Southern New Hampshire University will offer its Master of Science degree in hospitality administration at the TRINITY campus in Hersonissos, Crete, Greece beginning Sept. 2007.

"The business school and, in particular, the hospitality program is ecstatic to partner with the Trinity International School of Tourism Management located in Hersonissos, Crete, Greece," said Martin Bradley, dean of the School of Business at SNHU. "Trinity provides a five-star world resort hotel/campus facility ensuring that students have an incredible relevant experience as they pursue their graduate degree in hospitality. The opportunity to earn a master's degree on Crete provides the best of a global relevant education."

SNHU is one of only 32 universities in the U.S. to have its hospitality and tourism program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration.

The master's program consists of 12 courses (36 credits) and can be completed in approximately one year by students who have completed a four-year bachelor's degree in hospitality and tourism management.

Students with bachelor's degrees in other disciplines are eligible to apply to a "qualifying/bridging program" for the master's degree. Successful candidates will attend courses that will give them the necessary background for admission into the master's year. Classes for the "qualifying/bridging" program begin Jan. 22. This is a unique opportunity for those holders of bachelor's degrees who are looking for a university qualification that will allow them access to management positions in the exciting and ever-expanding hospitality and tourism industry.

Please call SNHU's Graduate Enrollment Office at 603.644.3102, e-mail graduateprograms@snhu.edu or visit www.trinity.edu.gr for more information.

AMERICAN MASTER of SCIENCE DEGREE (M.Sc.) in Hospitality Administration

litsa — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), one of America’s leading universities, will offer its Master of Science Degree in Hospitality Administration at the TRINITY campus in Hersonissos, Crete, Greece beginning September, 2007.

Mr. Nikos Skoulas, president of TRINITY, expressed his satisfaction on the signing of this agreement, which further underlines TRINITY’s commitment to providing its students with top level educational opportunities. In accordance with the agreement, students enrolled in the Master’s program will be registered at SNHU in the U.S.A. and the courses will be delivered, in English, by SNHU faculty. The Master’s Degree will be signed by Southern New Hampshire University.

SNHU is one of only 32 universities in the United States to have its Hospitality and Tourism Program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA).

The Master’s program consists of 12 courses (36 credits), and can be completed in approximately one year by students who have completed a four year Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Students with Bachelor’s Degrees in other disciplines are eligible to apply to a “qualifying/bridging program” for the Master’s Degree. Successful candidates will attend courses that will give them the necessary background for admission into the Master’s year. Classes for the “qualifying/bridging” program begin on January 22^nd, 2007. This is a unique opportunity for those holders of Bachelor Degrees who are looking for a university qualification which will allow them access to management positions in the exciting and ever-expanding hospitality and tourism industry.

Students in both categories may begin submitting applications as of December 15^th, 2006.

As well as the Master's Degree program, TRINITY offers Bachelor and Associate Degrees, and a Diploma program. Classes for the Spring Semester begin on January 22, 2007.

TRINITY has articulation agreements and student exchange agreements with Thompson Rivers University, Canada and with Southern New Hampshire University, USA. Trinity's collaboration with TRU and SNHU provides its students with additional opportunities for developing an international focus as they pursue exciting careers in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry.

TRINITY and Thompson Rivers University Sign Articulation and Exchange Agreements

litsa — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

As part of TRINITY’s ongoing commitment to increase opportunities for its student body and to expand the scope of its international profile, Dr. Roger Barnsley, President, Thompson Rivers University of Kamloops, Canada and Mr. Nikos Skoulas, President of Trinity International School of Tourism Management, Crete, Greece are pleased to announce the signing of two agreements for Articulation, and Student and Faculty Exchange.

Under the terms of these agreements, TRINITY and TRU’s students will have the opportunity to spend up to two semesters of study at the partner institution and to have all their credits transferred back to their home institution. This is particularly exciting given the fact that as well as having many core courses in common, the two institutions offer their own specializations. Students participating in the exchange program will therefore be availed of the opportunity to expand their academic horizons in addition to experiencing different cultures and academic courses.

TRU exchange students attending courses in Crete will be eligible to participate in TRINITY’s internship program (practicum) staged at some of Greece’s top resort hotels and conference complexes.

TRU is one of Canada’s newest and most innovative universities with outstanding business and tourism schools. It is situated in the scenic province of British Columbia with easy access to the Pacific Coast and the province’s imposing mountain ranges. TRU is a medium size university with a commitment to international education and to preserving and promoting intimate educational experiences on a human scale. Its School of Tourism Management has an excellent, highly qualified faculty and administration with significant connections to the tourism and hospitality industry in Canada. Its fields of specialization include Tourism Management, Culinary Management and a highly acclaimed program in Adventure Tourism.

During their week-long visit to TRU, TRINITY’s President Nikos Skoulas and Academic Dean Dr. James Moran also had the opportunity to meet with TRU’s Business Faculty with whom they agreed to jointly develop and offer an International MBA with a tourism concentration to be delivered at both campuses.

TRINITY and Southern New Hampshire University agreed on the Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Hospitality Administration

litsa — Tue, 23 May 2006 23:00:00 GMT

A five-member delegation of top academic officials from Southern New Hampshire University, USA, headed by Dr. Curtis Smith, Vice president for Academic Affairs, is in Crete for a five-day business meeting with the leadership of TRINITY International Hospitality Studies.

At a press conference on May 24th, the institutions announced that they have agreed in principle, to offer in Greece, and more specifically at Trinity’s campus, a Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Hospitality Administration, that is identical to the one offered by Southern New Hampshire University in the United States.

This agreement is a continuation of an earlier accord which the two institutions signed last March for the mutual recognition of their undergraduate programs and courses (articulation agreement) and the unconditional transfer of academic credits from one institution to the other.

During the deliberations with the Southern New Hampshire University delegation, Trinity’s President, Mr. Nikos Skoulas thanked the members of the Hoteliers’ association of Heraklion for their full support of Trinity and for their commitment to hire Trinity’s graduates on a priority basis. He also acknowledged the many forms of help they offer to the university and their desire to assist Trinity in the maintenance of its extremely high academic standards.

The Head of the delegation Dr. Curtis Smith, Vice President for Academic Affairs noted:

“This is a golden opportunity for students who wish to obtain a Master of Science Degree (M.Sc.) in Hospitality Administration in Greece, identical to the one offered in the United States. It is a post-graduate degree which is being offered at the right place at the right time, in view of dramatic developments in the tourism market and the educational requirements that result from those developments”.

The Vice President and Chief Academic Officer of Trinity, Dr. Stergios L. Mourgos, emphasized the importance of the agreement with such a prestigious American university and the effect this will have on tourism education not only in Greece but in the broader region.

It should be noted that SNHU is one of only 32 universities, among hundreds in the United States having hospitality and tourism programs, accredited by the prestigious Accrediting Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA).

This graduate program offers unlimited employment and career opportunities in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Finally, the two delegations announced that, in the near future, they will explore the possibility of offering a Global MBA, and a graduate level double degree program consisting of an M. Sc in Hospitality Administration and an MBA. There was also discussion of the development of an Executive Master’s Program which would be structured to the needs of industry professionals. The possibility of these programs will be the agenda for later meetings between the two universities.

The Southern New Hampshire University’s delegation consisted of:

Dr. Curtis Smith, Vice President, Academic Affairs
Dr. William Petersen, Dean, Hospitality School
Dr. Jorge Garcia, Associate Vice President for International Relations
Dr. Ravi Pandit, Coordinator, Hospitality Programs
Dr. Gerald I. Harel, Professor of Quantitative Studies and Economics, Designer of the Global MBA Program

TRINITY’s the delegation consisted of:

Mr. Nikos Skoulas, President
Dr. Stergios L. Mourgos, Vice President and Chief Academic Officer
Dr. James Moran, Academic Dean
Mrs. Louise Skoulas, Director of International Communications
Mrs. Αntigone Polychronakis, Registrar
Mrs. Μaria Siamagas, Director of Marketing

Hoteliers’ Association of Heraklion and TRINITY International Hospitality Studies Sign Memorandum of Cooperation

litsa — Wed, 17 May 2006 23:00:00 GMT

The commitment to link university-level education in Hospitality and Tourism Management to industry requirements and to provide tourism and hospitality enterprises with well-educated and well-trained executives was reconfirmed at a joint press conference of the Hoteliers’ Association of Heraklion and TRINITY International Hospitality Studies on Thursday, May 18.

“The quality of the tourism product we offer is directly related to the quality of tourism education and training we deliver”, said the President of the Hoteliers’ Association of Heraklion Mr. Nikiforos Lambrinos at a press conference today, and added: “Tourism education, in the long term, acts as a tool in shaping the social and touristic culture in a society”.

“Within the context of intense international competition, the survival and proper development of Greek tourism necessitates university-level education and training responsive to the needs of the professional community. For this reason, we warmly welcome the initiative of the Heraklion Hoteliers’ Association to work closely with TRINITY” stated Mr. Nikos Skoulas, President of TRINITY International Hospitality Studies

The Memorandum of Cooperation identifies specific joint-tasks that will result in an improvement in the quality of tourism in Crete and thereby promote the competitiveness of its tourist and hotel enterprises.

The main points of the agreement include a commitment on behalf of the Association’s members to hire Trinity’s graduates on a priority basis and to participate in Trinity’s Internship Program. Trinity agrees to conduct research projects and to provide continuing education programs for the Association.

Other important areas of cooperation mandate that the Association and Trinity will:

jointly and actively pursue the objectives of promoting, as an absolute necessity, institutions of higher education in tourism and hospitality management
encourage students to attend full-time undergraduate and graduate programs at these institutions
encourage working professionals in the tourism and hospitality industry in Heraklion to enroll in and attend courses as part-time students as a means of enhancing their academic profiles and improving their managerial competencies
encourage the Association’s members to provide scholarships for talented students in an effort to supplement the scholarship programs offered by Trinity
utilize those senior members of the Association holding appropriate academic and professional qualifications as guest lecturers or visiting faculty at Trinity.

TRINITY International Hospitality Studies, located in Hersonissos Crete, is an English-speaking university for studies in Hospitality and Tourism Management. It offers programs of study leading to a Diploma, Associate Degree, Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in Hospitality Administration.

For further information, please phone:
Trinity: 28970-26200 – Hoteliers’ Association: 2810-288108