The Ministry of National Economy and Finance supports the significant reform of the Ministry of Tourism for the upgrade of tourism education and the utilization of educational buildings.
In this context, a meeting was held today between the Minister of National Economy and Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis and the Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni, regarding the Joint Ministerial Decision (JMD) that will determine the institutional framework for the utilization of tourism education properties through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
During the meeting, ways of utilizing buildings and facilities that belong to public property were also discussed, with the aim of enhancing the qualitative development of Greek tourism and local communities.
Upgrading Tourism Education
The reform of the Ministry of Tourism provides for the revival of the hotel-school model, with modern tools and means, utilizing PPPs and educational unit buildings that have a hotel construction permit.
The initiative, recently announced by the Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni, includes:
• The leasing of educational buildings with a hotel construction permit through international tenders, for a period of up to 99 years.
• The obligation to modernize, upgrade energy efficiency and maintain high operating standards.
• Ensuring the uninterrupted continuation of educational programs.
• The protection of the public and free nature of tourism education, with the Ministry of Tourism retaining responsibility for the operation and the educational program.
 
The new framework promotes the creation of integrated models of coexistence of hotels and educational units, inspired by the Swiss example. Leases will be accompanied by contractual obligations to upgrade the buildings, in order to ensure the smooth operation of educational programs.
The initiative concerns the Schools of Higher Vocational Training (SAEK) in Anavyssos, Perea and Heraklion (Kokkini Hani)
This initiative achieves the upgrading of tourism education with modern infrastructure and high-level practical training and the effective utilization of public property, in terms of sustainability, transparency and public interest.
Source: tornosnews.gr/en/