Greece is upgrading its tourism education and training programs by reintroducing a successful hotel-based learning model, Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni announced on Wednesday.
Speaking to the press, Kefalogianni emphasized the vital role of human capital in the enduring success of Greek tourism and highlighted the importance of continuous investment in skills development to maintain the sector’s competitiveness and quality offering.
At the heart of the initiative is the revival of Higher Vocational Training Schools (SAEK) located in Anavyssos, Perea, and Heraklion, which are currently housed in former Xenia hotels – state-owned properties built for tourism education and hospitality purposes.
The new strategy will see these facilities renovated to function simultaneously as hotels and vocational training centers. This dual-use model mirrors successful international examples, such as those found in Switzerland, and aims to provide hands-on education in real-world hospitality settings.
Under a newly established institutional framework, these properties will be leased long-term through competitive bidding processes. Concessionaires will be required to renovate and maintain the buildings to support both tourism operations and educational activities throughout the lease period.
“Through public-private partnerships and EU funding tools, we are creating modern, integrated spaces that will serve as both hotels and learning centers,” said Kefalogianni. “This is a bold investment in the future of Greek tourism.”
New tourism education facilities are also planned for Agios Nikolaos on Crete, further reflecting Greece’s commitment to producing highly skilled tourism professionals.
