On Monday, May 26th, AKMI S.A.—Greece’s only recognized Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) in tourism—welcomed Professor Melanie Williams, an Australian research fellow studying international CoVE models to inform Australia’s emerging TAFE CoEs strategy. Her visit formed part of a broader investigation into what defines vocational excellence, how partnerships are formed and sustained, and how CoVEs measure their impact on regional skills ecosystems. As a best‑practice exemplar via the TourX project, AKMI provided a deep dive into European methodologies for driving VET innovation.
Professor Williams met with AKMI International’s project management team—Marievi Gretsi, Angeliki Kakou and Danai Nestoridou—who also coordinate the TourX project. Their discussions focused on AKMI’s strategic role in shaping European VET, the TourX knowledge‑triangle model, and lessons that could inspire Australia’s Centres of Excellence framework.
The visit began with a comprehensive presentation of TourX, covering its structure, six‑step methodological framework, and key achievements to date. Next came a guided tour of AKMI’s state‑of‑the‑art tourism training laboratories, where Professor Williams observed hands‑on learning in action—from front‑office simulations to digital marketing workshops.
Later sessions showcased AKMI’s industry engagement initiatives, including its annual Career Day events and the SANIKOS program, which integrates local employers directly into the VET curriculum. These examples highlighted how strong employer partnerships and real‑world practice underpin vocational excellence across Europe.
To cap the day, the group enjoyed a meal at AKMI’s pop‑up restaurant—prepared and served entirely by hospitality students—offering a tangible demonstration of project‑based learning and student autonomy.
Professor Williams’ visit underscored the immense value of international collaboration in crafting future‑ready VET systems. By sharing insights and practices between Europe and Australia, both regions stand to accelerate the development of resilient, high‑quality vocational training models.
