On 20–21 February 2025, AKMI had the pleasure of hosting Mrs Monika Auzinger from the European Training Foundation (ETF). Mrs Auzinger was in Greece on behalf of the Internationalizing Vocational Excellence (IntVE) initiative and the ETF’s International Self‑Assessment Tool for Centres of Vocational Excellence (ISATCOVE). The two‑day site visit offered an in‑depth look at how Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) drive tangible improvements in Vocational Education and Training (VET).

As leader of the EU‑funded TourX project (No 101056184), AKMI showcased its innovative, ecosystem‑building approach to tourism education—an approach now recognized among the top four best‑practice CoVEs in Europe.

TourX – A Game Changer in Tourism Education

TourX is a three‑year CoVE project, co‑financed by the European Union, that unites 23 partners across seven countries (Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Germany and China). At its core lies the Knowledge Triangle model: structured collaboration between VET providers, industry players and policymakers to ensure curricula, internships and career pathways map directly onto real‑world tourism needs.

Objectives of the ETF Visit

• Showcase AKMI’s Leadership: Demonstrate AKMI’s cutting‑edge VET practices in tourism.
• Highlight Knowledge Triangles: Examine how tripartite partnerships accelerate skills development.
• Share Best Practices: Present AKMI’s SANIKOS vocational training model, internship schemes and career‑pathway initiatives.
• Foster International Cooperation: Strengthen ties between ETF, TourX partners and regional stakeholders.

Visit Highlights

• State‑of‑the‑Art Facilities Tour: Mrs Auzinger explored AKMI’s specialized tourism labs and simulated work environments.
• SANIKOS Program Presentation: AKMI’s flagship vocational training model—integrating theory, hands‑on practice and digital tools—was showcased to illustrate scalable excellence.
• Internship & Career Roundtable: A dynamic panel with industry representatives, VET staff and alumni discussed mechanisms for smooth school‑to‑work transitions.
• Networking Sessions: Representatives from @IMEGSEVEE, Hellenic Open University, EOPPEP, the Region of Attica and the Italian‑Greek Chamber joined to exchange insights on emerging tourism‑skills needs.
• TourX in Action: Live demonstrations of the Hospitality Labs toolbox illustrated how modular training units can be adapted by schools and businesses across Europe.

Shaping the Future of Tourism VET

The ETF’s recognition of TourX as a best‑practice CoVE underscores AKMI’s leadership in crafting sustainable, high‑quality tourism training. By continuing to deploy the Knowledge Triangle framework, expanding its mobility schemes, and refining digital learning resources, AKMI and its partners are setting a new standard for vocational excellence—one that directly responds to the evolving demands of Europe’s tourism industry.