On 12 March 2025, AKMI proudly took part in the European Training Foundation’s Internationalising Vocational Excellence Conference in Turin, Italy. Represented by Marievi Gretsi, coordinator of the TourX project, AKMI joined experts and policymakers from across Europe to explore how Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) are reshaping Vocational Education and Training (VET) and driving skills development.

Over two days, the ETF convened stakeholders to discuss the evolving landscape of VET and the critical support services needed for CoVEs to thrive. The agenda included plenary sessions on funding models, governance structures, and partnership strategies—each designed to foster excellence and sustainability in vocational training.

TourX at the Heart of the Discussion

On the opening day, Marievi Gretsi took the floor as coordinator of TourX (Project No. 101056184), framing the conversation around “Support Services for Vocational Excellence.” She detailed TourX’s mission to forge sustainable, innovation‑driven partnerships within the tourism industry via a three‑way collaboration between academia, industry and public authorities.

Key highlights of her presentation included:

• Unique Three‑Way Collaboration: TourX’s approach ensures that curricula and training tools reflect real‑world tourism needs while leveraging academic research and policy guidance.
• Hospitality Labs Toolbox: An open‑access suite of modular training units designed to be adapted by VET providers and industry partners. Marievi walked attendees through practical examples of how schools and businesses can integrate these modules to enhance learners’ competencies in areas such as customer service, digital marketing and sustainable tourism practices.

Beyond formal sessions, AKMI engaged with peers in the ETF Network on Excellence (ENE), sharing insights on mobility schemes, curriculum adaptation and digital learning platforms developed under TourX. These exchanges underscored AKMI’s commitment to driving vocational excellence—not only at home but across Europe.

AKMI’s participation at the ETF conference reinforces its leadership in internationalizing vocational excellence. Building on the momentum from Turin, AKMI will continue to champion the TourX project’s outputs—including the Hospitality Labs toolbox and forthcoming methodological frameworks—in its partner network and beyond.

By fostering dialogue between VET providers, industry stakeholders and policy‑makers, AKMI remains dedicated to shaping resilient, future‑focused VET systems that meet the dynamic needs of Europe’s tourism sector.