Economy Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis and Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni. Photo source: Tourism Ministry
Greece’s Tourism and Economy Ministries are moving forward with plans to repurpose educational facilities across the country, aiming to modernize and upgrade tourism education nationwide.
The initiative will be rolled out at the country’s Higher Vocational Training Schools (SAEK) in Anavyssos, Heraklion (Kokkini Hani) and Perea
Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni and Economy Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis discussed the details in a recent meeting, focusing on a Joint Ministerial Decision that will set the framework for implementation.
The initiative envisions the use of public properties through long-term international leasing agreements under public-private partnerships, aiming to boost Greek tourism and deliver benefits to local communities.
Key elements of the plan
Photo source: Tourism Ministry
The plan calls for the long-term leasing of educational buildings licensed for hotel use through international tenders, with contracts of up to 99 years.
It also requires the modernization and energy upgrade of facilities while ensuring high operating standards. At the same time, it guarantees the ongoing delivery of educational programs and protects the public, tuition free character of tourism education, with the tourism ministry retaining full responsibility for operations and curricula.
Under the new framework, integrated models combining hotels and educational units will be promoted, inspired by Switzerland’s “hotel school” model. Lease contracts will include binding obligations to upgrade facilities and ensure the smooth delivery of academic programs.
By reviving the hotel-school model with modern tools, the ministries aim not only to breathe new life into licensed hotel facilities but also to align Greece’s tourism education with international best practices.
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