Training the Trainer – Innovating Teaching Practices for Sustainable Tourism Education

November 1, 2024

Inno4Tourism: A Successful Training of Trainers Program Concludes in Thessaloniki

Transforming Tourism Education: Training the Trainers (ToT) Seminar in Thessaloniki

On November 11, the second part of the Training of Trainers (ToT) seminar, organized under the Inno4Tourism project, commenced in Thessaloniki, Greece, hosted by the University of Macedonia (UoM). Building upon the first week’s activities at the University of Palermo (UNIPA), the Thessaloniki programme welcomed participants from Thailand and Laos.

This second week aimed to equip academic staff with the tools and knowledge necessary to transfer best practices in curriculum development and University-Business Cooperation (UBC) mechanisms to other higher education institutions (HEIs). Also, the Thessaloniki programme offered an immersive experience into sustainable tourism and innovative educational practices. Participants engaged in interactive sessions, workshops, field visits, and cultural activities, providing a comprehensive perspective on aligning tourism education with industry needs.

Opening and Orientation

The programme started with a warm institutional welcome led by Prof. Jason Papathanasiou, Prof. Chris Vassiliadis and Dr. Sofia Gkarane. Introductory sessions reflected on the outcomes of the Inno4Tourism online training programme, delving them into sustainable tourism practices, lean management, and quality management in the digital era. Participants were introduced to the UoM campus, including its library, career office, and other facilities, offering a comprehensive view of the university’s resources.

Bridging Tourism Education and Industry Demands

The second day continued at the University of Macedonia, with a strong focus on digital and social media marketing strategies for tourism, sustainable hospitality practices, and strategic business sustainability planning. Through these sessions, participants gained practical insights into aligning tourism education with industry demands.

Cultural Heritage Meets Innovation

On November 13th, participants explored key cultural landmarks in Thessaloniki, including the White Tower and the Museum of Byzantine Culture. These visits highlighted innovative technologies for promoting cultural heritage and strategies for marketing Byzantine culture through digital tourism. The day also featured sessions on sustainability initiatives at the University of Macedonia and innovative career service approaches.

Connecting with the Tourism Sector

The fourth day brought participants to the Philoxenia–Hotelia International Tourism Exhibition, a pivotal event for the tourism sector. Here, participants presented the Inno4Tourism project, showcasing innovative tourism perspectives from Thailand and Laos. They also engaged with tourism professionals, explored industry exhibitions, and attended workshops focused on sustainable practices and future trends in the tourism sector.

Experiential Learning on Mount Olympus

The programme concluded with an experiential excursion to Mount Olympus. Sponsored by the Pierian Organization of Tourism Development and Promotion, the day included visits to the National Park of Olympus Museum, the archaeological park and museum of Dion, and a sustainable vineyard. Participants engaged in discussions on eco-tourism, environmental management, and heritage preservation, integrating these themes with local economic development through agritourism. The visit to the Holy Monastery of Agios Dionysios emphasized the importance of preserving cultural and spiritual sites within sustainable tourism.

Reflections and Closing Remarks

The ToT seminar concluded with reflections on implementing sustainable tourism practices and the evaluation of the programme. By fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration, the seminar empowered participants to drive innovation and sustainability in tourism education within their institutions.