Tourism and Hospitality Studies – IST College https://ist.edu.gr Independent Studies of Science & Technology Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:33:45 +0000 en hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://ist.edu.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/cropped-favicon-ISTedu-32x32.png Tourism and Hospitality Studies – IST College https://ist.edu.gr 32 32 Diploma in Food & Beverage Management https://ist.edu.gr/en/course/diploma-in-food-beverage-management-2/ Mon, 29 Jul 2024 14:17:53 +0000 https://ist.edu.gr/?post_type=avada_portfolio&p=5906

Description

The catering department is considered the most profitable part of a hotel business, and for this reason great emphasis is placed on the organization of its operation. Food & Beverage Management is an integral part of the operations of the hotel unit, while many times, with the high level of service, it contributes to the creation of loyal customers for the hotel business. The Diploma in Food & Beverage Management programme analyzes the management and operation of food departments, including Bar departments, for which there is a separate educational module.

 

Who it is addressed to

To hospitality and catering and entertainment businesses – Bar, their employees and to those who want to work professionally in the area of ​​catering and entertainment – Bar. With practical applications and case studies, the participants, upon completion of the seminar, will be able to meet the demands of a dynamic sector, such as that of catering and entertainment – bar.

 

Structure

  • Introduction to the management of catering businesses
  • Structure of food businesses
  • The forms of restaurant businesses and their organization
  • Principles of planning spaces and mass catering facilities
  • Identification and selection of equipment

  • Food production and distribution systems
  • Analysis of food production systems
  • Hygiene of food, equipment, personnel
  • Ways to ensure hygiene and safety in the workplaces of restaurant businesses
  • Food supply and storage
  • Standardization of production and serving recipes
  • Quality assurance systems (e.g. HACCP and ISO)

  • Organization and operation of the Food Bar Departments
  • Peculiarities of staff management of the Bar departments
  • Customer service and Bar sales promotion
  • Economic exploitation and management
  • Analysis of financial results
  • Wine types in the hotel industry

  • Peculiarities of staff management of food departments
  • Human resource planning
  • Staff organization for mass production
  • Evaluation of professional performance
  • Development of sales promotion programs

  • Introduction – Basic Concepts
  • Order Management and Processing
  • The functions of the Warehouse
  • Stock management

  • Quality of Services
  • Customer satisfaction
  • F&B Marketing

  • F & B Operations Management
  • Strategy in Tourism and Hospitality
  • Human resource Management
  • Financial management
  • Sales management
  • Food production costing

 

Modes of Delivery

The programme is offered with:

  • Scheduled Department at our facilities – 68 Sygrou St. (Next to Sygrou Metro – Fix)
  • Online participation in the classroom during the course following the course schedule (modern distance learning).
  • E-learning with on-demand watching video lessons in your own time with a personalized study programme, through the modern educational platform of IST College (asynchronous distance learning).
  • Blended Learning: Create your own flexible study programme using any of the above tracking methods in combination.

Certification

The Diploma is certified for the quality of its subject matter, its presenters, the way students are evaluated and the quality of its material, with the Advanced level Quality Training Label scheme by ACTA – Technoblastos of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

Upon successful completion of the program you will also receive the Attendance Certificate from IST.

]]> Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Hospitality Seminar https://ist.edu.gr/en/course/artificial-intelligence-ai-for-hospitality-seminar/ Mon, 29 Jul 2024 14:13:07 +0000 https://ist.edu.gr/?post_type=avada_portfolio&p=5905

Description

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Hospitality Programme is designed to highlight the developments and opportunities that AI will bring to the hospitality industry. It is a full hands on (practical) crash course that presents and analyzes the technological developments in the industry. Upon its completion, participants will be able to immediately apply all the contents that will be mentioned (eg tools such as ChatGPT, to improve image, discover new prospects, customers, improve reputation and reviews, etc.).

Basic information

  • The duration of the programme lasts 6 hours and ideally up to 20 people can participate.
  • The training takes place either live in a place of your choice, or online.
  • The training is provided by a highly qualified professional instructor with high standards and knowledge of the subject.
  • Upon completion of the training programme, a certificate of attendance as well as rich training material is provided to the participants.
  • The possibility of adapting the training to your own specialized needs (customization) is provided.

Key Highlights

In order to fully understand the content of the programme, the participants will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the subject through an interactive game with multiple choice questions.

Lecturer

Yiannis Angelakis is the founder of Engage Media and business consultant in matters of commercial planning and development through digital infrastructures. He has extensive teaching experience training company executives and students on digital marketing, artificial intelligence, e-commerce and digital transformation. He is a graduate of the Department of Media Communication and Culture of Panteion University, specializing in Marketing, and since 1997 he has been professionally active in sector of digital & interactive media. He has been a high-ranking executive in important companies such as Forthnet, and Kathimerini.

Structure

  • Introduction to Artificial Intelligence: What it is, challenges, changes and effects on the tourism market.

  • Optimizing the Online Presence: Image analysis and approaching new customers.
  • Specialized Content Creation Tools: Attracting interest through content.

  • Increased Bookings Using Artificial Intelligence.
  • Improving Reviews, SEO Rankings, & AI Automations (Loyalty, Customer Satisfaction Surveys, etc.).

  • Selected Examples and Use Cases: AI reservation systems, experience chatbots, innovations, etc.).

  • Applications and Advantages of Virtual Assistants and Impact on Visitor Decision.

  • Computer Vision Applications in the Tourism Sector: Hotels, restaurants, etc.

  • Dynamic Pricing Applications: Predictive Models and Revenue Management.

  • Improving energy autonomy through the use of advanced technologies.

]]> InHouse Hotel Training Seminar https://ist.edu.gr/en/course/inhouse-hotel-training-seminar/ Mon, 29 Jul 2024 14:09:32 +0000 https://ist.edu.gr/?post_type=avada_portfolio&p=5904

Description

IST College, understanding the needs of today’s market, in collaboration with Innjobs.net – online job search platform in the tourism sector, offers the most innovative InHouse Hotel Training programme. The programme includes a comprehensive approach to the training needs of your hotel staff. Experienced lecturers, specialized in each area of ​​the hotel, promote training from theory to practice, based on real conditions. The person responsible for the programme is Mr. Argyris Daouliaris, owner and CEO of Innjobs.net, who has been General Manager of hotels and catering departments in Greece and abroad for a number of years.

Educational modules

Description

The high requirements for quality services and for the proper and orderly operation of a hotel unit led to the need to cooperate with specialized personnel in the field of roofing.
Housekeeping requires not only precise organization, cleanliness and decency, but also proper service and absolute control of each floor of a hotel unit. It is one of the most vital parts of the hotel, as it contributes significantly to creating a pleasant and comfortable stay for guests.

Monitoring Benefits

During the training module, participants gain valuable knowledge from experienced professionals who have long-term experience in the tourism industry. Through practical knowledge and educational material, all topics related to the field of roofing are comprehensively covered. After completing the theoretical training, participants have the opportunity to practice in real conditions and develop practical skills.

Program Structure

  • Functions & Organization of the Department
  • Daily chores
  • Room / Bathroom Cleaning Procedure
  • Cleaning Common Areas
  • Use of Equipment – Machinery & Cleaners
  • Linen – Linen case
  • Health & Safety
  • Quality Service & Complaints Management

Description

The “Front Office – Reservations” training includes basic knowledge and skills for existing or potential employees in the reception department of a hotel business. It contributes to the familiarization of the participants with the basic procedures and functions of the reception, having as the ultimate goal the effective service of the guests of the hospitality units.

Monitoring Benefits

After completing the module, the participants will be able to:
A. Work at the Reception of hotel units or other tourist accommodation having knowledge of the duties of the position.
B. Be familiar with the use of the various software and web tools used in this position.

Program Structure

  • Hotel Departments
  • Reception
  • Reception functions and organization
  • Reception Staff
  • Room Pricing
  • Processing Reservations
  • Customer Complaints and Complaints Management
  • Check-in / Check-Out

Description

The catering department can be one of the most profitable departments of a hotel business and for this reason, great emphasis is placed on the organization of its operation. Food & Beverage Management is an integral part of the operations of the hotel unit and contributes to the creation of loyal customers for the hotel business, through the high level of service provision.

Monitoring Benefits

Attendance allows trainees to thoroughly understand the importance of the catering department as a profitable and essential factor for a hotel business. In addition, the
module provides basic skills and knowledge related to the organization of the operation of the department,
strengthening their abilities for effective management. In this way, the trainees
acquire the necessary resources to contribute to the creation and retention of loyal customers,
enhancing the success of the hotel business.

Program Structure

  • Restaurant Technique
  • Task analysis
  • The kitchen area
  • Restaurant Equipment
  • Table setting
  • Menu
  • Customer service
  • Room Service
  • Rules of Hygiene

Description

In this training module, we will discover the deeper aspects of Food & Beverage management and specifically how to control costs and how to increase the efficiency and profitability of the food department.

Monitoring Benefits

Upon completion of the module, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities undertaken by a Food & Beverage Manager. Familiarize themselves with the concept of Cost Control and learn how to calculate profit. They also acquire knowledge of controlling the purchases and warehouses of the Food & Beverage Department, determining the best ways
of managing supplies. The importance of the menu, the concept of the standard recipe, as well as the organization of the catalog are emphasized. Finally, the concept of quality and its role in creating high standards of dining experience for customers is analyzed.

Program Structure

  • Introduction Food & Beverage Management
  • Profit in food divisions
  • Apportionment
  • Menu
  • Standard recipe
  • markets
  • Warehouse
  • Quality in the Food & Beverage Department

Description

The training module is designed for hotel/department managers and hospitality professionals who want to gain a comprehensive understanding of revenue management and industry performance. Key concepts, strategies and best practices related to revenue maximization are covered. Attendees will learn how to effectively manage
room rates, inventory, distribution channels and pricing to increase profitability. Topics such as demand forecasting, revenue management tools and techniques, and performance measurement are covered
. Interactive activities, case studies and discussions are included to
facilitate practical application of concepts.

Monitoring Benefits

Upon completion of the training module, participants will understand the basic concepts and functions of marketing and sales, gaining deep knowledge of customer behavior and market direction for business success. They also understand the roles and responsibilities of a sales or marketing manager. They specialize in the fundamentals of Revenue – Yield Management and understand booking based pricing while developing best practices for revenue generation.

Program Structure

  • Tools and Technologies for Hotel Revenue and Performance Management/ Practical Approaches
  • Strategies for setting room rates and managing inventory
  • Techniques for forecasting demand and optimizing pricing
  • Best practices for managing distribution channels and travel agencies (OTAs)
  • Tips for effective sales and marketing strategies to maximize revenue
  • Strategies for managing revenue and performance during peak periods, off-peak periods and special
    events.

Basic information

  • Each training lasts 6 hours and up to 20 people can participate.
  • The training is carried out live either at a place of your choice, or at the IST College facilities.
  • The training is provided by a highly qualified professional trainer with high standards and knowledge of the hospitality industry.
  • Upon completion of each training module, a certificate of attendance as well as rich training material is provided to the participants.
  • The possibility of adapting the training to your own specialized needs (customization) is provided.

]]> Silver Service Seminar https://ist.edu.gr/en/course/silver-service-seminar/ Mon, 29 Jul 2024 14:06:17 +0000 https://ist.edu.gr/?post_type=avada_portfolio&p=5903

Description

This particular seminar focuses on the basic concepts and practices of restaurant art. The purpose of the seminar is to develop professional serving skills in restaurants, luxury hotels and yachts. Upon completion of the program, participants will be able to confidently work in professional catering environments, with upgraded knowledge and skills.

The programme is conducted in the modern facilities of the IST College, in a specially designed space according to the needs of the programme.

Teaching based on the Interactive Approach: The seminar focuses on participation and interoperability, allowing participants to activate critical thinking and exchange views.

Monitoring Benefits

Depending on your interests, goals and needs, the course can offer a number of benefits:

• 100% hands on – practical training in small classes

• Acquisition of New Skills: The upgrading of the participants’ skills is an important one personal investment with an impact on the labor market.

• Finding a job: Possibility of finding a job immediately with distinguished clients of chateau des services, leading company in the field of staff training in the sector.

• Update on the latest trends and best practices (Best Practices) in the field of Silver Service.

 

Objectives of the programme

The goal of the programme is for the participants to be able to offer distinguished hospitality and high level service, which will be distinguished not only by technical knowledge but also by a high level of behavior and courtesy. After the end of the programme, the aim is that the participants will be able to work confidently in professional catering areas with upgraded knowledge and skills.

 

Who it is addressed to

The programme is addressed to:

• Workers in the catering industry who want to upgrade and complete their knowledge

• Managers / Owners of catering facilities who want to learn the good practices of restaurant art, in order to organize their staff

• To students and graduates of hotel schools

• To people who wish to work in the field of catering who want to know the techniques of restaurant art

Lecturer

He is the owner of the company Chateau Des Services which deals exclusively with the training and development of people who work at the highest level of service. He is a judge at the Greek hotel of the year and collaborates with very important luxury hotels, award-winning restaurants and yachts. He has set new standards in the world of hospitality through his signature attitude and passion. Driven by his love for his field of expertise, he pushes the people he works with to develop and get the best out of themselves.

 

Structure

  • Service items
  • Human behavior
  • The appearance
  • The analysis of the restaurant
  • Setting the table
  • The ways of serving
  • The Deparasage
  • The Fine Dining
  • The formal dinner
  • The room service
  • Sales techniques
  • Leadership

]]> Short Term Rental Seminar https://ist.edu.gr/en/course/short-term-rental-airbnb-seminar/ Mon, 29 Jul 2024 14:01:03 +0000 https://ist.edu.gr/?post_type=avada_portfolio&p=5902

Description

The Short Term Rentals seminar will introduce you to the world of the sharing economy and how this activity has helped thousands of property owners and managers leverage their properties to generate an extra income. Today we see entire businesses based on this activity, with the result that several local communities consider it a lifesaver as it completely changed the image and economic situation of their place. There are of course challenges which will be thoroughly analyzed so that you are able to make the right decisions for a successful career in this field.

Objectives of the programme

  • Complete information on short-term rental in Greece
  • Which platforms are available to enter each property according to its characteristics (Airbnb, Booking, Homeaway)
  • What is the legal and tax framework that governs the activity so that you are not exposed.
  • How we do market research to know which areas and which properties are worth taking advantage of.
  • Complete guide on how to list a property on the Short Term Rental Register and online platforms.
  • Secrets and pitfalls hidden by the activity, what to look out for and what to avoid (photography, property promotion, benefits)
  • Step-by-step description for entering reservations in the register and in AADE.

Programme Benefits

By completing the course the trainee will be able to register a property on the online platforms, manage the requests and inquiries of potential clients, control reservations and payments. To welcome customers to resolve any problems that may arise during a reservation and finally to register the reservations in the short-term rental register or taxis on time.

Structure

  • Forms of the Sharing Economy
  • Historical overview of the short-term rental.
  • When did he come to Greece and how did we get to today?

  • Definition of short-term rental
  • Legal – regulatory framework.
  • Tax regime
  • The benefits in social and economic life.
  • The problems created (judicial decisions, legal vacuum).

  • Market research (factors influencing property selection).
  • Digital platforms (positive-negative-platforms)
  • How do I list my property on Airbnb or Booking platform?
  • Real estate photography
  • Property decoration
  • Registration of reservations in AADE.

  • Constraints and challenges that arise
  • Administrator protection and status (individuals-companies)
  • Property insurance and liability
  • Digital Nomads.

  • Social Media
  • Participation in forums about rental accommodation
  • Collaboration with bloggers & design blogs.

  • What house renovation means
  • How to furnish each room individually with taste
  • Lighting
  • Budget – expenses & liabilities.

Who it is addressed to

To property owners who are interested in being informed about this alternative way of urban leasing as well as to potential managers who wish to undertake property management either as individuals or as professionals.

Lecturers

Theodora Dima is the president of the Sharing Economy Association of Greece, she has several publications at conferences, seminars, articles in the press, radio and television interviews where she informs and promotes the idea of ​​the sharing economy to the general public. Its institutional role requires meetings with executives and special state agencies for the smooth operation and open dialogue between the state and the community of the short-term rental.

He has completed studies in the Department of Applied Foreign Languages ​​in Administration and Commerce, ATEI Epirus. She has completed studies in the department of Italian Philology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki where she also successfully completed her postgraduate studies in Linguistics.

She has her own accommodations, which she manages in the area of ​​Volos and Chalkida where she comes from. He is the Community Leader of Airbnb in Central Greece where he coordinates all managers of the area by advising and maintaining a communication channel (airbnb-community) for the smooth conduct of short-term rentals in these areas.

Samata Loukia has studies in Economics (National and Kapodistrian University), MSc in e-Business and Digital Marketing and a postgraduate degree (PMBA). He works as a Digital & e-Commerce Marketing Manager in a nutritional and health supplement company and is co-founder & CEO of Fertility Route, an online medical & tourism mediation company specializing in IVF.

Vrettakou Fai studied and graduated from the ATHENS ART TECHNOLOGY GROUP A.K.T.O. with “interior design” specialty. He collaborated with architectural-technical offices specializing in decorative and architectural studies and supervision of renovations of homes, business premises, shops, hotels. At the same time, he collaborated on the design of kitchen furniture with the Italian company “VIENTE”. Since 2017, she maintains her own Decoration office.

 

Modes of Delivery

  • Online: the monitoring of the programme can be done fully online in real time, having access to the courses and content of the programme is possible in real-time through the easy-to-use and modern platform of IST College.
  • On-Demand: The programme offers the possibility of on-demand attendance. This means that you will have access to video-recorded lessons that you can watch or refer to during the course. This means that you can access video lectures during the training.
  • Mixed: Create your own flexible study schedule using any of the above tracking modes in combination.

]]> Executive Diploma in Hospitality and Food & Beverage Management https://ist.edu.gr/en/course/executive-diploma-in-hospitality-and-food-beverage-management-2/ Mon, 29 Jul 2024 10:25:26 +0000 https://ist.edu.gr/?post_type=avada_portfolio&p=5648

Description

The Executive Diploma in Hospitality and F&B Management programme is designed to prepare you for a successful career in the field of Hospitality Business Management and Food & Beverage Operations. It covers a wide range of topics related to the management and operation of hotels and foodservice establishments, as well as the implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM). In this context, you will acquire the essential and valuable knowledge on how these critical areas are interconnected and play a key role in achieving operational excellence and maximizing profitability in the hospitality industry.

The programme is delivered in collaboration with Innjobs, the largest nationwide online job platform in the tourism industry, which connects employers and job candidates from the tourism and hospitality sectors, such as hotels, tourist accommodations, and mass catering businesses, in an efficient and direct manner.

The programme is overseen by Mr. Argyris Ntouliaris, owner and CEO of Innjobs.net and General Manager of Operations and Quality at Amalia Group Hotels.

Objectives of the programme

The goal of the Executive Diploma in Hospitality and Food & Beverage Management is to provide participants with comprehensive, modern, and applied knowledge in the overall management and operation of hotel and foodservice establishments. The program covers critical areas that directly affect service quality and business profitability, while enhancing the leadership and organizational skills of executives.

Covered Topics:

  • Reception and Customer Service
    Highlighting the importance of first impressions and the overall guest experience upon arrival and departure.

  • Accommodation Services Management
    Organizing and monitoring reservations, room operations, and hospitality facilities to ensure smooth functioning.

  • Sales and Catering Strategies
    Developing techniques for promoting and leveraging hotel and F&B services to increase revenue.

  • Human Resources and Service Quality Management
    Training, motivating, and effectively organizing staff with a focus on excellence in customer service.

Through practical applications, workshops, and case study analyses, participants will acquire the technical knowledge, managerial skills, and strategic thinking required for a successful career in the dynamic hospitality and tourism industry.

Benefits of Participation

  • Stay Updated on New Trends and Best Practices
    The program provides continuous information on the latest developments and best practices in the field of Hotel and F&B Management.

  • Strategic Thinking and Implementation of Profitable Operating Models
    Emphasis is placed on developing strategic thinking and implementing effective operating models to optimize performance and increase profitability in hotels and foodservice businesses.

  • Effective Cost Control
    Participants become familiar with cost control techniques and inventory management, contributing to improving the financial performance of businesses.

  • Application of Total Quality Management (TQM) Principles
    The program focuses on adopting TQM principles in both hospitality and F&B sectors, enhancing the overall customer experience.

  • Organization of F&B Departments and Strategic Menu Planning
    Training is provided in strategic menu design (menu strategy/menu engineering) and the efficient organization and operation of kitchens and restaurants.

  • Understanding Human Resource (HR) Operations
    Participants study the importance of human resource management and learn how to analyze the staffing needs of hotel departments.

  • Case Study Analysis from the Market
    The training is enriched with the presentation and analysis of real cases from hotel units and successful businesses, offering practical application of knowledge.

  • Connection with the Job Market via Innjobs.net / Innjobs.fr
    Innjobs, as a collaborating human resource partner, supports participants in their job search in Greece and abroad, enhancing their professional career prospects.

Develop the skills that will help you succeed in the Hospitality and Food & Beverage industry through the program, enhancing both your technical knowledge and leadership and management skills:

  • Specialized Knowledge and Practical Application
    Gain up-to-date expertise and tools that are directly linked to the real needs of the market (strategic planning, cost control, TQM, HR management, menu strategy, etc.).

  • Leadership Qualities & Management Skills
    Develop leadership capabilities, team management, and the organization of complex operations.

  • Communication and Collaboration
    Cultivate effective communication and teamwork in high-demand environments.

  • Confidence in Decision-Making
    Strengthen your strategic thinking and ability to make quick and well-supported decisions.

  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
    Develop flexibility and creativity through the analysis of case studies and the resolution of realistic professional challenges.

Who it is addressed to

  • Owners and Managers of Small Hotels who need the right skills and knowledge to improve the operations and performance of their businesses.

  • Hotel Managers who have already taken on senior management positions in hotel units and wish to enrich their knowledge and develop their skills to meet the challenges of management and development.

  • Hotel Department Managers who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills to effectively address administrative and operational challenges.

  • F&B / Operation Managers who want to acquire a comprehensive and specialized background in F&B management.

  • Tourism Students and Graduates who seek advanced education to gain a competitive edge for success in their careers in tourism and hospitality.

  • Employees in the Tourism Sector who are interested in advancing their careers.

  • Individuals who wish to start their career in hospitality, whether as hotel or restaurant staff members or in managerial and operational positions.

Instructors

The instructors of the programme are distinguished professionals with years of experience in the Hospitality and F&B sectors, making the programme unique in offering specialized and practical knowledge.

Participants will have the opportunity to share their rich experiences with the instructors, listen to real-world examples from the industry, receive practical advice, and learn about strategies that have been successfully implemented. In this way, they will gain immediately applicable knowledge and become fully familiar with the real demands and challenges of the industry.

Founder of INNJOBS.net – General Manager of Operations and Quality at Amalia Group Hotels

Argyris Daouliaris is a graduate of Cornell University with a specialization in Hotel Management and has over 25 years of experience in the hotel industry. In recent years, he has worked as the General Manager of Operations and Quality for the hotels of Amalia Group in Greece. Previously, he held managerial positions in the hotels of the Grecotel Group both in Greece and abroad. Additionally, he is a Professor and Lecturer at colleges in Greece and France in the fields of hospitality, management, and strategic hotel business operations. He is the founder of Innjobs.net, the largest online human resources platform for the hospitality and mass catering industry in Greece, as well as Innjobs.fr in France and Innjobs.co.uk in the UK, with a vision to create a new, dynamic network of workers in the tourism sector.

Chief Operating Officer at Electra Hotels & Resorts

Georgios Spyropoulos is the Chief Operating Officer (CEO) of the Electra Hotels & Resorts Group. He has over 25 years of extensive experience in the tourism industry, primarily in senior executive positions such as Director of Sales & Marketing, Assistant General Manager, General Manager, and Group General Manager in the fields of Air Transport and Luxury Hotels, including:

  • Olympic Air

  • Galileo International (GDS)

  • Aldemar Hotels

  • Intercontinental Hotels Group

  • Porto Carras Resort

  • Chandris Hotels Group

  • Makedonia Palace

  • Electra Hotels & Resorts

Executive Chef – Official Ambassador for Greek Gastronomy / Development Executive Chef at Hospitality Life

Stamatis Loumousiotis is a renowned chef with international recognition and experience. He is currently the Executive Development Chef at Hospitality Life Ltd, based in London. He has managed restaurants across various regions of the world as Executive Chef and Consultant, including the United Kingdom, Europe, and the Middle East. He has gained recognition for his successful collaborations, having served as Executive Chef at the famous restaurant Peyote London and having created chains of Mexican cuisine restaurants in Athens and London. His recognition as the official “Ambassador for Greek Gastronomy” by GREEK TASTE BEYOND BORDERS® (GTBB) confirms him as one of the leading representatives of Greece’s gastronomic heritage.

Group Director of Human Resources at Aluma Hotels & Resorts | Business Partner at Total Hospitality

Rania Passari has twenty years of experience in the hotel industry, specializing in Human Resources management for large organizations. She holds an MBA from the University of Piraeus and an MSc in Education with the Use of New Technologies from the Department of Education at the University of the Aegean. She has served as Group Director of Human Resources for well-known hotel groups such as Ella Resorts and Empiria Group, and she worked for several years as HR Manager at Aldemar Hotels & Resorts.
As a speaker at HR conferences and lecturer at private Tourism schools, she has addressed significant topics related to Human Resource Management. In 2024, she was included in the Wellbeing 50 Powerlist, a distinction that highlights executives in the Greek market who stand out for their innovative practices and programs promoting the mental and physical wellbeing of employees. She has recently assumed the position of Group Director of Human Resources at Aluma Hotels & Resorts, a subsidiary of the multinational company Isrotel LTD.

HR Director at Knossians Group Hotels / Grand Hyatt Athens

Dimitris Valergas is an experienced HR Director with over 30 years of experience in the tourism industry, demonstrating his ability to manage and develop effective human resource strategies. He is part of the management team at Knossians Group Hotels of N. Daskalantonakis, where he serves as HR Director overseeing 10 hotels in Greece and abroad, including City & Resorts Hotels / Grand Hyatt. His successful career and consistent presence at the top of the industry reflect his commitment to excellence and the integrity of human resource management.
He has studied Business Administration and Strategic Management, Humanities, Executive Coaching, Business Counseling, and Positive Psychology. He was awarded “Hotel Manager of the Year” in 2021 at the Greek Hotels of the Year Awards. Since 2023, he has been the Chairperson of the Jury at the Greek Hotel of the Year Awards.

Director of Hotel Management | Estia Hospitality Hotels & Villas Management

Marios Andrakakis is the founder and owner of Estia Hospitality Hotels & Villas Management, one of the largest hotel management companies in Greece, with a portfolio of over 130 properties and a presence in Crete, Corfu, Mykonos, and Milos, as well as owning luxury villas and a hotel unit in Crete. He has also served with great success as Project & Connectivity Manager for one of the most dynamic bed banks and online wholesalers operating across the Mediterranean, achieving over 1,000,000 room nights in the company’s first year of operation in 2019.
In the past, he was Director of Sales and Operations at various hotels in Crete and Corfu and Contracting Manager for Oad Reisen and LTS Group. His extensive experience and knowledge in online sales and Contracting Management have earned him significant recognition in the B2B sales environment across Europe, both personally and for his company, where he works as Director of Hotel Management. In recent years, many colleges in Greece and abroad have collaborated with Mr. Andrakakis for lectures on Sales, Contracting, Yield, and Revenue Management.

Structure of the Programme

  • Strategic Orientation of Hotel & Tourism Enterprises
  • Market & Competition Analysis in Hotel and Food & Beverage Enterprises
  • Development of Economic Sustainability Studies / Modern Principles of Sustainability (Sustainability, ESG, Green Hospitality)
  • Design & Implementation of Business Strategy

  • Modern Pricing Tactics & Sales Policies
  • Revenue Management & Smart Price Management
  • Application of Sales Strategies for Maximum Performance

  • Management and Organization of Hotel & F&B Departments (Restaurant/Kitchen/Storage/Purchasing Department)
  • Resource Management and Role & Duty Assignment
  • Coordination & Collaboration of Cross-Departmental Operations
  • Total Quality Management (TQM) in Tourism
  • Food & Beverage Hygiene and Safety (HACCP & ISO Standards)

  • Cost Definition & Control Techniques
  • Menu Design & Performance Evaluation
  • Supplier Selection & Inventory Management

  • Recruitment & Selection of Human Resources in the Hospitality Industry
  • Training, Development, and Empowerment of Human Resources
  • Performance Evaluation & Motivation
  • Labor Relations & Management of Challenges

  • Reservation Management and Central Booking
  • Analysis and Use of Hotel Software
  • Customer Reception Techniques and Check-in / Check-out Procedures
  • Customer Service and Complaint Management

  • Market Analysis & Understanding Customer Needs
  • Design & Implementation of Marketing Strategies
  • Brand Management & Hotel Communication Management

Modes of Delivery

  • Online: the monitoring of the programme can be done fully online in real time, having access to the courses and content of the programme is possible in real-time through the easy-to-use and modern platform of IST College.
  • On-Demand: The programme offers the possibility of on-demand attendance. This means that you will have access to video-recorded lessons that you can watch or refer to during the course. This means that you can access video lectures during the training.
  • Mixed: Create your own flexible study schedule using any of the above tracking modes in combination.

Key Highlights

  • Flexible Monitoring Method
    Courses that adapt to your professional schedule, allowing you to combine studies and work.
  • Access to IST College’s dynamic educational platform
    Online material, notes, tools, and interactive activities.
  • Guest Lectures with Industry Experts
    Presentations and discussions with industry professionals who share real-life experiences.
  • Teaching based on an interactive approach
    Courses with participation, case studies, and practical exercises that enhance learning.
  • Identification and analysis of needs based on your work
    Guidance based on the real challenges you face in your professional field.
  • Utilization of real case studies
    Analysis of real case studies that connect theory with practice in the hospitality and F&B sectors.

ACTA certification

The seminar is certified for the quality of its topics, instructors, student assessment methods, and the quality of its material, with the Quality Training Label at the Advanced level from ACTA – the Technology Transfer Office of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

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