The University of Piraeus & the Department of Tourism Studies
Heritage & Institutional Experience
The University of Piraeus has extensive long-standing experience in research, teaching, and operational support within the critical sectors of tourism, tourism development, tourism business management, and tourism economics.
It features specialized teaching and research personnel in the field of tourism. Past University of Piraeus Professors have served in key public sector positions within the tourism industry, as well as acting as consultants for major tourism enterprises. The history of the University of Piraeus is inextricably linked with the tourism sector, as it was here that the first national University Center for Greek and European Tourism Studies and Training operated.
Today, the University of Piraeus successfully operates the first Postgraduate Program in Business Administration – MBA Tourism Management at the Department of Business Administration of the School of Economics, Business and International Studies, alongside a distance learning program (e-learning) in Service Business Administration and Organization specialized in Tourism Services.
Additionally, specialized doctoral dissertations, research papers in scientific journals, presentations at international conferences, and master's theses are conducted within the specialized field of tourism.
Through its Research Center and specialized research laboratories, the University of Piraeus has implemented numerous development projects and specialized studies focused on tourism.
The Department of Tourism Studies
The Department of Tourism Studies at the University of Piraeus, which commenced its academic operation in the 2017-2018 academic year, is a pioneering academic initiative in the field of higher tourism education in the country. Building upon the institution's longstanding and historical tradition in the broader sector, the Department was established to address the growing market demand for modern, highly specialized executives and researchers. Combining theoretical knowledge with applied research and technological innovation, it offers cutting-edge curricula that continuously adapt to international trends and the demands of the modern tourism industry.
Vision & Mission
Our Vision
The vision of the Department of Tourism Studies is to establish itself as a catalyst for higher tourism education in Greece and internationally, shaping highly qualified executives for tourism enterprises, organizations, and destinations with entrepreneurial and innovative mindsets, fostering a culture of collectivity and inclusion for the benefit of society and sustainable tourism development.
Our Mission
To develop high-level higher education executives capable of excelling across all sectors of tourism and contributing to tourism development at international, national, regional, and local levels. We are committed to promoting excellence in tourism education, supporting research and innovation, and advancing the science and professional specialization of tourism, thereby cultivating the future leaders of a constantly changing environment. Our goals include extroversion, collaboration with the tourism labor market, and the integration of the values of Sustainability, Accessibility for all, and Inclusion.
Strategic Goals of the Department
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01Executive Development: Fulfilling all prerequisites for careers across all tourism sectors and stakeholder bodies dealing with tourism development and policy at international, national, regional, and local levels.
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02Promoting Excellence: Leveraging knowledge to shape high-level tourism scientists equipped with strong values and comprehensive expertise.
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03Research & Innovation: Addressing contemporary economic, social, and business challenges of tourism enterprises, organizations, and destinations through emerging technological developments and corporate governance models.
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04Understanding Challenges: Fostering scientists capable of perceiving the challenges of the modern, rapidly changing tourism environment and contributing to the advancement of tourism development and entrepreneurship.
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05Shaping Leaders: Providing the skills, knowledge, and tools required to manage tourism enterprises and organizations effectively and play a vital role in the broader economic and social life of the country or the international tourism community.
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06Professional Specialization: Promoting professional specialization and training in tourism through flexible, targeted, and modern lifelong learning programs (whether in-person, distance learning, or blended learning).
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07Extroversion: Enhancing collaboration with academic, research, social, and other entities to foster tourism entrepreneurship and societal progress.
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08Culture of Collectivity: Fostering a unique culture of collectivity by promoting the values of Sustainability, Accessibility for all, and Inclusion.
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09Market Linkage: Connecting the Department and the student community directly with the tourism labor market.