Master of Science
"Digital Transformation and Innovation in Tourism"
Welcome Message from the Program Director
Dear prospective students,
In a global environment undergoing digital transformation at unprecedented speed, the tourism sector is no exception. On the contrary, it stands at the forefront of change. Success for tourism businesses and destinations no longer depends solely on traditional hospitality, but on the ability to leverage data, integrate Artificial Intelligence, and adopt innovative, sustainable strategies.
The MSc Program in “Digital Transformation and Innovation in Tourism” of the Department of Tourism Studies at the University of Piraeus is designed to prepare the new generation of leaders who will lead the way in this new digital era. It is a modern, intensive program adopting a blended learning approach, offering the necessary flexibility without compromising academic excellence and interactivity.
The philosophy of our program extends beyond mere theoretical training. We focus on applied knowledge, bridging academic research with real-world market needs. Our students delve into fields such as Digital Marketing, Smart Destinations, Big Data Analytics, and Metaverse technologies, while cultivating critical thinking and strategic foresight in crisis management and sustainability (ESG).
The MSc faculty consists of distinguished academics and industry experts, ensuring a multifaceted educational experience. The culmination of studies through the Master’s Thesis represents the capstone of this journey, enabling students to generate original research and propose innovative solutions for modern tourism business.
Our goal is to equip our graduates to act as catalysts for digital change, driving the national and international competitiveness of the tourism product.
It is our great pleasure to welcome you to a program that bridges cutting-edge technology with the hospitality economy, shaping tomorrow’s digital tourism leaders.
Associate Professor Sotirios Varelas
Director, MSc in “Digital Transformation and Innovation in Tourism“
Program Vision & Mission
The vision of the MSc Program in “Digital Transformation and Innovation in Tourism” is to serve as a benchmark academic program leading scientific knowledge and education in digital transformation and innovation across the entire tourism ecosystem, developing leaders capable of enhancing the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of the tourism sector nationally and internationally.
The mission of the MSc Program in “Digital Transformation and Innovation in Tourism” is to provide specialized knowledge, skills, and strategic capabilities required to design, manage, and lead digital transformation and innovation throughout the tourism ecosystem. This is achieved through the study, analysis, and implementation of domain principles, technologies, and strategies – focusing on information systems, data analytics, artificial intelligence, digital marketing, digital business administration, sustainability, crisis management, and the creation of innovative tourism experiences and business models.
Program Quality Policy
The Quality Policy of the MSc Program in “Digital Transformation and Innovation in Tourism” represents a specific elaboration of the Department of Tourism Studies’ policy and is implemented in full alignment with the Quality Policy of the University of Piraeus, the current legal framework, ESG Principles, and the Distance Learning MSc Accreditation Standards of HAHE (Hellenic Authority for Higher Education). It supports the Program’s profile, incorporates the continuously evolving research activity of the faculty, and guarantees the systematic updating of the Curriculum.
The Quality Policy of the MSc is specified to fully meet the requirements of HAHE and is realized through seven (7) core quality pillars:
- Academic excellence: Ensuring a high standard of education, with clearly defined Level 7 learning outcomes.
- Interdisciplinarity & practical application: Organically connecting theory and practice in digital transformation and innovation in tourism.
- Student-centered design: Comprehensive student support and a high-quality distance learning experience.
- Academic integrity: Ensuring transparent, fair, and reliable assessment processes.
- Specialized staff: Continuous support and professional development for academic personnel, focusing on pedagogical and digital competence.
- Outreach & engagement: Strategic internationalization and meaningful connection with the tourism industry and society.
- Continuous improvement: Systematic monitoring and annual internal evaluation in collaboration with the Departmental Quality Group (OMEA) and the Internal Quality Assurance Unit (MODIP).
Curriculum Structure
| Code | Course Title | Teaching Hours | ECTS Credits (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| P01 | Preparatory Workshop on Research Methods | 10 | 0 (0%) |
| Code | Course Title | Teaching Hours | ECTS Credits (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A01 | Digital Transformation, Information Systems and Artificial Intelligence Applications in Tourism | 32 | 7.5 (8.3%) |
| A02 | Strategic Management in Digital Tourism | 24 | 4.5 (5.0%) |
| A03 | Digital Marketing and Innovative Visitor Experiences in Tourism | 24 | 4.5 (5.0%) |
| A04 | Tourism Economics and Economics of Digital Innovation | 24 | 4.5 (5.0%) |
| A05 | Digital Human Resource Management in Tourism | 24 | 4.5 (5.0%) |
| A06 | Valuation of Digital Investments and Financial Tools in Tourism | 24 | 4.5 (5.0%) |
| Code | Course Title | Teaching Hours | ECTS Credits (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B01 | Knowledge and Innovation Management in Digital Tourism | 32 | 7.5 (8.3%) |
| B02 | Crisis Management in Digital Tourism | 24 | 4.5 (5.0%) |
| B03 | Sustainability and ESG in Digital Tourism | 24 | 4.5 (5.0%) |
| B04 | Accessibility and Inclusion in Digital Tourism | 24 | 4.5 (5.0%) |
| B05 | Digital Innovation in Alternative Forms of Tourism | 24 | 4.5 (5.0%) |
| B06 | International Digital Platforms and Foreign Investment in Tourism | 24 | 4.5 (5.0%) |
| Code | Course Title | Teaching Hours | ECTS Credits (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| C01 | Research Design & Thesis Seminar | 20 | 5 (5.6%) |
| C02 | Master’s Thesis | - | 25 (27.8%) |
The Flexible Educational Model (HyFlex & Learning Sprints)
2-Week Learning Sprints
Each course is structured into a condensed, focused 2-week cycle. This design enables step-by-step immersion in the subject matter without scattering the academic workload.
Hybrid Teaching (HyFlex)
In-person attendance at the University of Piraeus (≥10% of course hours) with simultaneous live streaming for equal, interactive participation from anywhere.
Distance Learning & eClass
Fully remote learning via synchronous web-conferences (MS Teams/Webex) paired with structured asynchronous learning activities on the eClass platform.
Candidate Profile & Career Prospects
Target Candidates
-
Prerequisite
Graduates of Higher Education Institutions (University & Technological sector) in Greece or recognized equivalent foreign institutions. - Tourism Executives & Professionals: Professionals in managerial positions seeking upskilling/reskilling in AI, Big Data, Revenue Management & Digital Marketing.
- Recent University Graduates: Graduates in Tourism, Economics, Business Administration, Information Systems & Social Sciences seeking cutting-edge specialization.
- Technology & Travel-Tech Professionals: IT & Marketing executives wishing to operate within digital tourism.
Career Prospects
- Digital Transformation & Strategy Executives: In hotel chains, airlines, maritime lines & Tour Operators.
- Digital Marketing & Experience Design Directors: Designing personalized experiences & omnichannel campaigns.
- Data Analysts & Revenue Consultants: Valuation of digital investments, dynamic pricing & Business Intelligence.
- Sustainability & ESG Officers: Designing green transition strategies for tourism organizations & DMOs.
- Accessibility & Inclusion Consultants: Designing accessible digital services (Universal Design).
- Crisis Management & Reputation Managers: Prevention/handling of digital crises & cybersecurity.
- Researchers & Policy Analysts: In international organizations (UN Tourism, EU), the Ministry of Tourism & GNTO.
Tourism is transforming.
Are you ready to lead this change?
The call for applications for the 2026–2027 academic year has been published and applications are now open. Upgrade your skills with an internationally pioneering, flexible study program (HyFlex).
Need assistance with your application? Contact the Secretariat at msc-dtitour@unipi.gr or call +30 210 300 6350.