-Emphasis on lifelong learning and continuing education with constantly renewed programs
With 104 hotels in its portfolio, the HotelBrain group has – to the maximum extent – the know-how to offer the highest standards in tourism education, but also to guarantee the employment of its students at the HotelBrain Academy.
The innovation of HotelBrain Academy lies in the fact that it is not a classic educational organization, which connects students with businesses and as the president of the group Panos Paleologos typically says, “…we believe that Tourism executives must have a unique mix of skills and qualifications to to ensure not only their professional success but also the sustainable development of the sector”.
As you know, the HotelBrain Group created the HotelBrain Academy in December 2022, responding to the increased need for more and properly qualified workers in the Tourism sector
The founder and president of the HotelBrain Group, Mr. Panos Paleologos, spoke at the dedication on Tourism Education of MONEY & TOURISM.
-Given the major problem of finding personnel in Tourism, what is your opinion and how can tourism education contribute to its solution? How necessary is a degree to work in Tourism?
The tourism industry is one of the most dynamic industries worldwide. In Greece, which is a key pillar of the economy, finding qualified personnel is becoming more and more imperative due to the increased influx of tourists, but also because Greece seeks to become a destination for all seasons of the year. In our country, Tourism is often seen as a sector that absorbs unskilled personnel, which limits the will of individuals to receive formal education and create a career that will provide them with career development.
The tourism industry is very hands-on. Experience, interpersonal skills, and on-the-job training can be just as valuable as formal education. Many entry-level positions in the industry do not require formal qualifications, but for those who aspire to grow and lead, a degree or certification provides the necessary foundation and credibility. At HotelBrain Academy we provide theoretical learning and practical experience during the studies, but also with a guaranteed job offer after their end. We believe that the combination of theory and practice is what can upgrade the career of the participants. While a degree may not be necessary for every role, structured training opens doors to career advancement, better service quality and long-term growth in the tourism sector.
– Tourism is our heavy industry. Lately there has been intense development activity in many areas. What qualifications does an industry executive need to have for a sustainable career in tourism?
At HotelBrain Academy, we believe that Tourism executives must possess a unique blend of skills and qualifications to ensure not only their professional success, but also the sustainable growth of the industry. Depending on the field in which one wants to work, one should develop the corresponding qualifications. For example, a Food & Beverage executive should have developed skills in strategic costing, in relation to executives of other departments.
Generally speaking, for a sustainable career in Tourism, industry executives must be seasoned professionals with a deep understanding of its day-to-day operations and market trends. But their role must also include strategic vision, a commitment to sustainability, adaptability, crisis management, a focus on innovation and the ability to lead in an increasingly digital and globalized world, and much more. Continuous training, such as that offered by the HotelBrain Academy, can help executives develop their competitiveness, adapt to new trends and prepare for future challenges.
-What is the historical path of the school and what are the special characteristics of the studies you offer?
The HotelBrain Group created the HotelBrain Academy in December 2022, responding to the increased need for more and properly qualified workers in the Tourism sector. The school is housed in a neoclassical building in the center of Athens, at 123 28is Oktovriou street and is designed according to the standards of a boutique hotel. All programs are fast-paced and can be watched online.
Specifically, the Executive Diploma in Hotel Management, Front office & Reception Management, Food & Beverage Management and Online Professional Diploma in Hospitality programs are offered.
The practical training of the programs is more than 40%.
After the end of the studies, a guaranteed job offer is given in the hotels of the HotelBrain Group. The professors of the programs are renowned professionals in the field. As part of the experiential education we offer, two of our academically outstanding students participated in an educational trip to Barcelona that we co-organized with a partner based there.
In just one year of operation, HotelBrain Academy won the gold award in the “Online Training Programs / Education & Market Connection” category at the Tourism Awards 2024.
-How do you ensure access for practice and work in Greek hotels? Is there cooperation and what kind with the labor market?
The innovation of HotelBrain Academy lies in the fact that it is not a classic educational organization, which connects students with businesses. It is an innovative hybrid of education and practical application in Tourism, with the practice taking place during, but also after the end of the studies, since the school offers a guaranteed job offer in the 104 hotels, as well as in the headquarters of the HotelBrain Group.
At the Group’s Career Days, students come into contact with all managers and can discuss open positions and advancement opportunities with them, as well as get the right guidance for their next professional steps.
– With the main problem being the lack of staff, nowadays, are there plans to include new fields and objects of tourist interest in your programs or even new programs?
All our programs are enriched with modules that provide solutions to problems faced by HotelBrain Group hotel workers. Therefore each program responds to conditions that our students and future employees of our hotels will be asked to face. Also, to cover any other developments and needs in Tourism, we create specialized and self-contained seminars.
-What do your graduates say to you?
After such a short period of operation of the HotelBrain Academy, we are proud that 35% of the graduates have signed up for another training program with us. 95% of our graduates have been absorbed, either at the headquarters of the HotelBrain Group, or at one of our 104 hotels throughout Greece.
The contact of our students with innovation, the training of our teachers, the fact that they are professionals in the field, their active participation in every professional and study step, as well as the possibility of immediate professional rehabilitation by the HotelBrain Group, are the elements which our students usually mention as the ones that stood out to us.
-Are there fast-track training programs?
The majority of our students are Tourism professionals who wish to further their education and upgrade their knowledge and thus all our programs are fast-paced and tailored to their needs, as they are completed in a maximum of one academic semester.
Specifically, the Executive Diploma in Hotel Management program is completed in six months, while the F&B Management, Front Office & Reception Management and Online Diploma in Hospitality programs are completed in three months.
