Partners

Varna University of Management
(Bulgaria)

Varna University of Management (VUM) is an established business school founded in 1992 and awarded with its first accreditation as a higher education institution in 1999.

VUM specializes in Social Sciences and offers study programs in Business, Management, Administration, Tourism and Cultural Industries. It also provides innovative education in Culinary Arts, Food Technologies, Arts, Hospitality as well as in Business Information Systems. The university offers double-degree programs which are supported by strategic partnerships and are accredited by both the Bulgarian National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency and the British Accreditation Council.

VUM’s main achievements are related to research and project development targeting special-interest tourism, culinary arts, hospitality management, sustainable development and utilization of IT and new technologies in the areas of tourism, services, education and culture.

VUM prioritizes interdisciplinarity in both education and research and fosters cross-fertilization of innovations from and into social sciences by cooperating with partner HEIs, research institutes and business entities from Bulgaria and all over the world.

VUM has a diverse academic community, representing over 50 nationalities, and is deeply engaged in contributing to both regional and national smart specialization.

International Hellenic University
(Greece)

The International Hellenic University (IHU), founded in 2005 as Greece’s first public university to offer exclusively English-taught postgraduate programs, has rapidly developed into a key institution for higher education. Re-established in 2019, IHU now comprises eight schools and 25 departments, with campuses in Thessaloniki, Serres, Katerini, and Kilkis.

It has built an outstanding reputation for academic excellence and internationalization, attracting distinguished visiting academics from over 15 countries and fostering a diverse, global student body. IHU’s core mission is to deliver innovative, high-quality education, combining academic rigor with practical experience.

The university actively builds strategic partnerships with foreign universities and industry stakeholders while also strengthening connections with local communities. A notable feature of IHU is its specialized unit for international programs, where students benefit from personalized mentoring and strong student-professor relationships, supported by modern teaching and research facilities.

IHU is committed to maintaining high standards through a clear policy of quality assurance, ensuring the best learning environment for students. Offering a wide array of academic programs, such as the Executive MBA, MSc in Sustainable Agriculture and Business, and MSc in Data Science, the university equips its students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive global marketplace.

Additionally, IHU’s research initiatives are expansive, spanning multiple disciplines, and its collaborations with international institutions position as a leader in education and research, promoting innovation and external funding opportunities.

Moldova State University, Faculty of Economic Sciences
(Republic of Moldova)

Moldova State University (MSU), founded in 1946, is the oldest higher education institution in the Republic of Moldova, with a rich tradition in education and research. It plays a key role in preparing highly qualified professionals across various fields, including economics, marketing, tourism, and sciences, contributing significantly to the country’s economic and social growth.

Through the Faculty of Economic Sciences, USM develops and implements educational programs focused on tourism and the blue economy. The faculty offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, tailored to meet international market demands and providing students with opportunities for academic mobility. Collaborations with prestigious universities, such as the University of Girona (Spain) and “Ștefan cel Mare” University of Suceava (Romania), enable students to earn double degrees and strengthen their expertise in tourism and hotel management.

The “Tourism and Hospitality” Center of Excellence at USM promotes sustainable tourism and the blue economy through educational and research projects with international partners. The center organizes professional development courses in rural tourism and ecotourism, fostering local economic growth and environmental conservation.

MSU’s research also supports the sustainable development of the blue economy, focusing on optimizing tourism supply chains, minimizing environmental impacts, and advancing innovative technologies, all aligned with global standards.

Istanbul Development Agency
(Türkiye)

The Istanbul Development Agency (ISTKA) is a regional development organization focused on fostering economic, social, and cultural progress within Istanbul. As a key player in promoting sustainable development, ISTKA supports projects that enhance the region’s competitive advantage, improve the quality of life, and boost economic opportunities.

The agency provides financial support through grants, facilitates international cooperation, and promotes innovation to strengthen the city’s business environment. It collaborates with public, private, and non-profit organizations, aiming to position Istanbul as a hub of innovation, culture, and economic opportunity in the region.

ISTKA plays a vital role in promoting Istanbul as a global destination by backing initiatives that showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant arts scene, and diverse tourism offerings. By actively supporting the development of the innovation ecosystem, ISTKA not only drives the growth of sustainable tourism but also strengthens the region’s appeal. Through its commitment to fostering innovative initiatives, the agency cultivates a more resilient and dynamic tourism sector, ensuring that Istanbul remains a captivating choice for visitors worldwide.