Interview by Lillian Psylla with Despina Gavrili-Alexandris, Program Coordinator of International Tourism and Hospitality Management at The American College of Greece
1. The International Tourism and Hospitality Management (ITHM) program at The American College of Greece has evolved into one of the most outward-looking and contemporary programs in Greece. What is the academic vision behind its structure, and how does it respond to the real needs of the global tourism industry?
In line with the vision of the American College of Greece, our goal is to nurture knowledgeable critical thinkers, who are also accomplished professionals in the field of tourism and hospitality. We aspire to prepare graduates who can confidently manage their own businesses or grow successfully within leading organizations.
The International Tourism and Hospitality Management (ITHM) major has been carefully designed to give students the specialized knowledge and deep understanding needed to thrive in the global tourism and hospitality industry — or to continue their studies with a postgraduate degree in the field.
When shaping this program, we looked closely at the current gap in tourism education. Too often, programs are either purely vocational, lacking a strong academic foundation, or entirely academic, without meaningful opportunities for experiential learning. Our program bridges this divide. It combines a rigorous academic core that covers every aspect of business administration with practical, hands-on learning experiences.
We also believe that understanding tourism and hospitality means understanding business as a whole. That’s why our ITHM students take courses alongside students from other business disciplines, gaining exposure to diverse perspectives and developing a broader awareness of how different business functions connect and interact.
2. In today’s landscape, tourism studies go far beyond hospitality – encompassing strategy, innovation, and sustainability.
How does the program prepare its students to become leaders of this new generation of professionals?
Following the philosophy of ACG, we offer a student-centered educational experience that allows our students to deeply explore both the theory and practice of tourism and hospitality.
As a management program within the School of Business and Economics, the degree is delivered through modern, engaging teaching methods that encourage participation, critical thinking, and collaboration. Learning takes place not only through lectures, but also through dynamic class discussions, group projects, presentations, debates, online international projects with other international tourism programmes, and real-life case studies.
Students also gain valuable real-world exposure through site visits, field trips, and paid internships, all of which help them take ownership of their learning journey in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Throughout the program, technology plays a key role. Students are introduced to state-of-the-art software and tools used in tourism and hospitality management, preparing them for the digital transformation shaping the industry today. Beyond the classroom, students are encouraged to explore their interests and talents by joining the ITHM Academic Society and taking part in a range of college-wide activities. A highlight of the year is the Business Week Forum, organized every spring by students across the School of Business and Economics—including our ITHM majors—offering a unique opportunity for networking, collaboration, andshowcasing their creativity.
3. The collaboration with the Center of Excellence in Food, Tourism & Leisure (CoEFTL) strengthens the bridge between academic research and industry practice.
Members of the Center of Excellence in Food, Tourism & Leisure (CoEFTL), are an integral part of our ITHM teaching team. Their rich research experience is deeply woven into their teaching, bringing cutting-edge knowledge and real-world insight directly into the classroom.
Students also have the exciting opportunity to participate in EU-funded research projects, gaining first-hand experience in academic research and contributing to initiatives that shape the future of tourism and hospitality.
We are truly fortunate to have a faculty team composed of highly accomplished researchers with strong publication records in leading academic journals and extensive experience in European Union–funded projects.
This deep research background ensures that our students learn from faculty who are not only experts in their field but also actively engaged in advancing it. As a result, students receive up-to-date, research-informed education that reflects the latest developments, challenges, and innovations in the global tourism and hospitality industry.
4. From Athens to leading international tourism hubs, ACG graduates build remarkable careers in the industry.
What are some of the most distinctive career paths available to your graduates, and how does the College’s network support this transition?
Our graduates are well prepared to build successful careers across all sectors of the international tourism and hospitality industry. Whether in accommodation (hotels, resorts, cruise lines), attractions (museums, galleries, theme parks), transportation (airlines, airports), or travel organizations (tour operators, travel agencies), ITHM alumni are equipped with the skills and confidence to thrive in diverse professional settings.
Πέρα από αυτούς τους τομείς, οι απόφοιτοί μας μπορούν να συμβάλουν στη διοργάνωση συνεδρίων και εκδηλώσεων, στο marketing προορισμών, στις λειτουργίες φιλοξενίας ή να ιδρύσουν τις δικές τους επιχειρήσεις στον τουρισμό και τη φιλοξενία.
Beyond these areas, our graduates are also ready to contribute to conference and event management, destination marketing, and hospitality operations, or to launch their own entrepreneurial ventures in tourism and hospitality. Thanks to their broad business education and hands-on experience, ITHM graduates can pursue roles in management, marketing, human resources, IT for tourism, public relations and communications, accounting and finance, and operations—bringing to each position a global mindset, creativity, and professionalism that define the spirit of the American College of Greece.
Learn more about The American College of Greece: www.acg.eduΜάθετε περισσότερα για το Αμερικάνικο Κολλέγιο Ελλάδος: www.acg.edu
Learn more about the International Tourism & Hospitality Management program HERE
