Enricher Hubs Kick-off

In addition to many regional research projects for Tyrolean tourism, MCI Tourism is also involved in European and international projects. One current example is the Enricher Hubs project. As part of the existing Ulysseus network, a Europe-wide association of universities, three European universities (Haaga-Helia in Finland, Genova University in Italy and MCI Tourism) are working together with three universities in Georgia (Caucasus University, Akaki Tsereteli State University, Telavi State University) and three Moldovan universities (Moldova State University, University of European Political and Economic Studies, Comrat State University) on a training program for tourism professors.

After an initial analysis of the necessary, previously missing competencies in the two countries and, based on this, a collection of best practices from the EU countries, four training courses on sustainability in tourism, service design, design sprints and business model canvas will be organized. In the process, 18 university professors will be supported in driving forward the twin transition in their countries. In other words, how can sustainable transformation go hand in hand with digital transformation? These skills will then be passed on directly to students at the six universities and thus to future decision-makers in the local tourism industry. At the same time, Green Tourism Hubs will be installed at the universities, which will act as innovation centers for all three target groups of teachers, students and business partners.

At the beginning of the project, all partners met at a kick-off in Helsinki to get to know each other and discuss all work packages. In addition to the classic set-up of project management, this also included the development of a joint "Code of Conduct" for the rules of cooperation, the preparation of the planned interviews for the status quo analysis in Georgia and Moldova, as well as the establishment of a communication and quality plan.

As part of this program, we also visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site Suomenlinna, an island off Helsinki with a sea fortress that has played a crucial role in Finland's history. The responsible manager, Milla Öystil, gave us an exciting insight into the sustainability strategy of the attraction, which attracts international and local guests alike. The crossing to the island over the Arctic Ocean in the fog was particularly exciting, a truly Arctic experience. Afterwards, the particularly brave were allowed to try out the local city sauna at Allas Sea Pool and take a dip in the 0° "warm" water of the Baltic Sea. You can get a brief insight into the kick-off in Helsinki here.