The off-site department of Sfakia under the School of Higher Vocational Training of Chania has approved a new training specialty titled Tourism Management and Economy Executive for the 2026-2027 academic year. The program expands public education in the area through a partnership between the vocational school and the Municipality of Sfakia, following the introduction of a Mountain Guide course.
The project forms part of a broader strategy to decentralize public vocational training in rural regions. Educational leaders aim to provide equal opportunities for young people to study in their hometowns while gaining specialized knowledge that matches the requirements of the local tourism market.
Mayor Ioannis Zervos said the approval of the new course represents a major achievement for the local community and demonstrates that decentralizing knowledge is both feasible and necessary. He noted that the municipal authority intends to equip local youth with tools to study, work, and thrive locally, adding that the regional economy requires skilled staff to support a sustainable development model. Zervos also thanked the leadership of the vocational school for its cooperation and urged young residents to take advantage of the free educational program.
Enrollment details and career options
Applications for student selection and registration will begin in early September through the online platform at https://diek.it.minedu.gov.gr. Tuition for the program is free, and enrollment is open to graduates from all types of high schools.
Students will acquire specialized skills to handle part or all of tourism operations within organizational hierarchies following established instructions. Graduates can work across various travel service providers, including service distributors, service producers, ground operators, general tourism offices, domestic agencies, incoming and outgoing tourism desks, special interest tourism firms, and alternative tourism agencies.
Qualified graduates will also be eligible for employment in both IATA-approved and non-IATA international air ticket agencies, ferry ticket offices, road and rail transport booking desks, corporate travel departments, and online travel agencies. Additional career options include positions with major tour operators, tourist bus transport companies, vehicle rental firms, conference and event organizers, yacht chartering and marine service firms, excursion planners, show and cruise ticket reservation desks, airport service offices, and administrative roles in private travel industry trade groups.
Classroom locations and contact information
Along with the launch of the new tourism program, the Mountain Guide specialty in Sfakia is entering its third semester of operation. Zervos stated that the continuation of both tracks confirms the steady growth and momentum of the municipality's vocational education branch.
Classes for the Sfakia branch are held at the Municipal Cultural Center of Chora Sfakion and the school complex of the Georgios Xenoudakis Gymnasium and Senior High School of Chora Sfakion. Interested candidates can obtain information by calling 28210 59855 or 28210 20115, or by writing to [email protected].
