The Metropolitan University recently hosted the kick‑off meeting for the Smart Tourism Academy, a collaborative European initiative aimed at redefining tourism education across Hungary and beyond. The three‑day event, held from 23 to 25 November 2025, brought together academics, industry leaders, and students from partner universities in Slovakia, Italy, Latvia, Czechia, Poland, Cyprus, and Slovenia.
A New European Initiative for Sustainable Tourism
The Smart Tourism Academy is funded under the Erasmus+ “Cooperative Partnerships in the Higher Education Sector” programme. Its mission is to create a smarter, greener, and more human‑centred tourism sector that aligns with the EU Green Deal and the evolving labour market.
Core Objectives
- Develop an online learning platform that offers modular, industry‑relevant courses.
- Establish a community hub for knowledge exchange among students, faculty, and tourism professionals.
- Create an entrepreneurship hub that supports innovative, sustainable tourism projects.
Key Highlights from the Kick‑off Event
Speakers showcased smart destination strategies, best practices from green hotels and spas, and the importance of responsible guest service. The event also highlighted METU’s myBrand methodology, where students build professional portfolios through real projects and close collaboration with industry partners.
Industry‑Driven Learning
Students will join international project teams that work directly with tourism businesses and destinations. These teams will co‑create teaching materials, test green solutions, and generate tangible improvements for the sector.
How the Smart Tourism Academy Will Shape the Future of Tourism Education
By integrating online modules, community engagement, and entrepreneurship support, the Academy will:
- Provide flexible learning pathways that adapt to the needs of working professionals.
- Encourage cross‑border collaboration, giving students exposure to diverse tourism markets.
- Promote sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact while enhancing visitor experience.
Benefits for Students
Participants gain:
- Hands‑on experience with real‑world projects.
- Access to a network of European tourism experts.
- Recognition through the myBrand portfolio, boosting employability.
Opportunities for Students and Industry Partners
Industry partners and municipalities will have the chance to:
- Test smart and green tourism solutions in collaboration with students.
- Influence curriculum development to meet market demands.
- Benefit from fresh insights and innovative ideas generated by the Academy’s hubs.
Getting Involved
Prospective students can apply now to join the Smart Tourism Academy. For industry professionals, download the environmental report to understand the Academy’s sustainability framework.
Next Steps and How to Get Involved
The consortium will soon open the Smart Tourism Academy platform and hubs to the broader community. Stakeholders interested in participating can:
- Submit an application through the university’s admissions portal.
- Schedule a free consultation to learn more about the program’s structure.
- Explore related articles on sustainable tourism and smart destination development.
For more information, visit the Metropolitan University website or contact the admissions office at [email protected].
Share your thoughts in the comments below or reach out to us for further discussion on how the Smart Tourism Academy can transform tourism education in Hungary.
