The Department of Tourism Studies at the University of Piraeus in Greece has just joined the University Network for Cultural Routes Studies. A General Framework Agreement for Collaboration between the European Institute of Cultural Routes (EICR) and the University of Piraeus was signed by Mr. Stefano DOMINIONI, Executive Secretary of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe (EPA) and EICR Director, and Prof. Mr. Nikolaos GEORGOPOULOS, Head of the Department of Tourism Studies, University of Piraeus.

The Department of Tourism Studies at the University of Piraeus is first of its kind in the university, developed in an effort to promote research in the field and provide students with education on tourism, hospitality and managerial competencies. It focuses on tourism finances, management related to tourism planning, human resources, logistics, marketing, new technologies and alternate ways of tourism among other areas. It also has its basis in 3 crucial tenets: the preservation of the environment, the sustainable management of tourism organizations and innovation.

With the new incorporation of University of Piraeus, the University Network for Cultural Routes Studies now counts 18 members.

The University Network for Cultural Routes Studies is a network of Universities interested in the study of Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe. The Network aims to encourage the conduct of research on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe related issues, encourage students to undertake their academic research on Cultural Routes, jointly apply for European Grants with the EICR, participate in the annual programme of activities of the EICR and offer scientific advice where required.

The University Network is planning to host its first online conference by the end of 2021. More information will be soon available here.