Greece to Upgrade ASTEK into International Tourism Education Hub

The Greek Ministry of Tourism and the municipality of Agios Nikolaos signed a cooperation memorandum to develop the Higher School of Tourism Education Crete (ASTEK). The agreement earmarks €8.4 million for modern facilities, including two new buildings of about 3,330 m² with classrooms, specialised labs, a library and student accommodation.

The upgrade aims to transform ASTEK into an international centre for tourism education and research, partnering with leading foreign universities and focusing on quality and sustainable tourism. Officials highlighted the project’s role in strengthening the link between higher education and the tourism sector in Crete. The initiative will move to detailed design, financing and construction phases following the memorandum signing, with the new campus planned adjacent to the Hellenic Mediterranean University and a future student hub.

Vice‑President of the Hellenic Parliament Giannis Plakotakis, Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni and Mayor Manolis Menegakis praised the step as decisive for the region’s development and for attracting students worldwide.