The Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU), through its Department of Business Administration and Tourism, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Paralos Hospitality S.A. on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. The aim is to promote joint actions in education, research, and innovation in the fields of tourism entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
The signing ceremony took place in Heraklion, in the presence of the Rector of HMU, Professor Nikos Katsarakis, the President of Paralos Hospitality, Ms. Despoina Bantouvá, and the CEO of the company, Mr. Konstantinos Markakis.
Also attending the event were the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Lifelong Learning, Professor Fotios Mavromatakis, the Dean of the School of Management and Economics, Professor Alexandros Apostolakis, the Head of the Department of Business Administration and Tourism, Associate Professor Markos Kourgiantakis, the Vice Head of the Department, Associate Professor Alexandros Garefalakis, and PhD candidate Georgios Konstantopoulos. Representing Paralos Hospitality were Board Member Antonios Milolidakis and senior executives Vasilis Fragoulakis (General Manager) and Nikolaos Sfakianakis (Commercial & Business Development Director).
Key Objectives of the Partnership
The Memorandum of Understanding includes, among others:
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Organization of specialized seminars through HMU’s Lifelong Learning Center (KEDIVIM).
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Joint initiatives on ESG topics, internal auditing, and tourism and business innovation.
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Creation of a tourism-related case study database.
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Co-organization of research and educational activities.
This MoU formalizes and expands the already close collaboration between HMU’s Department of Business Administration and Tourism and Paralos Hospitality. With this initiative, the connection between the academic community and the tourism job market, applied research, and the university’s outward engagement is further strengthened.
