The Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sunweb Group GmbH and Cretan Holidays Destination Management on Thursday, 22 January 2026, at the Heraklion campus.
The Department of Business Administration and Tourism acted as the initiating department for the agreement.
The Memorandum of Understanding establishes a structured framework for educational, scientific, and research collaboration between Hellenic Mediterranean University—specifically the Department of Business Administration and Tourism—and leading organisations in the tourism sector. The cooperation aims to strengthen the connection between academic knowledge, applied research, and real market needs.
Representing Hellenic Mediterranean University were the Rector, Professor Nikos Katsarakis, the Executive Director, Dr Vanessa Simantiraki, the President of the Department of Business Administration and Tourism, Associate Professor Markos Kourgiantakis, and Associate Professor Nikos Trichas.
Sunweb Group GmbH was represented by Ms Suzanne Ossenblok, Senior Product Manager, while Cretan Holidays Destination Management was represented by Ms Despina Badouva, Member of the Board, Mr Kostas Markakis, Managing Director and CEO, and Mr Andreas Moniakis, Director of Operations.
The cooperation seeks to establish a stable partnership between the academic community and the business sector, with particular emphasis on:
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enhancing higher education through lectures, seminars, internships, and professional experience opportunities for students,
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jointly developing applied research initiatives and promoting knowledge transfer,
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implementing development-oriented and socially impactful actions at local and regional level,
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networking and communicating joint initiatives at national and international level.
