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Intensive learning in first Training of Trainers week in Kutaisi

A group of people standing in front of a building.

In the beginning of October (1.-4.10.2024) the first Training of Trainers week was organized in Georgia, in the beautiful town of Kutaisi by EU partners MCI The entrepreneurial school, Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences and University of Genoa. The week was hosted by Akaki Tsereteli State University (ATSU). Altogether 18 teachers from Georgia and Moldova participated in this first intensive week of the series of 4 training weeks. From EU partners (MCI, HHUAS and UniGe) 2 trainers of each institution implemented the trainings according to the Training plan, which was created in collaboration.

During the week participants and trainers worked together in intensive training sessions sharing different insights and experiences in various topics of sustainability in tourism such as: importance of tourism and development, sustainability & tourism impacts, tourism stakeholders, trends & changing customer behaviour in tourism, EU best practices – and many more actual topics. Interactive group work was actively used as a method during the training sessions.

Outside of the class room, our host ATSU organized two wonderful excursions. First, the group experienced Sataplia Cave and the exiting history including the dinosaurus foot prints. On the second excursion the group visited traditional and beautiful Motsameta Monastery. There was also a Georgian dinner in the cosy athmosphere of restaurant Kalakuri where the group experienced the Georgian Supra led by the host university. This was a great way to get to know not only the rich food culture of Georgia but also the trainer team better.

In the end of the week the group had a very positive feeling of this 1st training of trainers week, and the feedback was in general really positive. Here, a few comments to mention: ”I appreciated the integrated approach to sustainability in tourism, especially how the SDGs are concretely applied in this field.” ”I learned about the best practices from the EU and how the tourism industry can implement sustainable transactions.” ”I liked the canvas method. Makes you think about the future of sustainable development in tourism.”

The participants are already looking forward to the next intensive training week, to be organized online in the beginning of November. The team of 18 participants will play a crucial role in the next phases of the project, when the hubs will be established in each partner university in Georgia and Moldova during next year.

More info:

Insights and learnings from different project partners in a video made by ATSU

Atmosphere of the 1st Training of Trainers week in Kutaisi in a short video

Programme of the 1st Training week in Kutaisi, Georgia: