Aspira University College continues to follow the contemporary trends in education, which was confirmed by the formal opening of a Specialist Master Study of Hospitality and Tourism Management which took place on May 3, 2019 at Aspira University College in Split. The opening of the new study program is the crown of successful ten years of business, in which Aspira educated many professionals from the world of sports, tourism, gastronomy, and information technology.
The ceremony was opened by the Dean of Aspira University College, Alen Jerkunica, who shared his excitement about start of the new study program and presented many advantages of studying at Aspira. Aspira’s programs are always created in cooperation with employers and have organized professional practice and internships since the very first year of study. Classes are held by prominent Croatian and foreign lecturers, and students learn to think outside the box. The support of Aspira was provided by representatives of the City of Split, Split-Dalmatia County, the Croatian Ministry of Tourism and numerous partners from hospitality and higher education.
– We are proud of what you are doing! The Split – Dalmatia County is following your work and congratulating you on this great business success – Ph.D. Meri Maretić addressed the attendees at the opening ceremony. Her speech was followed by addressing of the Secretary General of the Ministry of Tourism, Tonči Glavina, who has been an ardent supporter of Aspira University College for many years, together with the Minister of Tourism, Gari Cappelli.
– I’m impressed with what I see on Aspira. Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the world, and this positive trend will continue in the future. The only way Croatia will be able to be distinguished among other tourist destinations are educated and professional staff. People are the key to success in tourism, a fact which Aspira has long recognized. The Ministry of Tourism monitors and supports your work and we believe that the knowledge you offer is recognized globally – Glavina said.
The most interesting part of the ceremony was the cooking show prepared by the most promising young Croatian chefs Filip Horvat, Duje Kanajet, Jadran Grancic and Lorenzo Pervan. The chefs, with the help of Aspira’s Gastronomy students, have prepared a true rhapsody of flavors in several sequences. The menu consisted of traditional Croatian dishes presented in a modern way, such as tuna, octopus and fish stew. The story was completed by an excellent selection of wines from all over Croatia, prepared by the members of Aspira Sommelier Club assisted by Siniša Koceić.
The ceremonial opening of the Master Study of Hospitality and Tourism Management is just an introduction, and the study program for all interested parties begins in September 2019. The Master program has three specializations: Hotel Management, Management of Destination Organizations and Companies – Destination Management (DMO and DMC) and Gastronomy. Future students can be sure to enroll in any of the offered study specializations because Aspira provides its students with the knowledge and skills that have been recognized in the labor market for many years.