03.06.2020
Grant award for the Regional Competence Centre in Pula
A HRK 44.7 million grant agreement for the Regional Centre of Competence in Pula was signed on June 2, 2020, in Pula. The funding comes from the European Social Fund as part of the Operational Programme Efficient Human Resources 2014-2020. The beneficiary of the project is the Pula Tourism, Hospitality and Trade School along with 12 partners, one of which is Arena Hospitality Group.
The agreements were signed by the Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Croatia, Mr Gari Cappelli and the principal of the Pula Tourism, Hospitality and Trade School, Ms Orhideja Petković. The signing was attended by Mr Reli Slonim, the President of the Management Board of Arena Hospitality Group. The allocated funds are intended for the introduction of education based on the needs of employers, who are active partners in the project.
"Human resources are the basis of every company's innovation and quality, and this is especially true in tourism, where what is sold is the service, the experience and the product, which is above all the result of the human factor. The project of establishing competence centres is a long-term solution for the modernization of education in accordance with the needs of the labour market, as well as skills development and exchange of experiences among the industry experts. I believe that the centre in Pula will become one of the centres of excellence and knowledge in the tourist industry," Mr Cappelli said.
The Regional Competence Centre in Pula is one of the six designated competence centres for tourism and hospitality in Croatia. During the first year of the project, various educational programs within the field of tourism and hospitality will be developed and implemented: an innovative educational high school program in the segment of camping tourism, educational programs for adults in various specialized segments, a new educational program for students with disabilities and education of teachers and mentors with employers in tourism and hospitality. Cooperation with the Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, various chambers, associations and other stakeholders in tourism is also planned.
We are looking forward to active participation in this project that will bring benefits to the entire local community and help raise the quality of service in the tourism and hospitality industry in Istria.