At the end of each module, you will have the opportunity to take a test to verify your skills and receive the certificate of participation.
UNIVERSITY OF GALWAY – IRELAND
Dr Seán T. Ruane holds a Ph.D. in Tourism and a master’s in hospitality management from Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) now Technological University (TU) Dublin. He is a lecturer above the bar in Shannon College of Hotel Management (Shannon College) in Strategy, Management, Tourism and Facilities. He is also Associate Head of School (AH) for Community Engagement. Dr Ruane is the program leader for the Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management (ADHM) delivered in the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA) in academic partnership with Shannon College and the University of Galway. Dr Ruane is a past Chapter President for the European Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Expert Chapter of the Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) and has recently been appointed 2nd VP to the board of TTRA. His research interests are in destination image and authenticity with a focus on photography and photovoice, to understand place making and sense-of-place.
Dr Anastasia Griva is an Assistant Professor in Business Information Systems at the University of Galway, Ireland, and serves as the Programme Director for the MSc in Business Analytics. Anastasia boasts a rich background in research commercialization, having founded two AI and analytics start-ups. Her research interests span across Business Analytics, Articial Intelligence, Innovation, and Customer Behavior. She has published in edited books and journals such as Information Systems Frontiers, IT & People, International Journal of Hospitality Management, International Journal of Information Management, Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Expert Systems with Applications, IEEE Software, and Journal of Decision Systems. She also holds the distinction of being a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow recipient.
Guest lecturers
John Burke, CEO of Hotel Armada. John is the Managing Director of a tourism portfolio in Co. Clare. He entered the tourism business after taking charge of his family business in 2001 at the young age of 21, through recessions and setbacks, he has continued to grow and develop his portfolio to include Hotel Doolin, Doolin Village Lodges, Bo & Bainne, Fiddle + Bow and CrossFit in Ennis. John currently employs 350 people across all his businesses. About 8 years into this life and with a flourishing business, John came to realise that taking fulfilment only from work had led to an unhealthy work life balance, physically and mentally he was feeling the effects. He turned to the outdoors after reading an article on Everest. Determined to climb it, he learnt on that journey to the top of the world that not only would his body benefit but his mind and consequentially his businesses too. Ten years after his first step on Carrantuohill he summited Everest, on 16th May 2017. Since his return John is back to his role as MD of his hotel business as well as founding The ELEVATE Foundation which is a not-for-profit organisation. It aims to fund the rollout of a wellness programme to young people, utilising independent organisations and professionals, specialising in youth wellness and mental health. Picture and description taken from http://johnjburke.ie
Eamonn Casey, general manager of Powerscourt Hotel & Spa and Mariott Autograph Collection Hotel. A seasoned hotelier with a hospitality career spanning almost 20 years, Casey brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his new role. Eamonn is a graduate of Shannon College of Hotel Management, with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree in International Hospitality Management & Business Studies. Prior to Graduating from Shannon College, Eamonn was selected to join the Marriott Graduate Development programme in 2003. After completing his college training, he began his hotel career working at various Marriott Properties in London, climbing the managerial ladder within the Food & Beverage division. In 2007, Casey’s talent was recognised with a Caterer & Hotel Keeper “Acorn Award”, these long-established awards recognise the “Top 30 hospitality professionals under 30” and presented annually by the Caterer Magazine in the UK. In 2010, Eamonn returned to Ireland to take-up a position as Director of Food & Beverage and Front of House Manager with 5* Shelbourne Dublin and in 2016 he took on his first General Management position with flagship property 5* The Westin, Dublin. Photo and description taken from https://www.hotelandrestauranttimes.ie
ADDU WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION – MALDIVES
Dr Mariyam Shakeela is a doctoral graduate from Curtin University. Dr Mariyam Shakeela, is one of the most active and successful entrepreneurs in Maldives with over 30 years of diverse, extensive knowledge and expertise working in politically, socially, and economically multifaceted environments, managing varying workforces across a wide range of small to large organizations including Chairmanship of Executive Board of World Health Organization (WHO) as a cabinet minister in the Government of Maldives. Former Cabinet Minister of Government of Maldives; Former Chairperson for Executive Board of WHO (World Health Organization); Former council member of IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency); Former Chair for Executive Education and MBA Panel/Curtin University), Former member of Advisory Board/School of Management of Curtin University. Currently is Honorary Consul of Belgium in Maldives; CEO of SIMDI Group of Companies; Chairperson for Addu Women’s Association (AWA) and WACAM, President of Women’s Chamber of Commerce Maldives (WCCM); International Executive Council Member of SAARC Chamber Women Entrepreneurs Council (SCWEC); Chair for Regional Committee of Asia Pacic ISGF (International Scouts and Guide Fellowship); Founder Member of Women’s Alliance for Security Leadership (WASL); Advisory Board member for Tourism Research Cluster and Tourism, Hospitality and Events at Curtin University. President of Multicultural Integration Association of Australia (MCIA). She has participated in key negotiations and advocacy roles at numerous international fora including forums that led to the development of SDG’s as well as on forums for human rights, health, environment, and Climate change. She is currently CEO of SIMDI Group of Companies and is one of the founding partners of the group, (http://www.simdi.com/simdi/simdi-family) which is an o shoot of one of the oldest companies in Maldives. She heads many other prot and non-prot institutions, holding membership in many prestigious international bodies and is one of the most active Civil Society contributors facilitating opportunities for economic, social, and political empowerment of women and youth, works on areas pertaining to conict resolution, Human Rights and building peace and security. She is also a multi award winner, an academic, a published poet and an author, creative writer and inspiration to women who aspire to break barriers and succeed.
Mariyam Ameeza, holding bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Maldives has over 24 years of experience in various capacities and in various areas from being a secretary, in sales and marketing and as a manager in one of the most diverse and reputable companies in Maldives. Celebrating 4 decades. She is currently working in the capacity of Operations Manager for the group and over looks smooth operations of IMDC Hospital in Addu City which is owned by SIMDI Company Pvt Ltd. Her main role in company includes, government related liaison tasks, procurement and many various tasks assigned by executive board of SIMDI Company Pvt Ltd. She is among the longest serving local sta, awarded in SIMDI Company Pvt Ltd in the year 2015. She has achieved Golden Trophy in appreciation of continued support and loyalty in continuity of 20 years in SIMDI Company Pvt Ltd. She has also successfully completed short courses during this period. Some of them are project Management course, awarded by Islamic University of Maldives and First Aid course certied by Maldivian Red Crescent. Apart from this she also holds Director position in a family business in the eld of aviation and travel in the Maldives since 2008. Get Into Maldives has won 13 awards by World Travel Award in 2013 to 2021. Namely the company holds leading destination management company, leading luxury tour operator and leading travel agency awarded internationally. She has also been an active member of Addu Women’s Association (AWA) a registered NGO and holds the position of Secretary. She is also the General Secretary of Women’s Chamber of Commerce (WCCM) which works on economic empowerment of women.
Ms Ibthisam Ibrahim Mohamed Didi holds a Master of Business Administration Degree from the University of Western Australia. Currently holding the position of Director of SIMDI Group of Companies in Maldives, a family business with its origin being in developing, owning, and operating resorts like Lohifushi/Hudhurunfushi, Kanuhura, Meedhupparu etc. as well as serving the tourism sector by providing goods and services that the tourism, business, and retail sectors require. Among others, one of its more recent expansions involves construction and operation of Azuvia a City Hotel in Hulhumale. Ms Ibthisam Ibrahim Mohamed Didi is the Honorary Consulate of Spain and the Managing Director for Smart Design, a design and construction company that deals with design and fabrication of residential, commercial, and resort projects, among others. Director for Global Medical Spa, Director for RC Maldives as well as the Director of International Medical and Diagnostic Centre (IMDC), Q & A Trading, Abiya Company, KAITO Maldives, Institute of Counseling and Psychotherapy (ICP) and Dhives Institute. Also involved in NGO work in Addu Women’s Association (AWA), Maldives Women’s Chamber of Commerce (MWCC) and member of Employment Sector Council in TVET Authority. Uses the skills and modern management philosophies from educational background and combines them with business experience and acumen to great eect and is instrumental in forward planning, modernizing and continuously improving all the businesses involved. Experience and hard work have resulted in numerous successful resorts and businesses in Maldives and overseas with a network of contacts and stakeholders in the tourism and related industries.
Dr. Naushad Mohamed is currently serving as the Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Tourism, Maldives. During his tenure, he has contributed to developing tourism policies and strategies, conducting tourism research, and managing community development projects. His key achievements at the Ministry include leading the Situation Monitoring Unit to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism, managing industry stakeholders, and informing recovery strategies; supervising the Fifth Tourism Master Plan 2023–2027 supported by ADB; spearheading community-based tourism projects with UNDP and JICA; and delivering presentations on investment opportunities for tourism in the Maldives at international conferences. He has collaborated with international organizations such as the Asian Development Bank, UNDP, JICA, UNWTO, the World Economic Forum, PATA, and IORA on projects, research, and policy development. In addition, Naushad Mohamed is a shareholder and founder of Clique College, a higher education institution in the Maldives with a 23-year history. The college is recognized for offering internationally affiliated programs through partnerships with organizations such as ACCA, The Association of Business Executives (UK), Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality (UK), Heriot-Watt University, and SEGi University (Malaysia).
Guest lecturers
Tharaka Appuhamy is a results-orientated Corporate General Manager with a very strong academic background in the Hospitality sector. He comes with hands-on experience in Hotel Pre-opening, Operations, Sustainability, Quality Assurance, Human Resources, Learning and development. He is known to be an individual who is truly passionate towards developing human capital. Currently, he works in one of the largest diversed conglomerates, Aitken Spence Resorts Maldives Sector, as the Corporate General Manager of Talent Management & Quality Assurance. He is well-regarded as an outstanding Corporate Trainer in Asia and a recipient of the Stelliers South Asia Human Resources, Sustainability and Corporate Hotelier Awards in 2019 and 2020, respectively. He was also the recipient of the 2019 – Learning & Development Professional of the Year award – 2019 by “South Asian Business Excellence.” During his career, he has trained groups from over 30 dierent nationalities and has experience conducting training programs across countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar, Maldives, India, and Sri Lanka. Emphasising in his academic highlights, Tharaka is a Chartered Trainer from the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development – UK, and a Certied Hospitality Train-
er from AHLEI – USA, with professional qualication in Strategies for Higher Ed – Teaching and Learning from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Tharaka holds a Master’s in Business Administration and an Honours degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from the MSU (Management and Science University). He gained a first-class Honours degree and was named ‘Best Graduate of the Year’ in 2012 from SLITHM (Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hospitality Management).
STARTUP GREECE – GREECE
Mr. Thanos Paraschos is an expert in leadership, sustainability, and innovation ecosystems, with over a decade of experience helping organizations scale impactful solutions. Through his work at Startup Greece, he has developed valuable insights into integrating sustainability practices into business operations. Mr. Paraschos created the Green Sustainability in Tourism Leadership course to help General Managers of hotels and resorts understand and implement sustainable practices in their leadership roles. He is passionate about empowering leaders to drive sustainable change through innovation and collaboration, equipping them to lead their organizations toward a greener future.
Olympia Kokka Plum Fintech People’s and Culture Manager. Startup Greece advisor.
Guest lecturers
Working with Startup Greece, Ms. Mali Rafini brings valuable insights into group psychology, leadership, and sustainability strategies, helping businesses adopt eco-friendly practices that drive both growth and environmental impact.
NAVET – BULGARIA:
Dr. Silvia Toneva, is a chief expert at the Vocational Qualification and Licensing Directorate of the National Agency for Vocational Education and Training in Bulgaria. Her experience combines more than 10 years as an expert in human resources management and an expert in the lifelong learning system. Her interests are in the field of human capital building and project management on topical issues of the European agenda.
Dr. Adelina Borisova holds a Doctorate Degree in political science and currently works as a chief expert in the National Agency for Vocational Education and Training which is a state body to the Councils of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria. Main areas of scientific interest: public administration, human resources management in public administration, performance appraisal systems of civil servants in a comparative European context.
Guest lecturers
Angelo Zuccala’s hospitality experience spans close to 23 years. Holding a Master in Business Studies and Finance from Groupe Sup de Co La Rochelle in France, he brings his knowledge and expertise in the hospitality industry to InterContinental Sofia. Angelo has built a strong career within InterContinental Hotels Group where he spent 15 years progressing through several management roles and countries around the world. He worked in the UK, France, Egypt, Malta and Romania. Angelo Zuccala is a dual national, French and Italian. Multilingual, he speaks French, Italian, and English. Angelo Zuccala is eager to present the outstanding advantages of the international IHG chain, unleashing the full potential of five-star service in Bulgaria. Source: www.hospitalitynet.org
Adriana Angelova, Adriana Angelova is the director of business development, Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia, Grand Hotel Sofia, Kings’ Valley Medical & Spa Hotel. Adriana Angelova joins the Sofia Hotels Management team in September 2022 as Director of Business Development for the three hotels of NIKMI AD. She majored in Tourism at UNSS, but likes to say that she improved her leadership and management skills at the Hilton “university”. Over the years, he passed through various positions in the sales department in the chain, until she headed the sales departments of the sites in Sofia and Bucharest. In 2017, she took over the management of the sales department of one of the largest Bulgarian tourism asset management companies and managed the sales departments of 7 sites throughout Bulgaria. Accepts the challenge to join the Sofia Hotels Management team as Director of Business Development, where he takes over the management of Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia and Grand Hotel Sofia and coordinates the opening process of the new investment project of NIKMI AD – Kings’ Valley Medical & Spa Hotel, which is expected to open by the end of the year in Kazanlak mineral baths in the city of Kazanlak.
Viktor Getov is the general manager of the “Kings Valley Medical and Spa” complex near Kazanlak, Bulgaria, which opened at the very end of last year. Viktor Getov is hotelier of the year for 2023. A graduate of one of the most renowned tourism colleges in Switzerland and American universities, he has worked his way up from the low levels of a career in famous establishments in various countries to a management position at the famous Mayfair in London to the management of the five-star hotel “Millennium” in the city of Sofia, in order to have the honor of opening the ambitious new complex of one of the largest groups of five-star hotels in the country.
IGOR VITALE INTERNATIONAL – ITALY
Dr. Igor Vaslav Vitale, born in Foggia (Italy) is a work and organisational psychologist and an accomplished author of EU projects. As the sole director of Igor Vitale International Srl, an Italian company based in Foggia, he specialises in providing applied psychology services aimed at fostering professional and community development. His extensive international experience spans over 45 European and non-European countries, where he has actively contributed to more than 85 Erasmus+ projects. As the creator of one of Italy’s leading applied psychology websites, (www.igorvitale.org), Dr. Vitale has reached a wide audience, achieving over 12 million views and facilitating more than 200,000 resource downloads.
Agnese Federica Gobbi, born in Slovenia, holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in psychology at the University Guglielmo Marconi in Rome. Since 2022, she has been a valued collaborator at Igor Vitale International Srl, where she specializes in audio-video production, photography, content writing, and web page creation. Agnese has actively contributed to more than 15 projects across diverse fields such as hospitality, crafts, ecology, and psychology. Her work has taken her to various parts of Europe, the Overseas Caribbean territories, Greenland, and regions of Southern and Eastern Asia, showcasing her global perspective and multidisciplinary expertise.
Mariella Segreti holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in cognitive neuroscience, both with honors, from the University of Rome “La Sapienza”. Awarded a place in the Excellence Path in the neuroscience faculty, a distinction reserved for top-performing students, achieving first place in the faculty’s ranking. Currently pursuing a PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience, with a research focus on inhibition, reasoning, motivation, and attention in humans, using behavioral and neurophysiological methods such as electroencephalography (EEG). Additional training in neurophysiological methods was completed through a Summer School at the University of Porto, in Portugal. Mariella Segreti has authored several scientific articles, posters, and Erasmus projects covering topics in neuroscience, psychology of tourism, and applied social psychology. Proficient in both quantitative and qualitative research methods, with experience using software such as SPSS and Jamovi. Skilled in coding with MATLAB and Psychtoolbox.
Guest lecturers
Emanuele Carnevale
Petros Mavros, executive chef and Radisson Blue hotel in Larnaca, Cyprus.
Karam Ahmed, president of the Secretariat of the Thoddoo Council, Maldives. Source: internet