On June 25, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between Caucasus University and the USAID Economic Security Program at the campus of Caucasus University. The memorandum was signed by Caucasus University President Dr. Kakha Shengelia and the head of the USAID Economic Security Program, Mark McCord.
The cooperation envisages enhancement of Georgia’s competitiveness in the tourism industry by improving the qualification of its employees. The USAID Economic Security Program and its contractor Solimar will assist Caucasus University in obtaining UNWTO TedQual international certification. It is noteworthy that Caucasus School of Tourism is the first school in the region to have started the accreditation process of its programs in Tourism, which will significantly enhance their quality, increase the competitiveness of its graduates and raise the program’s international awareness.
In the framework of the agreement, Caucasus School of Tourism commences cooperation with George Washington University’s International Institute of Tourism.
The cooperation also envisages:
- Ensuring successful completion of Ted Qual accreditation process for BA and MA programs;
- Developing joint MA programs in Hospitality and Tourism Management together with the leading Higher Education Institutions of the US.
- Developing international certification courses in Hospitality and Tourism Management.
The School of Tourism at Caucasus University offering BA program in Tourism was founded in 2012. The aim of the School is to prepare managers in the field of Tourism. The teaching methods employed include not only providing the students with theoretical knowledge but also organizing internships and educational tours for their benefit.
About the Economic Security Program: the 5-year program, with the finances of $17.8 million is implemented by DAI Global. The aim of the program is to foster development of the sectors beyond agriculture which have a potential of creating jobs, attracting investments and a potential of revenue growth of the micro, small and middle-sized enterprises.
