Perspectives for tourism professionals

Erfurt, 31 March 2021 - IU International University of Applied Sciences and currently 27 tourism industry associations united in the "Action Alliance for Tourism Diversity" (ATV) have reached a cooperation agreement. Within the framework of the cooperation, employees of ATV member companies will have access to the offers of IU dual study courses and the distance learning programmes of IU - in some cases at significantly reduced rates. In addition, they can take advantage of the AZAV-certified further education courses offered by the IU Academy, for which they can use educational vouchers from the Agentur für Arbeit (unemployment agency).

Perspectives for tourism professionals

"There has never been such a comprehensive cooperation model in the tourism industry in Germany before," Sebastian Worel says with satisfaction, who, as Managing Director of the Incoming Association, paved the way for the cooperation representing the Action Alliance ATV. Worel continues: "Especially in the current crisis, there is a need for perspectives, hope and positive, motivating signals for the many tourism professionals on short-time work and for companies that want to ensure qualified junior staff at an academic level in the long term. With the IU International University of Applied Sciences, we have found a diversified partner with extremely wide-ranging offers, especially for our industry.

Uncomplicated access to a wide range of educational opportunities

Sebastian Worel adds that the further training offers will be particularly important from the summer on, as social security contributions under the KUG will probably no longer be paid by the state after July, if the employees concerned do not take part in AZAV-certified courses and can prove this. Thanks to the cooperation, thousands of employees and companies in tourism now have uncomplicated access to a broad range of educational opportunities.

The dual study programme at IU International University of Applied Sciences offers regular rotation between theory at the university and practice in the partner company at 28 locations across Germany, and also the innovative, location-independent virtual campus. The distance learning course takes place 100% online, from enrolment to lectures and examinations. "This allows our students maximum flexibility and a self-determined education, which is also attracting a lot of interest, especially during the Corona pandemic. We are very pleased that now the employees of ATV members can also take advantage of our study course," says Prof. Dr. Peter Neumann, Professor of Tourism Management at the IU.

ABOUT IU INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES

With over 75,000 students, IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is the largest university in Germany. The private, state-recognized educational institution brings together more than 200 Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes under its roof, which are offered in German or English. Students can choose between on-campus study, dual study, distance learning and flexible combination models and thus shape their studies in a self-determined way. IU began operations in 2000 and is now represented in 28 German cities. It cooperates with over 10,000 companies and actively supports them in employee development. Its partners include Motel One, VW Financial Services and Deutsche Bahn. Further information at: www.iu.de