Unusual for the usual environment associated with the defence of academic papers, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA) and Klaipeda University joint International Tourism Events Management (ITEM) Master’s study program graduates did it in Joniskele manor, Lithuania, thus presenting the close connection with the tourism industry.

Studies that started 1,5 years ago finished with the defence of Master’s Papers, it was participated by five commission members who listened to the presentations by six students from Latvia and Azerbaijan. The themes covered various topics of tourism and event management, like sport events, wedding tourism and others.

This program is the first of the kind in international joint master’s studies in Latvia, the main aim of it being preparation of tourism events managers competitive in the international environment, as well as reducing the gap between the education in tourism and the industry of tourism and events which already for long in export markets considers Baltics as a united destinatio

               Assistant Professor, Deputy head of tourism and leisure studies in academic issues for master's programmes Andris Klepers, when evaluating the study program, notes: “In the Baltic region, there is a growing competition in the sphere of international public events. Many cities have created a modern public infrastructure suitable for organising various events. The events have a noticeable economic effect, help the cities, municipalities, tourism destinations position themselves, distinguish their brand. The World Economic Forum envisages an even greater influence of the service sector in the future. Understanding of the service gives the advantage of looking for contacting points. Culture events, sports events, sphere of entertainment – lots of opportunities for employment, where the most essential skills are creativity, critical thinking, complex solution for the problem, and others.”

The graduates of the program receive a joint Master’s degree issued by two countries, two universities - Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences and Klaipeda University. Having graduated this program, it is possible to prolong studies in Venice and get the double diploma of Master’s degree at the consortium partner Ca Foscari University.

Master’s study program “International Tourism Events Management” (ITEM) was created in 2014 and is being implemented together with Klaipeda University and Ca Foscari University in Venice. Its formation is participated also by Manchester Metropolitan University, International tourism economics research centre in Italy, development was joined by Estonian Hotel and Tourism Management School, as well as Latvian Hotels and Restaurants Association.

               In 2017 the ITEM program expects a new admission, strengthening the existing traditions in cooperation with Klaipeda University and opening new cooperation opportunities with Nordic countries to promote the students competitiveness and growth of career opportunities.