Brief overview of the project: MPATS “is a capacity-building initiative under the Erasmus+ programme, bringing together a consortium of six organisations from Moldova, Cyprus, Greece, and Italy. The project aims to enhance the quality, relevance, and responsiveness of vocational education and training (VET) in the Moldovan tourism sector by aligning it more closely with EU standards and labour market needs. As Moldova advances toward EU integration, the development of a modern, skilled, and innovative tourism workforce becomes a national priority. MPATS addresses this need by updating teaching materials, strengthening the capacity of VET institutions and educators, and fostering key competences among students, particularly in the areas of sustainability, digital literacy, foreign languages, and entrepreneurship.

Through a collaborative, cross-border approach, the project facilitates knowledge exchange and the adoption of best practices from EU countries with well-established tourism industries. Teachers and students alike will benefit from new curricula, targeted training, and international exposure that support the green and digital transition of the tourism ecosystem. MPATS also places strong emphasis on social inclusion and gender equality, ensuring that opportunities in tourism education and entrepreneurship are accessible to women and disadvantaged groups. By integrating sustainability principles, digital tools, and entrepreneurial thinking into the fabric of VET for tourism, MPATS aims to empower the next generation of tourism professionals while contributing to Moldova’s broader economic development and EU convergence efforts.