HIGHLIGHTING the importance of tourism management in the education sector amid the pandemic, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines’ College of Tourism, Hospitality and Transportation Management has entered a partnership with Bulgaria-based Varna University of Management.

“We are very pleased to see this MOU in place as it paves the way for great synergy between our two universities, combining PUP’s field presence with VUM’s expertise on tourism, hospitality, business and software systems,” Dr. Todor Radev, VUM chancellor, said.

Under the MOU, PUP and VUM’s research and academic sectors will collaborate through joint research projects, co-hosting of international conferences and exchange faculty members, students and academic materials.

Dr. Anna Ruby Gapasin, PUP vice president for Research, Extension and Development, expressed her gratitude to VUM and said that the MOU will provide more opportunities for both universities.

“This agreement will allow both organizations to contribute to improved coordination on academic and research opportunities, and also to ensure timely exchange of resources to the benefit of both universities,” Gapasin said.

Also present during the signing were VUM Vice Chancellor for Research Dr. Stanislov Ivano, PUP Research Management Office Director Dr. Jackie Urrutia, PUP CTHTM Department of Tourism and Transportation Management Chair Prof. Lizbette Vergara, PUP International Affairs Director Prof. Jonna Karla Bien, and PUP Office of and Faculty Researcher for CTHTM Dr. Daryl Ace Cornell.

VUM is a private university in Varna, Bulgaria established in 1996. It specializes on International Hospitality and Tourism Management, Culinary Arts, Business Management, and Software Engineering.