European Association of Hotel and Tourism Schools
The European Association of Hotel and Tourism Schools (AEHT) ( German : Association of European Hotel and Tourism Schools ) is the largest such association in Europe. The AEHT consists (inventory of July 15, 2013) of members from 39 European countries, including all EU states and six non-European member states.
history
It was founded in Strasbourg in 1988 through the amalgamation of 25 technical schools from 16 nations. The executive committee members Jean-Paul Bernard and Marin Bruder, directors of the Hotel and Tourism School Illkirch, were responsible for this . Bernard was elected as the first president of the new organization, and Brother his general secretary .
Just one year later, the AEHT was admitted to the group of international non-governmental organizations (INGO) in the field of continuing education and has the status of an advisory organization at the Council of Europe . In 2000 the administration moved to Luxemburg- Diekirch . By 2013 the organization had expanded to around 400 member schools in over 40 countries.
Presidencies
- 1988–1991 Jean-Paul Bernard, France
- 1991–1994 Alf Carlsson, Sweden
- 1994–1997 Ciarán O'Cathain, Ireland
- 1997–2000 Michel Gaillot, France
- 2000-2003 Louis Robert, Luxembourg
- 2003–2006 Alfonso Benvenuto, Italy
- 2006–2009 Louis Robert, Luxembourg
- 2009–2013 Klaus Enengl, Austria
- since 2013 Ana Paula Pais, Portugal
General Secretaries
- 1988–1991 Martin Bruder, France
- 1991–2000 Sibylle Schoch, France
- 2000-2003 John Rees Smith, England
- since 2004 Nadine Schintgen, Luxembourg
Goals and Activities
The main objectives include contact and exchange between partner schools and an understanding of the various legal and educational systems in Europe. It is also important to jointly develop international projects that would not be feasible through the school in a partner country alone. The activities also include numerous, high-level, international events, competitions and seminars in the fields of gastronomy , hotel and tourism . In addition, there is the maintenance of contacts and the exchange of teaching methods and material as well as the exchange of knowledge . For several years the association has had a track for higher education and every year organizes a seminar with different topics for teachers in this area.
The most important events are the annual congresses, in which a total of 700 school directors, teachers and students took part. This event generates an important impulse for all participants. Between eight and ten competitions take place in the areas of kitchen, bar, oenology, service, catering, front office, management and others. In these competitions, the students compete in international teams that are drawn in advance. This strengthens their language skills and the ability to adapt to their future profession, to be able to work in an international group. These skills are not in such demand in any other industry. Mobility and flexibility are further indispensable requirements for this professional branch.
AEHT provides this international environment - both for the trainees and the trainers. In this context, it is worth mentioning the Christmas in Europe event , where every year around 20 schools in a different country meet to present the diversity of their Christmas traditions in the areas of gastronomy, costumes, legends, music, etc. to a wide audience. This activity also promotes the network's cooperation in arranging exchanges for students and teachers as well as planning participation in European programs.