The Open University of Cyprus participates in a joint venture with public and private bodies and universities with experience and knowledge in the needs of the tourism and hotel sector for the implementation of a new research project entitled " INSTANT : Intelligent platform for providing Staffing and Training in the Hotel Industry / Smart Platform Staffing and Training in the Hotel Industry ". The project, with a duration of three years (2020-2023), is funded with a budget of approximately € 800,000 from the RESTART 2016–2020 program of the Foundation for Research and Innovation of the Republic of Cyprus and aims to create a pioneering platform for the tourism and hospitality sector, which will support the most efficient management of hotel units in Cyprus in matters relating to the staffing and training of their staff.

In particular, the Platform seeks a) to find solutions for the staffing of hotel units with experienced and trained staff, b) to support employees in procedural issues related to their work (eg finding housing, residence permits and work in Cyprus, etc.) and c) the provision of opportunities to domestic and foreign workers to develop their skills, abilities and knowledge through specialized training seminars, which will be designed and offered within INSTANT.

The project consortium consists of the following partners from the public and private sector: Prountzos & Prountzos D.E.P.E. - EV Law (contractor), Open University of Cyprus, Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Cyprus, Pancyprian Cyprus Hoteliers Association, Digital Tree Media Ltd, Ernst & Young Cyprus Ltd, University of Nicosia and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.