Nautical tourism and marinas: Olbia introduces two ITS programmes for service professionals

Marina operations, welcoming owners and crews, and coordinating stays on board and ashore are central to two programmes in the 2026–2028 offering from ITS Academy Turismo e Attività culturali Sardegna. Presented on 26 October in Olbia, aboard a Grimaldi Lines vessel at Isola Bianca port, they form part of five new programmes addressing tourism services.

Marina management, from bookings to sustainability

The first programme focuses on operations and the sustainable development of tourism services in ports and marinas. Training covers bookings and berth allocation, guest reception, staff coordination, and monitoring costs and resource consumption.

Presented with the contribution of Matteo Molinas, Junior General Manager of Marina di Porto Rotondo, the programme combines organisational skills with digital systems and sustainability. It aims to prepare professionals to oversee daily services and hospitality standards within marina facilities.

Connecting onboard hospitality with the destination

The second programme addresses experience planning and hospitality in recreational nautical tourism and the “albergo nautico diffuso” model, connecting accommodation aboard boats with shore-based services. Its focus is on coordinating onboard stays, facilities at ports of call and activities in the surrounding area.

Presented by Francesco della Torre, CEO of Yachting in Sardinia, it develops service coordination skills with attention to safety and guest experience. Practical activities aboard boats and work placements support preparation for roles in charter businesses and nautical hospitality.

Half of the training takes place in businesses

Each programme comprises 1,800 hours, including 900 hours of company placements. Classroom learning and practical exercises are therefore combined with direct workplace experience, bringing training closer to professional responsibilities.

The programmes lead to an EQF Level 5 diploma. Language certification is also included, covering at least English, with German and French depending on the programme—an important element for services catering to international visitors.

The remaining three programmes cover luxury hospitality, food and beverage management, and digital tourism focused on food and wine, completing an offering developed in cooperation with businesses.

For Sardinia’s nautical supply chain, these programmes could strengthen the connection between the destination’s appeal and locally available expertise. Efficient service organisation, guest support and the integration of sailing with local experiences can help businesses build stronger relationships with international markets.