The Higher Hotel Institute Cyprus (HHIC) was awarded the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) on the 09/12/13 for participation in the Erasmus+ Programme. The reason that the HHIC supports the Erasmus+ Programme is that education and industrial placement play a key role in its strategic plan. The programme provides its students and staff with the necessary means to participate actively in the hospitality and wider tourism industry and in society at large. It supports students and staff members in the acquisition of knowledge, skills and competencies leading to their personal development and employability in the Cypriot labour market and beyond. The programme also supports the professional development of the HHIC staff that work in education and training with a view to innovate and improve the quality of teaching and training across Europe. At the HHIC the teaching of foreign languages are a priority and participating in the Erasmus+ programme enhances the participants' foreign language competencies. In the HHIC curricula there are modules that aim to raise participants' awareness and understanding of other cultures and countries. Participation in this programme supports the Institute's efforts in this area for further exposure. The programme offers the opportunity to build networks and international contacts, actively participate in society and development and enhance a sense of European citizenship and identity. Students and staff that have spent time abroad on Erasmus+ return with a better recognition of competencies gained and are able to communicate the acquired knowledge and skills. The HHIC respects in full the principles of non-discrimination set out in the programme and ensures equal access and opportunities to mobilize participants from all backgrounds. The HHIC ensures full recognition for satisfactorily completed activities of study mobility and, where possible, traineeships in terms of credits awarded (ECTS). Furthermore, it ensures the inclusion of satisfactorily completed study and/or traineeship mobility activities in the final record of student achievements (Diploma Supplement). In order to implement and organize European and international mobility, the HHIC has formed an Erasmus Team (IRO). It is comprised of 6 members who plan for and implement necessary tasks: activity plan preparation; program promotion; completion of application forms; contacts with other institutions; signing of agreements; selection, support and administration of participants; activities appraisal and progress reports submission. The Coordinator (fafxentiou@hhic.mlsi.gov.cy ) submits the plan to management for approval. It organizes information days twice yearly for students, followed by a call for an application of interest. It conducts an annual staff meeting to inform on European Programmes encouraging both students and staff members to participate in the programme. Interested staff/students are selected based on a list of selection criteria. Dates and duration of mobility are then decided upon. A contract is signed between the parties involved. Upon completion of mobility, relevant documentation is presented by the participants. The HHIC has undertaken both student and staff mobility in the past year. The numbers are not large since the Institute is small, however, interest is ever growing and the Erasmus+ team is energetic in pressing for more resources in order to mobilise more students and staff. To date in the academic year 2014 - 2015, 2 students were send to study for a short period abroad, and a graduate has undertaken a traineeship with much success. Staff members (both full time and on contract) also have participated in teaching periods and training periods. The expected impacts of the project are as follows: 1.Increasing attainment level to provide the graduates and researchers Europe needs.2. Improving the quality and relevance of higher education. 3. Strengthening quality through mobility and cross-border cooperation. 4. Linking higher education, research and business for excellence and regional development. 5. Improving governance and funding.