New authorities of the Vistula School of Hospitality
The Vistula School of Hospitality has new authority figures. , a recognised scientist, and sports activist, has taken up the Rector’s position. Rafał Szmytke, a manager professionally associated with tourism for several years, and a former president of the Polish Tourist Organisation, has become the Deputy Rector.
Professor Aleksander Ronikier, PhD is an expert in the field of human physiology and rehabilitation, as well as the sciences of physical culture and recreation. For years, he was associated with the Academy of Physical Education in Warsaw. He also worked as a professor at Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria. During the years, 1995-2013, he was the Rector of the Mieczysław Orłowicz High School of Tourism and Recreation. A former president of AZS – Academic Sports Association, and vice-president of the Polish Olympic Committee, he was responsible for international affairs and sports medicine. A member of the Supreme Council of the Polish Chamber of Tourism, he was a Polish basketball champion in 1962 and 1967. Author of over 60 publications and academic textbooks, he has been a reviewer of numerous research projects of the Scientific Research Committee, PHD theses, and professor nominations.
Rafał Szmytke is a graduate of the University of Physical Education in Warsaw, and the Faculty of Law and Administration of the University of Warsaw, who also received the title of Master of Business Administration from the Rotterdam School of Management. He gained experience in managerial positions at the Office of Physical Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Health, and as a researcher at the University of Physical Education in Warsaw. In the period, 2001-2016, he worked for the Polish Tourist Organisation, and from 2008 to 2016, he was its president.
He has been associated with tourism for years, not only professionally, but also socially. He was the co-organiser of the National Rally “Palmiry”, and the chairman of the Sports Centre for Survival and Exploration. He has published numerous publications in the field of qualified tourism. He is a sports instructor, holding licences for yacht sailing, paragliding piloting, and a 2nd-degree CMAS and PADI diver’s licence. As part of his social activities, he is also a scout instructor with the rank of scoutmaster.
