Ivan P. Pavlov Vocational High School of Tourism in Ruse Opens a New STEM Centre for Next-Generation Learning
On 29 May 2026, the official opening of the new school STEM centre took place in the training and production building of Ivan P. Pavlov Vocational High School of Tourism in Ruse. The centre was developed under procedure BG-RRP-1.015 “School STEM Environment”, aimed at creating modern educational spaces that support innovation in teaching and increase students’ interest in science, technology and practical research.
The investment in the STEM centre amounts to BGN 360,018.35 and has been implemented in two areas: “Design and 3D Prototyping” and “Robotics and Cyber-Physical Systems”. The new environment is aligned with the specific needs of vocational education in tourism and aims to connect theoretical training more effectively with real practical skills.
The centre includes five thematically designed and highly equipped technological zones:
“STEM Hotel” is equipped with a reception area, a digital receptionist, a mini scanner, a virtual tourist guide and professional hotel software for guest registration.
“STEM Tourist Animation” is a space for creative and technological work, equipped with a 3D printer, a laser for engraving and cutting, 3D pens, drones, cameras, a mini scanner, a laptop for virtual reality, a Big Shot machine for paper printing and a colour printer.
“STEM Pastry Shop” is equipped with a 3D printer, 3D pens, a laptop for virtual reality and a mini scanner, providing opportunities to apply digital technologies in pastry-making and culinary training.
“STEM Restaurant” is a space where students will be able to work with the BellaBot waiter robot and learn more about the application of automation in restaurant services.
“STEM Kitchen” is equipped with a pastry printer for cookies, a pastry printer for fondant paper and a convection oven, supporting practical training in a modern technological environment.
The STEM centre also includes a meteorological station, with its data visualised on interactive tables. This further expands the opportunities for interdisciplinary learning and encourages students to work with real data, analyse information and discover the connections between different subject areas.
The opening of the centre is an important step for the development of vocational education in Ruse. Tourism is a sector of significant importance both for Bulgaria and for the Ruse region, and the preparation of well-trained professionals is essential for its competitiveness. The new equipment and thematically designed spaces will enable students to develop practical skills in an environment close to real working conditions.
Through the STEM centre, Ivan P. Pavlov Vocational High School of Tourism will be able to apply more interactive and practice-oriented teaching methods. Students will have the opportunity to experiment, create prototypes, work with digital tools and better understand the practical application of the material they study.
The Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomes initiatives of this kind, which connect education, technology and the needs of business. Investments in modern learning environments are essential for preparing young professionals who can successfully enter both the Bulgarian and the European labour market.
