The 3 October marked the start of another academic year for the students at the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS). This academic year also marks the 35th year anniversary of ITS.

In 1987, the first catering school in Malta, under the name School of Hotel, Catering and Tourism Studies, moved from the Mediterranean Conference Centre (MCC) to Pembroke where the Institute of Tourism Studies was founded. Throughout these years, the ITS has trained thousands of people who own, manage or work within the Tourism and Hospitality Industry, both in Malta and abroad.

This year, ITS has registered an 8% increase in new applications when compared to last year, a year which registered its ever-highest intake. Therefore, this academic year is another record intake for the Institute of Tourism Studies. This intake only includes full-time applicants; however, the Institute also trains over a thousand people on part-time basis throughout the year.

ITS saw the highest increase in application in its Bachelor Degree in courses, highlighting the fact that the students are continuing their studies onto higher level of studies, resulting in a more advanced level of personnel within the tourism and

hospitality industry. Another popular course, with over 40 applicants, is the Diploma in Climate Friendly Travel, offered in collaboration with SUNx Malta. This online course explores the impact of climate change on the global agenda and recognises its dominant impact on travel and tourism.

Minister for Tourism Clayton Bartolo outlined that the Government’s vision is to offer quality tourism, but this cannot be offered without a well-equipped hospitality workforce. He added that there is no better way to celebrate the ITS’ 35th year anniversary by commencing excavation works on the new ITS campus, planned for Smart City, Kalkara. Works are estimated to commence in the coming weeks, with building to follow.

“This campus will be able to welcome more than double the student capacity and will be equipped with various facilities which would allow certain training to be carried out, which training is not possible with the current amenities,” continued Minister for Tourism Clayton Bartolo.

ITS Chairman and CEO, Mr Edward Zammit and Mr Pierre Fenech, respectively, stated that throughout the year the Institute will also train over a thousand more students on part-time basis. This will also be done through the newly launched ITS training school, which is already in contact with key stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industry so that staff can be trained for the summer of 2023. Training will focus on skills-based learning, including training on customer care, tourist product, Maltese language for tourism and English language for tourism.