International Hotel Investments (IHI) Group and the University of Malta, together with its Research, Innovation and Development Trust (RIDT), have signed an agreement establishing a three-year doctoral scholarship in sustainable tourism.
The scholarship, named the Alfred Pisani PhD Scholarship, was signed at the Corinthia Palace Hotel in Attard by University Rector Professor Alfred Vella and Corinthia Chairman Alfred Pisani.
The initiative marks the beginning of a strategic collaboration between the hospitality group and the University, with a focus on advancing research that supports long-term sustainability within Malta’s tourism industry.
Rather than prioritising sheer visitor numbers, the scholarship seeks to support research that explores how Malta can attract higher-value tourism that generates stronger economic returns while easing pressure on infrastructure and natural resources.
Speaking during the signing, Mr Pisani highlighted tourism’s central role both in Corinthia’s mission and Malta’s future prosperity. As an international hotel management brand with a presence in major global cities, the Group has long recognised the need for sustainable tourism models that balance growth with environmental and social responsibility.
The scholarship is also aligned with Malta’s broader ambitions to position itself as a leading Mediterranean destination for discerning travellers. With its strong cultural heritage and historical appeal, Malta is well placed to attract visitors seeking quality experiences, and the doctoral research supported by the initiative is expected to contribute to policy and industry thinking in this direction.
The choice of venue carried symbolic significance. The Corinthia Palace Hotel, where the agreement was signed, opened in 1968 at a time when Malta was still shaping tourism as a pillar of its newly independent economy.
Through the Alfred Pisani PhD Scholarship, IHI and the University of Malta aim to foster academic excellence and encourage research that delivers practical, long-term value for both Malta and the wider tourism industry. The initiative also reflects a broader effort to strengthen ties between academia and industry, supporting innovation that can help shape the future of sustainable tourism locally and internationally.
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