‘ITS will become a centre of excellence and innovation in tourism and hospitality’ – CEO

Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) CEO Pierre Fenech highlighted the important work being done to turn ITS into a centre of excellence and innovation in tourism and hospitality, through the teaching and training of prospective industry personnel, as well as those already working within the industry.

He said this during the ITS graduation ceremony that took place on 5th December during which a record number of students completed their studies successfully at the institute. This year ITS recorded the highest number of students graduating since it was founded 35 years ago.

In fact, ITS is celebrating a record number of 325 graduates, including 25 students who completed their Masters in International Hospitality Management which is offered in academic affiliation with the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management.

Some of these graduates were helped by the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) through scholarships that were given at the beginning of the pandemic in an attempt to continue offering training and development even while the industry was closed down due to restrictions.

Minister for Tourism Clayton Bartolo, who was also present at the graduation ceremony, stressed how this number of graduates reinforces the government's commitment to continue assisting ITS with the best necessary tools.

"The present success is very encouraging when considering that in a few more years, through the construction of a new ITS campus in Smart City, we will be able to welcome over 2,500 students, double the number we currently have," he stated.

"The new campus will enable the educational institution to continue offering more specialised courses on a scale of Bachelor's and Masters in the coming years," continued Minister Bartolo.