Oceania Cruises announces scholarship fund in memory of tourism trailblazer Neville Mifsud

Oceania Cruises, a subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, on Thursday announced a new scholarship fund to mark the memory of late tourism stalwart Neville Mifsud.

This scholarship aims to honour his legacy by supporting the next generation of hospitality and tourism leaders through the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) Master of Business Administration (MBA) in International Hospitality Management programme.

Mr Mifsud was a pioneer whose visionary work transformed the tourism landscape in Malta. He was a key figure in S. Mifsud & Sons Ltd (SMS) and recognised the immense potential of the cruise industry.

He built on the foundations laid by his grandfather Orazio Mifsud, who established a ship chandler business in Valletta’s Grand Harbour, and his father Silvio Mifsud, who founded the Mifsud & Sons shipping agency in 1950. Mr [Neville] Mifsud expanded and elevated the family business.

The former SMS Chairman passed away last year aged 82.

The Neville Mifsud Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to one outstanding individual, every year over three years, pursuing the ITS MBA in International Hospitality Management programme. ITS stated that this initiative not only honours Mr Mifsud’s contributions, but also aims to foster excellence in the hospitality and tourism industry.

The selection process will evaluate candidates based on their academic achievements, professional experience, and potential to contribute to the industry.

While SMS is widely known within the tourism sector, ITS stated that it is the niche of cruising within which the business has excelled on a worldwide scale.

SMS has grown to become one of the leading players for ground arrangements for cruise liners worldwide representing a host of lines in ports ranging from Canada to the United States, Italy, Denmark, Holland, the UK, and Ireland.

“Handling 2,700 cruise calls and 4.5 million passengers in 2023. It was in the 1970s that Mr Mifsud exported his expertise to the UK in the first of a number of countries earmarked for expansion,” the ITS continued.

SMS Managing Director Simon Mifsud said that being a great believer in education, Mr Mifsud would be very proud to have his name associated with such an important course “which seeks to nurture individuals into the cruise industry and provide them with the foundations of knowledge needed to create the leaders of tomorrow.”

While the scholarship will cover the entire tuition fee for one student, ITS stated that it will also be providing a 10 per cent discount to all other applicants who are not selected for the full scholarship.

ITS CEO Pierre Fenech emphasised the institution’s commitment to supporting both prospective and current hospitality professionals.

“Throughout its operations, ITS prioritises support for individuals working within the tourism and hospitality industry. We hope that this discount will assist many more professionals in advancing their careers,” he continued.

ITS encouraged eligible candidates to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to further their education and career in hospitality management. Applications for the scholarships are open between 26th June and 12th August 2024.