The Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) began the 2026–2027 academic year with 300 new students, in a year that marks a new chapter in the Institute’s history and the beginning of the implementation of the 2026–2030 Strategy, “From Consolidation to Mediterranean Excellence”.
ITS continues to strengthen its international dimension, with over 60 students studying through the Zhengzhou campus and over 50 through the Shanghai campus. For the first time, students who began their studies in China are continuing them in Malta, while students from Austria are also being welcomed.
This work reflects Malta’s commitment to continue investing in education, skills and professional development as pillars for the future of tourism.
Minister for Tourism Jo Etienne Abela said that the Government’s goal is clear, that every student leaves ITS not only with a qualification, but with the skills, confidence and experience necessary to make a concrete contribution to the tourism sector in Malta and beyond.
Minister Abela said that the 40th anniversary of the ITS is a testament to the importance of investing in people and skills that have strengthened the Maltese tourism sector over the years. He stressed that this anniversary should also serve as a starting point for a more ambitious vision for the next forty years, with a clear connection to the goals of Vision Malta 2050.
“The Malta 2050 Vision gives us a clear direction for a more sustainable, resilient and competitive country, where economic growth also translates into a better quality of life for our people. Tourism plays an important role in this vision, and therefore we must move towards a model that gives more importance to quality, value and sustainability, rather than simply the number of visitors,” said Minister Abela.
Minister Abela stressed that quality tourism requires quality people. “ITS is an important part of this vision, because investing in education and skills is a direct investment in the future of our economy. We need professionals who are able to adapt to change, use technology and artificial intelligence effectively, but who at the same time maintain the human element that gives life to Maltese hospitality.”
“The future of tourism is not just about how many visitors we welcome, but about what kind of experience we offer, how much value we create and what legacy we leave behind. This is exactly the thought that links the work of the ITS to the long-term vision for Malta,” concluded Minister Abela.
ITS CEO, Pierre Fenech said, “With the start of this academic year, ITS is entering a new phase of development. We will be working to deliver on our 2026–2030 Strategy through programmes that remain relevant to the industry and new opportunities for students. We are welcoming Maltese and international students from various countries. Among this year’s developments, for the first time, students who began their studies at the ITS satellite campus in China will continue them in Malta, while students from Austria will be pursuing their studies online with ITS Malta. These developments show how international collaboration is strengthening and creating new avenues for the ITS community.”
