Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis presided over the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding the between The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association and the Institute of Tourism Studies this afternoon.

ITS Executive Chairman Pierre Fenech said that there is always need for further collaboration between ITS and the industry. “Today’s signing is just the first step of many initiatives we want to undertake together in the future”.

He said that the interest of students always comes first. “If the industry continues to succeed, then students will also benefit”

MHRA President Tony Zahra spoke of the success the industry has seen over the past 5 years. He described today’s MOU as a positive step. “Many of my generation grew with the industry, as such we need to tell our youngsters to also grow with the industry. You can enter at one level and keep on rising higher”.

Minister Zammit Lewis explained that the sector is doing very well and is always achieving better results. He noted that more work must be done within ITS to bring it closer to the industry. “It has always been a good experiment, however like every experiment, it must develop over time”.

Dr Zammit Lewis spoke of the need to further invest in human capital, and encourage youths to enter the industry. “It is an all-year-round industry that offers opportunities both locally and abroad”.

He described the MOU as an opportunity, and will give opportunities to ITS students to establish relationships with operators, and would mean students will be better able to find employment when they conclude their studies.

“Students will find employment immediately and are exposed to the workplace”.