A class of 220 students will commence their full-time programmes of study at the Institute of Tourism Studies on Monday, along with 188 ITS students who will commence their second year of studies, and 72 other students who will start their diploma level studies.

There are also 109 students who are on their international internship in various countries such as the UK, Isle of Man, Ireland, Italy, Brussels, Luxembourg, Germany, Jersey and The Netherlands.

A total of 59 foreign full-time students will be following study programmes at the ITS during the academic year 2007/8.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the new academic year, Education Minister Louis Galea welcomed all the students and augured that the coming academic year would be one filled with learning and fun that they would cherish for the rest of their lives. He spoke about the developments in the tourism industry which everywhere was experiencing unprecedented growth as more and more countries developed and opened up to mobility and travel.

Malta depended on the tourism sector and every minute and interaction that ITS students, and those working in the sector, had with tourists could make a difference in the experience of visitors. “We must understand that the great heritage and culture that our country can offer, and the money invested in hotels and other infrastructural facilities will mean nothing to those visiting us if they have a bad experience when it comes to the service we offer on a daily basis,” Dr Galea said.

The Institute of Tourism Studies will also be organising a number of part-time courses during the next academic year. These will include the Advanced Certificate in Culinary Arts, the Wines and Spirits Education Trust – Intermediate and Advanced, the Food Preparation and Production Intermediate Certificate, the Food Preparation and Production – Foundation Certificate as well as the Food and Beverage Service Foundation Certificate and Advanced Certificate courses. Around 500 part-time students are expected to attend.