The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) and the Tourism Students Association recently organised an afternoon seminar entitled Tourism Education: Enhancing your Career Prospects in the Industry.
Students of the University of Malta who are currently reading a Bachelors degree with Honours in Tourism Studies were invited to attend and contribute their work aspirations after they graduate.
In his introduction to the workshop, Professor Edward Zammit, chairman of the Board of the Tourism Studies at the University of Malta spoke about the relevance of the Tourism Studies course at University for the Tourism Industry. He explained that the course aims at upgrading the human resources engaged in this important sector for Malta’s economy. The strategic decisions about developments in tourism form an integral part of the course. The course also aims at diversifying the Malta’s product particularly by enhancing the students’ awareness of our social and cultural heritage.
Joseph Tanti, Head of Industry HR Development at the MTA, highlighted that the major human resource challenge within the industry is the lack of ‘soft skills’, ‘attitudes’ and ‘personality’ of current and potential employees within the industry.
A fruitful discussion chaired by Therese Borg Micallef a current university student in her 4th year reading for a BA (HONS) in Tourism Studies and a panel of various stakeholders; Rebekah Camilleri Kamsky, EU Affairs and Policy Development, Ministry for Tourism and Culture; Andrew Galea representing Heritage Malta, Tony Coleiro, Chairman of the Institute of Hospitality; Aris Cefai, Human Resources Manager; Westin Malta; Joseph Mifsud, Senior Administrator; HR Quality and Training Services Department of Malta International Airport; Joseph Tanti Head Industry HR, Malta Tourism Authority; Edward Paris from FATTA; Greg Burrell, Quality Director at FELTOM as well as Albert Quintano a present lecturer at the University of Malta yielded interesting viewpoints from the various stakeholders.
The seminar came to an end with Joseph Tanti; Head of Industry HR Development, MTA presenting present students with a copy of the Tourism Human Resources Handbook which was published and compiled by the MTA.
For further information please visit www.mta.com.mt/index.pl/industry _hr_development_unit, or contact the Industry Human Resources Development Unit on tel 2291-5125/4 or e-mail [email protected] or The Tourism Studies Association (TSA) at Students’ House, University of Malta or e-mail [email protected]