The Maltese EC English Language Centres has won the ultimate award at the 2011 Language Travel Magazine Star Awards, the most prestigious awards in the global language travel industry. Winners are selected by the thousands of consultants, staff and specialists employed in the industry from all over the world.
EC was shortlisted in two categories in 2011: ‘Best Junior Course for Under-18s’ and the highly acclaimed ‘Star Chain School’. The Malta-headquartered company went on to win the latter award at this year’s ceremony held last week at London’s Hilton on Park Lane; a glittering ceremony attended by more than 800 delegates from over 50 countries.
With 12 schools on three continents, EC received the top accolade, beating four other nominees to win ‘Star Chain School’, the final award to be presented on the evening, which was received by EC executive chairman Andrew Mangion.
A surprised Mr Mangion said, “This is the story of David and Goliath all over again. EC has gone head-to-head with some of the largest and best-resourced international language school groups in the word, and won. This incredible award is testimony to the amazing work of all our people around the world and the trust that our clients put in our brand. We are today proudly international and proudly Maltese.”
The Language Travel Magazine Awards are the Oscars of the language travel industry, recognising excellence and achievement. Voters rate schools on the overall service they provide including classes, school facilities, accommodation and activities. Winning this award is therefore a huge honour for EC, proving that it provides the highest quality service and programmes to its students.
Since 2007, EC has been a finalist seven times in different categories, winning LTM ‘Star Innovation of the Year’ Award in 2009 for its Malta Freestyle Programme, and once again in 2010 for its Club 30+ Programme. This year saw the opening of a new school in Bristol and a new building for its operation in Brighton. Later in the year, new US schools will open in Miami and Los Angeles, with the company set for further growth in coming months.