The structural transformation underway and the vision for the future of the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) sector were today discussed by the Federation of English Language Teaching Organisations Malta (FELTOM)). Launching the 2013 ELT Industry Survey Report by Deloitte, Genevieve Abela, CEO of FELTOM, discussed the sectoral statistics highlighting the increases in both the average length of stay (+12.8%) and number of student weeks (+3.3%) despite the decrease in student arrivals (-8.4%).  The global industry is itself undergoing structural changes with the fragile economic environment and investments in English teaching in source markets impinging on student numbers. Ms Abela explained that FELTOM continued to work closely with the authorities to sustain the ELT industry.  A milestone for FELTOM has been the collaboration with the Central Visa Unit and the establishment of an outreach programme for Temporary Residence Permits.  FELTOM also continued to work closely with the Malta Tourism Authority, to help improve the way Malta is marketed as an ELT destination.  Focusing on the adult student market and the English for Specific Purposes niche markets, FELTOM is leading the way in charting the future for the Maltese TEFL sector.  Ms Abela added that competitiveness remains a key issue for both the industry and schools.  Efforts to streamline costs, increase productivity and enhance efficiencies need to continue whilst the industry needs to be responsive and tap into new markets.  FELTOM is working on promoting Malta in new source markets particularly Asia, Middle East and South America and the initial feedback has been encouraging.  Malta also needs to continue investing in its existing strong foundations and further efforts to improve bilingualism and English proficiency across all levels and sectors of Maltese society are imperative.  Opening the meeting, the Honourable Evarist Bartolo, Minister for Employment and Education congratulated FELTOM for being the main stakeholder in this area and for having contributed so much over the years.  Hon Bartolo added that being a leader in this area, Malta needs to ensure that it remains so.  He stressed the importance of English proficiency and announced that in summer, a Government pilot project aimed at improving proficiency will be launched.? In the concluding address, the Honourable Edward Zammit Lewis, Minister for Tourism spoke about the further development of niche tourism.  The educational tourism through English language schools has proved to be an important pillar of the  industry contributing to 5% of tourist arrivals.  He added that Government is committed to empowering the industry to reinvent itself and target new markets.  He spoke about the plans to market Malta to the mature segment during the shoulder months apart from the potential of the English for Specific Purposes niche.  Hon Zammit Lewis continued by ensuring Government's commitment to the industry and to FELTOM by giving Malta more visibility, accessibility, a competitive edge and a quality and diverse product.