New proposed course structure at the Institute of Tourism Studies

Minister Karmenu Vella today met representatives of hotels and restaurants at the Institute of Tourism Studies. He explained that for quite some time industry was saying that there was a lack of qualified and trained staff while gradaunts from ITS were finding it difficult to find a placement in the industry. At the same time there were complaints that the present system of courses and the intake to the courses was outdated and needed urgent review.

The Minister of Tourism commissioned the Management Efficiency Unit of the Office of the Prime Minister to draw up a strategic report on the operations of ITS as a result of which several important decisions have been taken, one of which is a recently appointed interim Management Board.

A new proposed course structure has been prepared in consultation with the academic staff and student representatives so that Courses at the Institute of Tourism Studies will now be run on a new system which is more orientated towards the requirements of the tourism industry. Placements in industry will form an integral part of the new set up. Moreover craft level courses in collaboration with ETC will be organised. Another important aspect of this new system is that managers and senior personnel working in the industry will have the opportunity to undergo similar courses in their spare time and will become eligible for certification and a recognised qualification. Details of the new system were given by Mr. Pinchbeck in his presentation.

To achieve success this new system requires the total co-operation of the tourism industry, particularly hotels in the 5, 4 and 3 star categories, as well as first class restaurants. This proposed system is being proposed in consultation with the tourism industry.

Minister Karmenu Vella stressed on the importance of co-operation from the tourism industry so that these courses will be run to the satisfaction of students and the requirements of the tourist industry alike.