ITS graduates told about their responsibility to tourism

Anthony Gatt, chairman of the board of governors at the Institute of Tourism Studies, stressed that tourism to Malta, the largest industry in the country, depended on ITS graduates "to implement the right attitude, the right skills and a genuine desire to make our guests want to return", especially in the face of competition from other destinations.

"It is not a question of whether you feel like doing it; it is a question of meeting your obligations and doing it consistently, all the time. You are obliged to contribute to the Malta tourist product and this for you must become a way of life. Whether you are today graduating as a chef, a waiter, a tourist guide or a manager you must carry this responsibility with you and stand up and be counted whenever this is necessary," he said at the recent ITS graduation ceremony.

"We have growing competition from everywhere around us; Tunis has become an excellent destination, Sicily is now seriously embarking on tourism by introducing 20 golf courses, Croatia is back as a major tourist destination, Spain, Greece, Italy, and France are still huge. They have advantages over us because of cheaper air fares, overland accessibility, huge marketing and advertising budgets, huge capital availability for investments, and a host of others.

"What we have over them, is our people's natural hospitality, which I sometimes question, and our ability to communicate in English, also not the strength it used to be. Our strength is our people and you who today are graduating are the future leaders of our people, servicing this exciting and challenging industry on whom the livelihood of a third of our population depends."

The graduands were also addressed by the ITS director general Phillip Gibbs, who said he was impressed by the positive feedback received from contacts at hotels regarding the performance of the ITS students on work placement, mentioning three in particular: Claudette Abela who was at the Hilton in Bristol, and Audrey Muscat at St Annes Bracknell, both won employee of the month on several occasions, and Mario Psaila at the Posthouse, Heathrow, who was praised for his willingness and positive attitude.

ITS has introduced new one year full-time programmes in hotel services and food preparation and service at foundation level, and will be introducing the intermediate level programmes in the next academic year.

It is expanding its part-time and short course provision in craft, technical and supervisory programmes for those who are already working but need to update or enhance their knowledge and skills. New short courses in quality service will be offered to food and beverage and accommodation services employees in the next semester, as well as day-release courses in advanced pastry and intermediate kitchen and larder skills.

It has also introduced new computer-based training courses in front office, and travel agency global distribution systems into programmes, as well as new management information systems simulation software.

It also has a comprehensive staff development programme.

Tourism Minister Michael Refalo, who was present at the ceremony said the board is launching international hospitality management certificate and diploma courses, which would take their first input in February.

Over 1,000 students follow courses at ITS.