ITS Launches 2006/7 Prospectus

The Institute of Tourism Studies launched its prospectus for full-time Programmes of Study 2006/2007. The Institute of Tourism Studies offers a wide range of programmes of study, ranging from foundation level to a Higher Diploma level recognised by the University of Malta for the degree course in tourism studies.

At the launch, Education Minister Louis Galea said ITS is a major contributor to the Maltese economy by providing professionally trained human resources who are the driving force behind our tourism and hospitality sectors.

Application forms for Certificate/Diploma/Higher Diploma programmes of study are to be submitted by not later than Friday, August 18.

Admission to ITS is offered in the following programmes of study: Foundation level: food preparation and service; restaurant operations. Certificate: Hotel operations; accommodation operations; travel agency operations; food and beverage service and supervisory studies; craft certificate in food and beverage service; craft certificate in food preparation and production; craft certificate in restaurant operations. Diploma: Hotel operations; accommodation operations; food and beverage service; culinary arts; travel agency operations; tour guiding. Higher Diploma: hospitality and tourism management.

The Institute of Tourism Studies is also working in collaboration with the ETC to offer programmes of study under the Extended Skill Training Scheme - ESTS (Hospitality Trades): food preparation and service; restaurant/bar operations; and general assistance.

Minister Galea said ITS is not only a post-secondary institution for those leaving secondary schooling but one which provides lifelong and further education opportunities. The institute has in fact been offering part-time courses for adults in various fields and has also organised special courses for ex-employees of factories which closed down, such as Denim and Lloyds.

Minister Galea said Government is investing a great deal of money in the post secondary and tertiary sectors primarily through recurrent expenditure to give high quality education, secondly though capital expenditure to improve the infrastructure and also by helping students continue their education through the financial support of the Maintenance Grants and the apprenticeship schemes. The 700 full-time students at ITS in fact receive over Lm 330,000 in maintenance grants.

Minister Galea referred to the new law which is currently being debated in Parliament which would provide a legal basis for an institution for tourism studies. The law provides for an institution to provide courses and programmes of education and training, including practical and work experience, at the levels of further and higher education that lead to recognised qualifications in trades, skills and professions needed in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

He added that ITS will continue to develop in the coming years particularly with the guidance and support of the National Commission for Higher Education.