ITS launches prospectus, new journal

The Institute of Tourism Studies yesterday launched its prospectus for the next academic year and the first edition of its new journal named Welcome.

The institute is offering courses at foundation, certificate, diploma and higher diploma levels.

Full-time programmes prepare students for a range of careers and jobs in hospitality and tourism fields.

The ITS also offers a number of part-time and day-release courses as well as tailor-made training modules designed to meet specific needs within the industry.

The closing date for the receipt of applications for the foundation and ESTS courses is June 27 while the closing date for the receipt of applications for the certificate, diploma and higher diploma courses is August 14.

Application forms are available from the Office of the Registrar at the ITS, from ITS Gozo and from all ETC Job Centres in Malta and Gozo. The prospectus and the application forms can also be downloaded from www.its.edu.mt.

The aims of the Welcome journal are to promote discussion, research and reflection in the field of tourism in respect of the ever-growing importance of culture and heritage in its development and evolution.

Initially to be published twice yearly in April and in November, Welcome looks at the Maltese tourism industry holistically. It analyses currents trends and attempts to predict future ones. It offers useful reading for those who want to keep abreast of the latest endevours in one of the pillars of the Maltese economy.

The 64-page journal is packed with articles from ITS staff and guest writers. The first issue includes articles about the promise of relational tourism; eating and fasting in mediaeval and early modern malta; an interview with Mario Philip Azzopardi on the potential of the film industry in Malta; the launch of the Centre for Culture and Heritage Studies at ITS; the rise of the Maltese DOK wines; an e-learning vision for tourism; reflections on the Pre-historic connections between Malta and Sicily; a tour of Vietnam; and and interview with one of the best sommeliers in the world.

The editor of Welcome is Raymond Vassallo, the manager of the ITS Centre for E-learning Technologies.

Welcome is free of charge and is distributed to all stakesholders in the tourism and hospitality industry and the education sector.