More than 540 students are embarking on courses at the Institute of Tourism Studies, bringing the population at the institute up to 760, Tourism Minister Karmenu Vella said.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the institute's scholastic year, Mr Vella said this augured well both for the ITS and tourism.
He told the students that they were the future of the industry. The abilities they would acquired during their studies and training were the basis of a strong industry which looked ahead optimistically to a better and strong future.