Members of the Gozo Tourism Association (GTA) recently paid a familiarisation visit to the new Institute for Tourism Studies in Qala.

The visit was meant to introduce the facilities being offered at this new training institute, which is co-financed by the EU. It aims to provide modern facilities for training in tourism studies to improve the Gozitan tourism product.

The new ITS school was one of five projects partly financed by the European Fund for Regional Development under the Gozo Priority.

Several operators of Gozo's main tourist establishments have the opportunity to become more aware of the new facilities which consist of classrooms, two kitchens and a restaurant, together with another section that can be used as a guesthouse.

The premises provide a basis for training related to several roles in the tourism sector such as front office, housekeeping, laundry, food preparation and the service of food, wine and other beverages.

The students are also provided with basic academic training.

During the visit, one of the trainers at the institute, who was also a student at the ITS, delivered a presentation.

Two representatives of the Malta Tourism Authority gave information related to several schemes and projects co-financed through European funds.

The institute will be the venue for some of the activities being held for the Careers in Tourism Week between Tuesday and Sunday. It will be open to the public on Sunday.