Home > About Us

Welcome to the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS), Malta’s leading educational institution for Tourism and Hospitality. Since its establishment in 1987, ITS has been dedicated to providing high-quality education in this field. Our experienced and committed lecturers offer a diverse range of study programmes, ensuring that students receive both theoretical knowledge and practical training.

Situated near the Malta International Airport and with a sister campus in Qala, Gozo, ITS offers a comprehensive selection of study programmes, ranging from Foundation (MQF Level 2) to Masters Degree (MQF Level 7).

ITS has established academic affiliations with prestigious institutions such as The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management (EAHM), ranked 13th worldwide and 1st in the Middle East and Africa for Tourism and Hospitality Management. Additionally, ITS has secured agreements with top international universities and institutions, allowing our students to study abroad and obtain a comprehensive education that meets global standards.

In collaboration with esteemed partners like the Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences in Finland and Institut Lyfe (formerly known as Institut Paul Bocuse) in France, ITS offers Bachelor Degree programmes in International Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts, respectively.

One of the hallmarks of ITS is the emphasis on practical experience. Our students gain hands-on training in our state-of-the-art training restaurants, kitchens, and hospitality laboratories. Furthermore, our programmes include opportunities for local industrial trade practice and international internships, enhancing the students' learning journey.

With a wide range of programmes available at different levels, ITS ensures that students have the opportunity to specialise in areas that align with their abilities and interests. Whether you are starting your educational journey or looking to advance your career, ITS provides the ideal platform to thrive in the dynamic Tourism and Hospitality Industry.

At ITS, we understand the importance of continuous professional development. Through our ITS Training School, we offer industry-focused training programmes designed to upskill and reskill professionals already working in the tourism and hospitality sector. These programmes can be tailored to meet the specific needs of companies, ensuring that industry professionals can stay updated and adapt to the evolving demands of the industry.

For industry professionals and enthusiasts seeking to expand their knowledge, our ITS Training School also offers a wide range of Scheduled Courses throughout the year. With over 60 courses available annually, individuals have ample opportunities to explore various fields and deepen their expertise. Our commitment to continuous learning underscores our dedication to supporting the growth and development of individuals within the tourism and hospitality industry.

WELCOME

Dear Students,

As Board of Governors and Management of ITS, there’s nothing more gratifying than seeing students joining to pursue their studies and develop their dream career, graduate and eventually become leaders in one of the most dynamic and fast-growing industries – the Tourism and Hospitality industry.

In recent years, ITS has achieved high standards with distinctive international features. Our Institute is successfully positioning itself on the international platform of Tourism and Hospitality Education. All of these are attributed to the joint efforts, support, synergies amongst the management, members of staff and Government. Our commitment and dedication will always remain to support the growth and development of individuals within the tourism ... read more

Edward Zammit
ITS Chairman

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

Dear Students,

In the evolving tourism and hospitality industry, we find ourselves amid an extraordinary resurgence, marked by record-breaking arrivals. In this dynamic landscape, we grasp, more profoundly than ever, the indispensable role this industry plays in shaping our economic destiny.

Our journey at the Institute of Tourism Studies has been remarkable marked by significant milestones. Apart from our traditional courses we proudly present avant-garde courses at MQF/EQF Level 6 and 7, akin to the heights of a Bachelor's and Master's degree, empowering students to soar to new intellectual altitudes ... read more

Pierre Fenech
ITS CEO

Dear Students,

As Board of Governors and Management of ITS, there’s nothing more gratifying than seeing students joining to pursue their studies and develop their dream career, graduate and eventually become leaders in one of the most dynamic and fast-growing industries – the Tourism and Hospitality industry.

In recent years, ITS has achieved high standards with distinctive international features. Our Institute is successfully positioning itself on the international platform of Tourism and Hospitality Education. All of these are attributed to the joint efforts, support, synergies amongst the management, members of staff and Government. Our commitment and dedication will always remain to support the growth and development of individuals within the tourism within the tourism and hospitality industry.

In planning the development of ITS, we draw from experience, keeping in mind what our predecessors have built and treasuring our achievements. Through torch-relay, we will constantly take steps forward and strive for excellence and innovation. At ITS, we remain attentive to the diverse perspectives of stakeholders both within and beyond the Institute, ensuring that our students receive comprehensive education, training, and preparation aligning with industry expectations. We will continue to formulate strategies to pursue distinction, refine our education and make ITS impactful internationally. Our vision is to develop a worldclass Institute for Tourism Studies in the Maltese Islands. A world-class institute calls for an excellent academic environment and that’s what the new ITS Campus in Smart City will provide.

The fundamental pursuit of a world-class educational institution is to provide education of the highest calibre. At ITS we constantly explore the unknown, which is key to making it influential and prestigious. Alongside the efforts to strengthen the overall academic standards of the Institute, we will focus on our priorities and enhance research quality, so that we can carve out niches in research.

Going through this prospectus we encourage you to pursue your dreams in the arts of Hospitality and Tourism at the ITS.

Edward Zammit

ITS Chairman

Dear Students,

In the evolving tourism and hospitality industry, we find ourselves amid an extraordinary resurgence, marked by record-breaking arrivals. In this dynamic landscape, we grasp, more profoundly than ever, the indispensable role this industry plays in shaping our economic destiny.

Embracing a global vision, our footprint extends beyond borders, with satellite campuses abroad fostering diverse learning environments. The inaugural success of our campus in Switzerland last year welcoming the first students, is the prelude to a new chapter as we prepare to welcome students to our satellite campus in Shanghai, China, this academic year.

Each passing academic year is a symphony of pride as we celebrate our students' accomplishments. Beyond academic excellence and internships, our students consistently shine in various competitions throughout the year, a testament to their unwavering dedication

A crowning achievement in our history unfolds as the Institute of Tourism Studies attains a self-accrediting status up to Level 7 of the European/Maltese Qualifications framework, validated through rigorous audits by esteemed foreign panels. This milestone is a resounding endorsement of the exceptional education we provide, reflecting our commitment to excellence.

The horizon of possibilities expands with the construction of our visionary campus in Smart City, Kalkara, Malta. This transformative project signifies our commitment to propelling the Institute of Tourism Studies to unprecedented heights, offering tailored facilities to meet the diverse needs of our educational community.

Over three decades, our institute has nurtured some of the brightest talents that have left a mark on the tourism and hospitality industry globally. This legacy stands as a testament to our ability to impart knowledge, skills, and competencies crucial for your future success. As you embark on this educational journey, I extend my warmest wishes for success and eagerly anticipate personally welcoming you to our campuses, where your growth and achievements will echo those who have come before you. Your journey with us promises not just education but the transformation of potential into extraordinary accomplishments.

Pierre Fenech

ITS CEO

about-icon-1

Our Mission

Our mission is to shape excellence and innovation in tourism through teaching, learning, quality research, expert advice, and the realisation of innovative business concepts, where:

Where:

  • By 'shape': , we mean proactively leading the change process in the tourism industry.
  • By 'excellence' , we mean being at the forefront of supporting professionals, business concepts, and the industry in achieving the highest levels of quality.
  • By 'innovation' , we mean fostering creativity, entrepreneurship, and key fundamental attributes within the tourism industry.
  • By 'teaching'  and 'learning' we mean that remaining committed to providing our students with high-quality education and training programmes that meet the current and future needs of the industry.
  • By 'quality research', we mean transitioning from a teaching-based institution to a research-lead institution, striving to generate relevant, comprehensive, and systematic content, concepts, and publications.
  • By 'expert advice' , we mean supporting and assisting the tourism industry in enhancing its management, standards, processes, and systems to improve excellence and operational and financial performance.
  • By ‘realisation of innovative business concepts’, we mean assisting promising start-ups in the tourism industry in developing and implementing their business ideas.

Research

Education

Innovation

Advisory

The Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) is licensed by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) under licence number 2017-008 as a Higher Education Institution. This licensing permits ITS to offer higher education programmes.

about-icon-2

Our Vision

The Institute of Tourism Studies will lead the transformation of tomorrow’s international tourism industry by focusing its resources on:

  • Creating a comprehensive and systematic knowledge through high-quality research..
  • Developing innovative and relevant higher and further education and training programmes that combine technical, generic, and behavioural skills.
  • elivering these programmes through a student-centred and inclusive learning environment, integrating theory and practice whilst promoting modern leadership approaches.
  • Providing expert advice to established industry players.
  • Mentoring entrepreneurs to successfully commercialise innovative business concepts n the tourism industry.

Hands-On Experience

Students gain theoretical and practical skills through the ITS training restaurants, individual kitchens and labs which include Chocolate Lab, Bar Lab, Wine Lab and  Food Science Lab. 

Internship Experience

ITS students have internships in Malta and abroad, with support from a specialised department which ensures top internship options and a successful future career.

International Students

ITS International office, supports international students to ensure a smooth transitioning to move to study in Malta. Further information for international students may be found here.

Student Wellbeing

Students have access to specialised support services, including career guidance and wellbeing services, provided by a dedicated team. Further information on the services offered may be found here.