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1987
The Beginning of ITS
The Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) was established in 1987, becoming the first and only institute offering specialised courses in tourism and hospitality. Prior to ITS, The Catering School and Malta Polytechnic Institute were the pioneers in catering education and other sectors. However, in 1987, the institute relocated to Pembroke, officially becoming known as ITS.
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2002
ITS Secures Exchange Programmes and International Placements
The Institute for Tourism Studies established exchange programmes with Norway’s Norwegian College of Tourism and Kongsvegen Videregaende Skole. ITS also reached an agreement with Crowne Plaza Hotels in Rome, allowing diploma students to complete their international placements in Italy, beginning next year.
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2009
ITS Opens News Campus in Qala, Gozo
ITS inaugurated the new campus in Qala. In the days leading up to the opening, students from various schools, including Agius de Soldanis, visited the campus for demonstrations on table manners and dining etiquette, followed by lunch prepared by ITS students.
Photo credits to
Times of Malta
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2012
ITS Gains Autonomy to Enhance Development and Global Reach
The Institute of Tourism Studies has gained autonomy through a recent legal notice, strengthening its operations and aligning with industry needs. The move supports accreditation, quality assurance, and international relations, allowing ITS to expand globally and attract more foreign students.
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2012
ITS opened new ITS Training Restaurant
ITS opened a new training restaurant, The Vaults, aimed to provide hands-on training to student and broaden their experience in food preparation and beverage service.
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2013
ITS and Seychelles Tourism Academy sign MOU
ITS signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Seychelles Tourism Academy. The MOU promotes an exchange programme for students and lecturers to help enhance educational experience and cross-cultural understandings.
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2015
ITS and MHRA sign MOU
ITS and Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association signed a Memorandum of Understanding related to a sponsorship within the tourism and hospitality industry. With this sponsorship, students will be exposed to real-life situations they will experience in their future careers.
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2016
ITS Implements Reform Programme to Enhance Teaching Standards and Curriculum
The Institute of Tourism Studies implemented a reform programme to address teaching shortcomings identified by the National Commission for Advanced and Higher Education. Changes included restructuring modules, creating ethics boards, and updating curriculum based on industry trends.
Photo credits to
Times of Malta
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2017
ITS and DAN Europe launch new Diving School
The Institute of Tourism Studies and DAN Europe Foundation launched the International School of Diving Safety & Medicine (ISDSM) in Gozo. The school offers a unique Bachelor’s Degree in Diving Tourism Management and training in diving safety, medicine, and sustainability, aiming to make Malta a global hub for diving excellence.
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2017
ITS Launches First Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality and Tourism
ITS launched the first bachelor degree course aiming to provide local education in hospitality and tourism. The Institute plans additional degrees in Gastronomy and Hospitality Management. The launch aligns with the National Tourism Policy, enhancing local career opportunities and preparing students for industry excellence.
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2018
ITS Inaugurates New Ħal Luqa Campus
ITS inaugurated its new campus in Ħal Luqa, offering expanded facilities, including modern kitchens, specialised labs, and improved IT infrastructure. The move accommodates 70% more students and aims to create a world-class institution.
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2018
ITS and Fujian Polytechnic of Information Technology Sign Agreement
ITS and Fujian Polytechnic of Information Technology signed an Agreement on Issues of International Education Cooperation. Through the agreement, both parties can introduce courses within their Institutes; employ lecturers and participate in educational exchanges for both students and lecturers.
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2019
ITS Students Experience the Finnish Education System
Through the Hagaa-Helia partnership, ITS students have the unique opportunity to experience and learn at one of the world’s leading applied universities. This collaboration allows them to immerse themselves in the renowned Finnish education system, gaining invaluable global exposure and skills.
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2020
ITS Unveils 2020-2021 Prospectus with New Unique Programmes
ITS launched its 2020-2021 prospectus, featuring two new programs: a Diploma in Climate Friendly Travel and a Bachelor of Science in Diving Safety Management, both first of their kind. The courses aim to address climate change and diving safety.
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2021
ITS Launches 5-Year Strategic Plan to Drive Excellence and Innovation in Tourism Education
The Institute of Tourism Studies launched its 5-year Strategic Plan focusing on excellence and innovation in tourism education. The plan aims to address industry challenges, including post-Covid recovery, by upskilling workers and offering advanced programmes. ITS will also provide advisory services and support entrepreneurial growth in tourism.
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2022
ITS Celebrates 35th Anniversary
The Institute of Tourism Studies celebrated its 35th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in providing high-quality education in tourism and hospitality. The anniversary coincided with the launch of the new academic year, highlighting ITS's growth and its commitment to shaping the future of Malta's tourism industry through specialised programmes.
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2022
ITS Unveils New Smart City Campus
The new campus in Smart City, Kalkara received approval and was unveiled. The campus will double student capacity and feature state-of-the-art facilities, including kitchens, laboratories, a bakery, diving pool, gym, and childcare. It will focus on sustainability with a near-zero carbon footprint and waste management systems.
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2022
ITS Signs Two International Agreements
ITS has signed agreements with Aqaba University of Technology (AUT) in Jordan and Bella Vista Institute of Higher Education Switzerland (BVIS). These agreements aim to expand ITS’s higher education programmes internationally, including in hospitality, diving safety management, and tourism, supporting ITS’s strategic plan for 2021-2025.
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2023
ITS Launches Training School to Upskill Workforce and Meet Hospitality and Tourism Industry Needs
The ITS Training School was launched to provide hands-on, industry-driven training programmes for the hospitality and tourism sector, aiming to upskill the workforce and meet industry needs. Part of ITS's 2021-2025 strategy, it addresses skill gaps and supports Malta’s tourism industry by enhancing service quality and adapting to global trends.
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2023
ITS Signs another Two Agreements with MSAA and SICP
In 2023, the Institute of Tourism Studies signed two significant agreements. The first, with the Mediterranean Screen Arts Academy (MSAA), aimed to establish a filmmaking department at ITS, enhancing Malta’s position in international film education. The second agreement with Shanghai Industrial and Commercial Polytechnic (SICP) establishes ITS’s first satellite campus in China. Students will pursue programmes in Events or Culinary Arts, with the option to continue their studies in Malta, expanding ITS’s global reach.
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2023
ITS Launches Satellite Campus in Shanghai in Partnership with SICP
The Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) officially launched its satellite campus in Shanghai, China in partnership with Shanghai Industrial and Commercial Polytechnic (SICP). Students can enroll in a three-year programme in Events or Culinary Arts, with the opportunity to continue studies at ITS Malta.
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2024
ITS Launches Skills Pass Initiative to Recognise and Certify Skilled Professionals ITS
Launched the Skills Pass for the Tourism and Hospitality Industry, a government initiative recognising skilled individuals in the sector. The process includes online training, assessments, and interviews, with certification enabling work in Malta's tourism industry.
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2024
ITS Receives MFHEA Accreditation Extension to Master's Degree Level
ITS has received an extension of scope from the Malta Further & Higher Education Authority (MFHEA), upgrading its accreditation to Master's Degree level (MQF Level 7). This milestone enhances ITS's academic offerings and reinforces its commitment to delivering high-quality education in tourism and hospitality.
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2024
ITS Secures Key Local and International Agreements to Strengthen Global Tourism Education and Cultural Exchange
In 2024, ITS secured several significant local and international agreements. These include collaborations with Ethiopian Airlines Aviation University, Kobe International University, the Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization, the Secretariat for Catholic Education, and the Shanghai Institute of Tourism. These partnerships aim to enhance global tourism education, promote cultural exchange, and strengthen ties with key regions. Through joint programmes, vocational training, and research initiatives, ITS continues to strengthen its international presence and contribute to the global tourism industry.
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2025
Malta Launches Mediterranean Gastronomy Education Partnership
Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg announced a new collaboration between Malta’s Institute of Tourism Studies, Institut Lyfe (France), and CAST Alimenti (Italy) to offer advanced Mediterranean culinary programmes. The initiative aims to provide world-class training, cultural exchange, and elevate Malta’s status in Mediterranean gastronomy.
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2025
ITS and Beijing Sport University Sign Academic Collaboration Agreement
The Malta Institute of Tourism Studies and Beijing Sport University have signed an MOU to promote academic collaboration in tourism, hospitality, sports education, and diving safety. The agreement includes joint research, student exchanges, and cultural cooperation, strengthening Malta–China educational ties and advancing ITS’s internationalisation strategy.
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2025
ITS and SIT Inaugurate China-Europe Tourism and Gastronomy Cultural Exchange Centre
In collaboration with the Shanghai Institute of Tourism, ITS inaugurated the China-Europe Tourism and Gastronomy Cultural Exchange Centre. The Centre will serve as a platform for regular exchanges between China and Europe, fostering culinary skill-sharing, academic collaboration and cultural exhibitions.
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2025
ITS and MUT Sign New Collective Agreement for Academic Staff
ITS signed a new collective agreement with the Malta Union of Teachers for its academic staff. The agreement includes salary increases, accelerated career progression, new allowances and the introduction of Professorship, further enhancing the professional development and wellbeing of ITS academics through improved conditions of employment.
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2025
ITS Expands its Asian Partnerships with New Agreements in China
ITS strengthened its academic presence in Asia through strategic agreements with leading tourism education institutions in China. The partnerships support knowledge exchange, joint programme delivery and academic pathways, while providing students with opportunities to gain exposure to European and Asian hospitality practices and cultural exchange.
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2025
ITS and The Malta Trust Foundation Sign MoU to Create Disability-Inclusive Training Centre at Ta’ Saura
ITS and The Malta Trust Foundation signed an MoU to establish a social enterprise at the Ta’ Saura National Empowerment Hub. The initiative will provide young people with disabilities with practical training in hospitality and catering, supporting them in developing skills and moving into meaningful employment.
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2026
ITS Achieves Prestigious International Accreditation
ITS was awarded international accreditation by the International Centre of Excellence in Tourism, Hospitality Education. Following a comprehensive institutional review and international audit, the accreditation recognises ITS’s strong industry integration, innovative programme portfolio, student-centred approach and growing international footprint, reinforcing its position in tourism and hospitality education.
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2026
Baking Bridges - ITS and National Mental Health Services Collaborate Through Culinary Initiatives
The Institute of Tourism Studies is collaborating with the National Mental Health Services through Baking Bridges: Nourishing Minds and Hearts. The initiative enables ITS students and lecturers to prepare seasonal sweets for mental health patients, combining community engagement and culinary skills while contributing to wellbeing and strengthening mental health awareness.
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2026
Malta and the United Kingdom Forge Partnership for Inclusive Hospitality Education
The Institute of Tourism Studies, The Malta Trust Foundation and Aurora Foxes Academy joined forces to develop vocational training programmes in catering and hospitality for young people with disabilities. The partnership will create structured pathways to employment through curriculum development, staff exchanges, supported student placements and professional development
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2026
ITS and MPA Join Forces to Support Pyrotechnics Training and Malta’s Festa Tradition
The Institute of Tourism Studies and the Malta Pyrotechnics Association are collaborating to develop vocational education and training in pyrotechnics, traditional Maltese village feasts, and related technical and safety-focused areas. The agreement aims to introduce an Advanced Diploma in Pyrotechnics, combining ITS’s academic expertise with MPA’s industry knowledge.
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2026
ITS Training School Partners with FKNK to Launch Game Cookery Courses
The ITS Training School is collaborating with the Federation for Hunting and Conservation Malta to introduce specialised culinary courses in game cookery. The partnership brings Maltese game cuisine into a structured professional training environment, preserving culinary traditions while equipping the next generation of chefs with distinctive, locally rooted expertise.
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2026
ITS and International Tourism Academy Austria Sign Academic Progression Agreement
The Institute of Tourism Studies and the International Tourism Academy Austria signed an academic collaboration agreement to strengthen international educational pathways in tourism and hospitality management. The agreement provides a formal progression route for students completing ITA’s two-year diploma programme to continue directly into the third year of an ITS Bachelor’s Degree programme.
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