'Growth in tourism must be paired with professional development' - Zammit Lewis

Minister for tourism Edward Zammit Lewis congratulated new ITS graduates on their achievements today and thanking them for what he called their essential contribution to the industry.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Zammit Lewis said that the Institute was crucial in the training of professionals and in the ongoing evolution of the local touristic product.

“Government wants the Institute of Tourism Studies to continue to grow professionally, responding rapidly to the evolving needs of Malta’s tourism industry, while also firmly establishing a reputation of excellence at an international level. This is to be our common objective,” he said.

The tourism sector has seen an average 10% increase in tourist arrivals in January and February this year when compared to 2014. The industry accounts for some 30% of the country’s GDP.

“The growth and expansion of tourism in the Maltese Islands needs to be accompanied by a parallel development in the employment sector if Malta’s overall competitiveness is to be sustained and improved,” Zammit Lewis said.

“At present, we are implementing required changes within ITS to ensure it continues developing into an Institute of excellence in the field of hospitality, and we are doing this by seeking the input of all stakeholders within the industry.”

He called for the recognition of the importance of human resources in the tourism sector, despite the inevitable introduction of technology within the service industry.

“We must never allow this to erode the very value of human relationships, that as we all know, is a fundamental component of the hospitality industry,” Zammit Lewis said.

He thanked academic and administrative staff for the support and guidance offered to students, and wished new graduates the best for their future.