ITS’ Strategic Plan Unveiled

The Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) has recently launched its Strategic Plan covering 2021-2025.

Launched after 2 years of work and consultation with a wide number of stakeholders, the new ITS Strategic Plan aims at shaping excellence and innovation in tourism through teaching and learning, quality research, advice, and realisation of innovative business concepts. The Tourism and Hospitality Industry is going through various important changes, even more so because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and it is now the right opportunity to reposition the industry to provide a higher quality offering both in terms of infrastructure, experience and service.

This would in itself require considerable upskilling of workers especially since the number of graduates in this industry is very low in Malta. As the Institute of Tourism Studies has now ventured into the provision of educational programmes even at MQF Level 6 and 7, it can act as a key player in contributing towards the development of a better tourism product mix on the Island.

The strategic plan’s vision is to lead the transformation of tomorrow’s international tourism industry by directing its resources towards the following key strategic business units.

Research and Development

The Research and Development Unit is a new function which is expected to be set up within the Academy, providing a vital element of the proposed new mix of the Academy as the latter is expected to reposition itself from a follower into a leader in the Tourism Education Industry. The first step for the Research and Development unit was the launch of FUTOURISTIC, the ITS journal on Hospitality, Travel, Tourism and Culture.

Advisory

The Advisory Services function ties in seamlessly with the academic affairs of the Academy since it involves the practical application of concepts developed and disseminated through the various educational programmes that are delivered throughout the scholastic year. The overall purpose is to add value to key industry players through improved efficiency, enhanced customer experience or through the application of innovative concepts that leverage return on investment through the combination of client specific data and knowledge to expert advice and experience of the advisory network of ITS.

Curriculum Development, Accreditation and Licensing

The ITS continues to improve its study programmes, as well as develop new study programmes for the needs and requirements of this changing industry. ITS will evaluate the current and future educational needs of the tourism industry with the aim of developing innovative, relevant and high quality accredited programmes content independently or in joint partnership with international institutions in order to subsequently assign rights for its delivery to qualified education delivery providers.

Education Programme Delivery

The purpose of this unit is to achieve excellence in education to build tomorrow’s tourism leaders and professionals through the delivery of higher and further education programmes accredited through the official accreditation structures.

Training School

The training school will place an emphasis on immediacy and is expected to provide a flexible programme which may not necessarily lead to the award and/or conferment of a formal qualification. The Training School will also be targeting both local and international markets in line with its internationalisation strategy.

Incubator

Create an environment and a support structure that acts as a catalyst for the development, creation and sustainability of innovative startups in the Tourism Industry in Malta.

Stay up to date with the Institute of Tourism Studies news and updates by following the ITS socials and website (www.its.edu.mt).