Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545896
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 19 JULY 2026 Building the Workforce Behind Malta's Tourism Success Malta's tourism industry has long been one of the country's strongest economic drivers. Yet, as the sector evolves to meet new global expectations around quality, sustainability and innovation, one factor will determine its long-term success more than any other: its people. It is with this vision that the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) has launched its Strategic Plan 2026–2030, From Consolidation to Mediterranean Excellence. More than an institutional roadmap, the strategy sets out a clear direction for strengthening tourism education and ensuring Malta develops the skilled professionals who will lead one of its most important industries into the future. The ve-year plan builds on the strong foundations established through the Institute's strategic plan 2021-2025, which delivered the majority of its key performance indicators and positioned ITS as Malta's leading institution for tourism and hospitality education with a strong international foothold. The new strategy now looks beyond consolidation, placing greater emphasis on academic excellence, internationalisation, industry collaboration, research and innovation, operational excellence and nancial sustainability. These priorities reect the changing nature of tourism itself. Today's industry demands professionals who are not only technically competent but also adaptable, digitally literate and capable of delivering exceptional visitor experiences in an increasingly competitive global market. Importantly, the strategy is closely aligned with Malta Vision 2050, and the Public Service's broader commitment to sustainable national development and a, high-quality tourism sector. By investing in talent and knowledge today, ITS is helping secure the long-term competitiveness of Malta's tourism industry. The strategy also reects the wider Public Service commitment to building a resilient and future-ready workforce, ensuring that education, economic development and national policy are aligned to support Malta's long-term tourism objectives. The Strategic Plan embodies both consistency and forward-looking ambition. It builds on the solid progress achieved under the previous strategy, through which ITS delivered most of its key performance indicators. It also reects the Institute's achievements so far, while setting out its determination to advance further. Although the plan includes ambitious and future-oriented objectives, it reects condence in ITS's vision, its people, and its ability to achieve meaningful, measurable and lasting outcomes. The strategy marks an important milestone in the Institute's continued development. It provides a clear framework for strengthening academic standards, improving operational excellence and expanding ITS's international prole, while further reinforcing its role as a leading institution for tourism, hospitality and culinary education across the Mediterranean. The Strategic Plan also demonstrates how Public Service entities can work together to deliver national priorities. Through investment in education, skills development and industry engagement, ITS is supporting a whole-of-government approach that places people, quality and sustainability at the centre of Malta's future prosperity. As Malta looks ahead, the message is clear: a thriving tourism industry depends on investing in people. Through its Strategic Plan 2026–2030, ITS is rearming its commitment to developing the knowledge, skills and leadership that will enable Malta not only to compete internationally, but to set new standards of excellence across the Mediterranean. For more information about the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS), visit their website: https://its.edu.mt/