During a press conference at the
Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) campus, Minister for Tourism and Consumer
Protection Julia Farrugia Portelli announced the launch of 15 scholarships in
relation to the newly launched Master of Arts in Heritage Interpretation course
offered by ITS.
Minister Farrugia Portelli acknowledged
the profession of a tourist guide as being one of paramount importance to the
tourism industry. “The launch of these scholarships will not only support this
profession but will promote further specialisation within the tourism
industry,” said the minister. Through this golden opportunity, current tourist
guides will not only pursue their career personally but the knowledge and
skills they achieve will be beneficial for the tourism industry in general,
added Minister Farrugia Portelli.
ITS CEO Pierre Fenech said that ITS not
only wants to increase the number of tour guides but also offer a progression
route for current tourist guides to be able to achieve a level 7 certification.
This programme offers tailor-made learning to those who already work within the
culture and heritage tourism industry and to those who aspire to specialise in
the interpretation of specific sites and artefacts.
ITS Chairman Carlo Micallef highlighted
the important role that tourist guides have in Malta’s tourism industry in that
guides are a key source of information for the large majority of visiting
tourists. The way that tourist guides explain and showcase the attractions of
our Islands, the passion with which they tell the Malta story and the insider
tips they share with their clients go long way towards ensuring that the
tourists that visit the Maltese islands enjoy an exceptional holiday experience
to remember.
Minister Farrugia Portelli commended ITS
for all the opportunities and initiatives that are constantly taken to attract
more students and potential employees in the tourism sector.
