The Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) and China’s Zhengzhou Tourism College (ZTC) have signed a cooperation agreement that will lead to the establishment of the Central Plains International Cultural Exchange Centre at the ITS in Malta.

The initiative is expected to further strengthen educational and cultural ties between Malta and China while creating new opportunities for students and educators to gain international experience and deepen their understanding of different cultures, traditions and heritage.

The new centre will serve as a platform for initiatives related to tourism education, cultural exchange, skills development and collaborative learning.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Minister for Tourism Jo Etienne Abela, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Malta Zhang Zuo, and a delegation from Zhengzhou Tourism College led by its President, Xiao Shicai.

Through the partnership, Malta and China will continue to use tourism, education and culture as avenues for knowledge-sharing, exchange and cooperation, while expanding opportunities for students and professionals from both countries.

Speaking at the signing, Malta’s Minister for Tourism Jo Etienne Abela said the initiative represents more than an agreement between two educational institutions, describing it as an investment in the connections between Malta and China and in the opportunities that can be created for young people.

“When we invest in education, culture and tourism, we are investing in Malta’s future and in the relationships we want to build with the world. This collaboration with Zhengzhou is a new bridge between Malta and China — a bridge of knowledge, opportunity and exchange that will leave our students better prepared to take their place in an increasingly international tourism industry,” he said.

ITS Chief Executive Officer Pierre Fenech said that “through the Central Plains International Cultural Exchange Centre, we look forward to further strengthening the links between Malta and Zhengzhou and giving our students the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of tourism, culture and heritage beyond the classroom.”