The Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) has registered a record intake of 400 students for the 2025/26 academic year.

The figures reflect rising demand for higher-level qualifications in areas such as international hospitality management, events, travel and tourism, culinary arts, climate-friendly travel, and tourist guiding.

The Tourist Guiding programme saw the sharpest rise, with over 120 students enrolling across full-time and part-time formats – a 400 per cent increase compared to last year. The surge follows new measures introduced by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism and the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), including the option for students to guide provisionally after their first year.

Meanwhile, enrolments for Master’s and Degree programmes also climbed.

The intake celebrations highlighted the Institute’s international reach. Students from the Malta International School (ITS’s satellite campus in Shanghai) participated in cultural performances during the Freshers’ event, attended by dignitaries including President of Malta Myriam Spiteri Debono.

By supplying a skilled and future-focused workforce, the Institute plays a central role in supporting the sector’s competitiveness and ensuring that Malta remains a leading destination for culture, hospitality, and sustainable tourism.

Main image: ITS students / its.edu.mt