University Students employability in tourism

The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) and the Tourism Students Association recently organised an afternoon seminar entitled Tourism Education: Enhancing your Career Prospects in the Industry.

Students of the University of Malta who are currently reading a Bachelors degree with Honours in Tourism Studies were invited to attend and contribute their work aspirations after they graduate.

In his introduction to the Workshop, Professor Edward Zammit, Chairman of the Board of the Tourism Studies at the University of Malta spoke about the relevance of the Tourism Studies course at University for the Tourism Industry. He explained that the course aims at upgrading the human resources engaged in this important sector for Malta’s economy. The strategic decisions about developments in tourism form an integral part of the course. The course also aims at diversifying the Malta’s product particularly by enhancing the students’ awareness of our social and cultural heritage.

Joseph Tanti, Head of Industry HR Development at theMTA, highlighted that the major human resource challenge within the industry is the lack of 'soft skills', 'attitudes' and 'personality' of current and potential employees within the industry. "Educationshould seek to embed these skills before graduates enter the workplace. Then again it is the responsibility of the industry to improve the image of the tourism industry as a career employer.Employers must seek new and innovative approaches to the challenges we face in the management of our people" said Mr Tanti.

A fruitful discussion chaired by Therese Borg Micallef a current university student in her 4th year reading for a BA (HONS) in Tourism Studies and a panel of various stakeholders; Rebekah Camilleri Kamsky, EU Affairs and Policy Development, Ministry for Tourism and Culture; Andrew Galea representing Heritage Malta; Tony Coleiro, Chairman of the Institute of Hospitality; Aris Cefai, Human Resources Manager; Westin Malta; Joseph Mifsud, Senior Administrator; HR Quality and Training Services Department of Malta International Airport; Joseph Tanti Head Industry HR, Malta Tourism Authority; Edward Paris from FATTA; Greg Burrell, Quality Director at FELTOM as well as Alfred Quintano a present lecturer at the University of Malta yielded interesting viewpoints from the various stakeholders.

Graziella Cortis, President of the Tourism Studies Association stated that “The Tourism Studies Association has been working from its foundation at enhancing the potentiality of the students reading for a degree in B.A. (Hons.) Tourism Studies at the University of Malta. Having a panel of nine tourism industry specialists, discussing the students future, was the ideal scenario for motivation and encouragement. After such an event, students will definitely give that extra mile in their studies and feel closer at achieving their dreams within this dynamic industry. TSA would like to express gratitude to all those who contributed at the success of this Seminar especially MTA, as well as the UOM, the students and the industry expertise.”

The Seminar came to an end with Mr. Joseph Tanti; Head of Industry HR Development, MTA presenting present students with a copy of the Tourism Human Resources Handbook which was published and compiled by the MTA.

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For further information please visit www.mta.com.mt,
or contact the Industry Human Resources Development Unit on 2291 5125/4
or e-mail training@visitmalta.com
or The Tourism Studies Association (TSA) at Students’ House, University of Malta
or e-mail tourismstudiesassociation@gmail.com