SME Chamber chief joins ITS strategy launch as Malta eyes Mediterranean tourism excellence

The Malta Chamber of SMEs put its weight behind a new vision for tourism education this week.

President Paul Abela joined a panel discussion at the launch of the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) Strategic Plan 2026–2030, titled "From Consolidation to Mediterranean Excellence".

The plan sets out a framework for the next five years. It aims to strengthen the link between academic training and the real needs of Malta's tourism and hospitality industry.

Discussion centred on building a workforce ready for tomorrow's demands. Innovation, sustainability, and long-term competitiveness were also on the agenda.

The Chamber pledged to keep working closely with ITS and other stakeholders to deliver a skilled talent pipeline.

For Malta's business community, this is not a peripheral issue. Tourism and hospitality are the backbone of the economy, and SMEs make up the vast majority of operators in those sectors.

Without a steady flow of well-trained staff, even the most ambitious business plan falls apart. The strategic plan signals an effort to address chronic skills shortages that have long troubled the industry.

The focus on Mediterranean excellence also raises the bar. As competing destinations invest heavily in training and service quality, Malta cannot afford to stand still.

Paul Abela's presence at the launch underlines that the SME sector views this plan as more than a bureaucratic exercise. It is a practical roadmap for survival and growth.