Reinforcing career education in the tourism industry at Dingli Cliffs

The Maltese Islands have long been seen as attractions for the sun, sand and sea seekers. Tourism during the shoulder months is often undermined in favour of mass tourism during the peak months to the detriment of quality and sustainable tourism. Promoting Malta’s rich natural and cultural heritage has the potential of reducing the negative environmental consequences brought about by huge number of tourists during the short summer months, whist also promoting economical sustainability.     

Earlier this year, Malta’s Prime Minister and the Minister for Tourism have acknowledged that there is a shortage of skills in the tourist industry, that is however not keeping up to the fast growing industry. Promoting the tourism and hospitality sector as feasible and worthwhile career paths has been put to the forefront of the agenda.

The Cliffs Interpretation Centre has long seen the need of blending the environment, with the tourism industry in numerous school outings to ITS students. Lately, it has upgraded its school visits to be in line with the learning expectations of the students. The school visits offer an authentic and innovative experience of learning about the ecological diversity, history, archaeology, culture, gastronomy and local produce of Dingli Cliffs and the surroundings. The school outings, offered to ITS in different courses ranging from Foundation and Certificate levels, enable students to gain a better foothold onto their long-term career paths, whilst understanding the importance of promoting tourism during the shoulder months. The outings also educate students on the important role of day-to-day practices that the industry has with visiting tourists. It also encourages students that the provision of tourist-related services which highlight the nature, history, archaeology, gastronomy and local produce, is not a fall-back carrier, but one which provides a level of excellence in the tourism sector.