The Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) Malta has officially opened its 2026–2027 academic year at its satellite campuses in Shanghai and Zhengzhou, China, marking another milestone in its international educational partnerships.

Last week, ITS Chief Executive Officer Pierre Fenech attended the opening ceremonies at the Shanghai Industrial & Commercial Polytechnic Malta International School (MIS) and Zhengzhou Tourism College (ZTC), welcoming students as they embark on a new academic year.

The Malta International School (MIS), a collaborative initiative between ITS and Shanghai Industrial and Commercial Polytechnic (SICP), celebrated the opening of its third student cohort.

The ceremony was attended by ITS CEO Pierre Fenech and SICP Vice President Zhang Yang, both of whom delivered speeches welcoming students and highlighting this important milestone in the programme’s development.

Following the ceremony, a Dean’s Lecture provided Mr Fenech with the opportunity to interact with each student, engage in discussions and connect with the new cohort as they begin their academic journey.

Meanwhile, at Zhengzhou Tourism College’s Xianghu Campus, ITS and ZTC held the opening ceremony for the 2026 cohort of the Tourism Management (Sino-Foreign Cooperative Education) programme.

The event brought together senior representatives from both institutions, academic staff and students from the 2025 and 2026 cohorts, celebrating the continued development of the international educational partnership.

During the ceremony, ZTC President Xiao Shicai and ITS CEO Pierre Fenech addressed students, reflecting on the achievements of the collaboration and encouraging them to make the most of the opportunities available through international education.

Both speakers highlighted the importance of broadening international perspectives, developing professional skills and fostering cultural exchange.

The ceremony also featured performances celebrating Chinese culture, including dance, music, traditional etiquette, kuaiban (Chinese clapper talk) and martial arts.

A ribbon presentation ceremony, led by representatives of both institutions, marked the beginning of the new students’ academic journey.

Following the ceremony, representatives held discussions focusing on talent development and further teaching cooperation.

“This academic year, 140 students are pursuing their studies at ITS satellite campuses in China, while a further 14 students are continuing their degree-level studies at ITS in Malta, four of whom are expected to graduate this academic year. Notably, six of these students belong to the first cohort of ITS students from our Shanghai campus. These figures reflect the growing reach of ITS’s international presence, the confidence placed in our institution by students and our partners in China and the opportunities our collaboration creates for students to progress in their studies and develop their careers in tourism and hospitality,” said ITS CEO Pierre Fenech, highlighting the continued growth of ITS’s international presence.

Through its partnerships with MIS and ZTC, ITS continues to strengthen international educational ties, promote cross-cultural exchange and support the development of future professionals equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the global tourism and hospitality industry.