The Institute of Tourism Studies launches first issue of the academic journal Futouristic

The Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) has just launched its first issue for its new academic journal, with the name of Futouristic. The journal comes 10 years after its predecessor’s last publication, which carried the name ‘Welcome’. The new journal, with two issues per year, aims to promote academic research and innovation at ITS, not just with the partners and stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industry but also society at large.

Photography: Jeremy Wonnacott

The inaugural issue includes several researched and interesting topics by both academics and students; including an article about Maltese bread during World War Two, a look at creative tableware made out of clay, controlling food waste in restaurants, an article on the prisoner experience in Malta during World War One, the psychology of gambling, the present and future of the area formerly known as the Azure Window in Gozo, saving the Maltese native bee, and an interview with Minister for Tourism and Consumer Protection, who was also present for the launch.

In a joint statement ITS Chairman and CEO, Mr Carlo Micallef and Mr Pierre Fenech, stated that this journey commenced 5 years ago, and while this new publication is the lecturers’ achievement, it is also a success for ITS. Successive carefully planned investments have made it possible for ITS to start and progress on a long journey to transform the Institute into an international hub of excellence  for Tourism and Hospitality Education.

They concluded by saying that along with the numerous achievements throughout the years, along with this achievement today, ITS is now in an even better position to continue on delivering top quality education to its students who will contribute towards better quality product and services for the level of quality that Malta’s tourism industry is aiming for.

Futouristic Executive Editor, Martin Debattista stated that the idea behind Futouristic is to provide relevant, scholarly and well-written content which is laid out in a colourful and eye-catching way. The journal promotes research by both academics and students, with an emphasis on students publishing alongside academics.

Mr Debattista said that works on the next issue have already started and the next issue will be published in Q2. Although planning has started, opinions, feedback and criticism are welcome to further develop the journal.

Minister for Tourism and Consumer Protection, Hon. Clayton Bartolo said that thanks to this journal which we are launching today, we are providing a chance for students and academics to share their experiences at ITS. This is an important step which forms part of the ITS research and innovation, which will further improve the Maltese tourism product and prepare the workforce for the new realities in the tourism and hospitality sector. 

Academics and students are doing research on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the travel and tourism industry and this will be covered in the coming issues of Futouristic. 

Futouristic will be distributed free of charge to stakeholders in the Maltese travel, tourism, hospitality and higher educational sectors, local councils and other entities. One may also find Futouristic online.