INTERREG

PRISMA 

 

The project explored the potential in Malta and Sicily for “Integrated Relational Tourism” (IRT) which is a departure from traditional tourism, offering the tourist the possibility to immerse himself and taste local culture and traditions in the particular region or locale he/she is visiting. Through the integration of small and medium-sized operators and the use of advanced technology Integrated Relational Tourism aims to provide a future alternative yet sustainable form of tourism. 

 

The Project created guidelines and manuals mapping out Integrated Relational Tourism opportunities in Mediterranean Islands. Potential IRT assets in Malta were mapped out and placed in parallel with similar items in Sicily.  

 

A joint Sicily- Malta marketing plan was created as well as a marketing plan for joint Malta - Sicily IRT. The Project also provided an opportunity to provide diversified higher education studies in the IRT sector, destined for local public administrators, university researchers and those working in the sector. Six pilot Projects were launched towards the end  

of the Project. 

 

The Project promoted local traditions and cultural identity through the study of local knowledge bases and tastes, at the same time sensitising public interest in the opportunities available for cross-border exchanges between Malta and Sicily. In this respect a number of pilot projects were planned as a demonstration of what could be achieved in this area. The Project also researched and promoted development models in the areas of cultural tourism and enogastronomy.  

 

ITS was the main Maltese partner. 

 

SAPERI E SAPORI 

ITS is taking part in the “Saperi e Sapori” Project part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (75%) - Community Initiative Interreg IIIA Italia-Malta Programme 2004 - 2006.  

 

This is a project between the Istituto Professionale di Stato per i Servizi Alberghieri, della Ristorazione e Turistici “Federico II di Svevia imperatore”, which is the Project Leader; the Institute of Tourism Studies; the Royal Malta Yacht Club; the Parco Archeologico e Paesaggistico della Valle dei Tempi di Agrigento and the Sopraintendenza Beni Culturali e Ambientali, Syracuse.  

 

The objectives of the project are to promote the partnership between Malta and Sicily in the field of tourism and hospitality through the promotion of local traditions and cultural research. 

 

As part of the project ITS has organised in May 2007 a conference on historical and contemporary aspects of tourism and hospitality in Malta and Sicily and was addressed by Maltese and Italian speakers. In September 2007 a four-day training seminar on the use of e-learning and multimedia technologies for Italian academics from Sicilian tourism and hospitality-related educational institutions.