“FELTOM is an important national tourism stakeholder” Speaking during The Federation of English Language Teaching Organisations of Malta’s (FELTOM) Annual General Meeting for 2013, the Hon Karmenu Vella, Minister for Tourism, highlighted the importance of the English Language Travel Market in Malta, quoting statistical data which shows that this sector represented 1 in every 18 of all incoming tourists to the Maltese Islands. He remarked that the segment has a potential of further growth not only through the tapping into new geographical markets but also through the addition and diversification of newer offers particularly aiming at students from long haul markets. Whilst applauding the proactive and productive co-operation that exists between the Ministry for Tourism, the Malta Tourism Authority, the English Language Monitoring Board and FELTOM, Minister Vella concluded that the Government will continue to support this important segment. During the AGM, FELTOM’s CEO Genevieve Abela gave an overview of its work throughout 2013 focusing particularly on FELTOM’s growing role as a local stakeholder. Ms Abela said that FELTOM continued to build strong relationship with Government agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that the industry continues to develop and maintain its high standards. Increased efforts in marketing and visibility were paying off as the FELTOM brand and accreditation was gaining in stature abroad. The Chairman of the Board, Mr Julian Cassar Torregiani, thanked the Board for its commitment to developing the teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) sector and reiterated that there is no room for complacency in this competitive sector. He called on Government to continue supporting the industry through various incentives so that schools can invest and attract more students particularly from emerging markets. Mr Cassar Torregiani also thanked the Malta Tourism Authority for its leadership in promoting Malta and the sector. Addressing the AGM, the CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority, Mr Josef Formosa Gauci, said that he believes that the strong co-operation that there has been between MTA, FELTOM and all other stakeholders has resulted in this industry becoming stronger and more resilient, with a bright future ahead. In his comments, Mr David Xerri, EFL Monitoring Board Chairperson, reiterated his believe that it is by strengthening the current co-operation that exists amongst the EFL Monitoring Board, FELTOM and MTA that the English Language Teaching industry in Malta can continue to prosper and adequately tackle present and future challenges. Looking forward to 2014, FELTOM is celebrating its 25th anniversary which will see it launch a rebranding exercise as well as a new website. FELTOM will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to promote Malta and its unique selling points particularly as it seeks to expand its target markets. In March, FELTOM will be organised the annual Malta workshop which sees foreign agents coming over to Malta to explore the industry, local schools and the island. This plans to be the largest workshop organised by FELTOM as there has been an increase in interest shown by agents.
Posted on: Wed, 29 Jan 2014 16:09:45 +0000
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