The Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) has partnered with the Shanghai Institute of Tourism (SIT) to inaugurate the China-Europe Tourism and Gastronomy Cultural Exchange Centre.

The initiative was marked by a series of events held at the ITS campus in Luqa between 28th and 30th May 2025.

The programme featured high-level culinary demonstrations, symposiums, community cooking projects, bilingual training sessions, and the launch of the Culinary Cultural Inheritance and Creativity Base. It included participation from SIT delegations, chefs, students and senior management. 

Participating students benefitted from hands-on culinary workshops, cultural immersion experiences and access to academic panels led by international experts in tourism and gastronomy.

ITS CEO Pierre Fenech described the launch as “an important milestone in the excellent institutional collaboration between Malta and China,” expressing gratitude to both governments for their ongoing support.

Prof. Kang Nian, President of SIT, described the centre as a significant milestone in SIT’s four decades of culinary education, underlining its role in enhancing regular exchanges between China and Europe in the fields of culinary arts, academia and culture.

He also expressed gratitude to the Institute of Tourism Studies for its continued support in strengthening specialised and international cooperation in tourism and gastronomy.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg, highlighted the importance of the China-Europe Tourism and Gastronomy Cultural Exchange Centre as a milestone in fostering cross-cultural collaboration, academic exchange and professional growth.

He also extended his best wishes for the success of the centre and the emerging collaborations from this initiative.