Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, through their subsidiary Oceania Cruises, has just announced a scholarship fund in memory of the late Neville Mifsud, a trailblazer in Malta’s tourism and cruise industries. This scholarship aims to honour Mifsud’s legacy by supporting the next generation of hospitality and tourism leaders through the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) MBA in International Hospitality Management programme.

Neville Mifsud was a pioneer whose visionary work transformed the tourism landscape in Malta. As a key figure in S. Mifsud & Sons Ltd (SMS), he recognised the immense potential of the cruise industry. Building on the foundations laid by his grandfather Orazio Mifsud, who established a ship chandler business in Valletta’s Grand Harbour, and his father Silvio Mifsud, who founded the Mifsud & Sons shipping agency in 1950, Mifsud expanded and elevated the family business.

The Neville Mifsud Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to one outstanding individual, every year over three years, pursuing the ITS MBA in International Hospitality Management programme. This initiative not only honours Mifsud’s contributions but also aims to foster excellence in the hospitality and tourism industry. The selection process will evaluate candidates based on their academic achievements, professional experience, and potential to contribute to the industry.

Whilst SMS is widely known within the Tourism sector it is the niche of cruising within which the business has excelled on a worldwide scale. It is safe to say that today SMS is one of the leading players for ground arrangements for cruise liners worldwide representing a host of lines in ports ranging from Canada to the United States, Italy, Denmark, Holland, the UK and Ireland. Handling 2700 cruise calls and 4.5 million passengers in 2023. It was in the 1970’s that Neville Mifsud exported his expertise to the United Kingdom in the first of a number of countries earmarked for expansion.

SMS Managing Director, Simon Mifsud, said that being a great believer in education Mr Mifsud would be very proud to have his name associated with such an important course which seeks to nurture individuals into the cruise industry and provide them the foundations of knowledge needed to create the leaders of tomorrow.

While the scholarship will cover the entire tuition fee for one student, ITS will also be providing a 10% discount to all other applicants who are not selected for the full scholarship. Pierre Fenech, CEO of ITS, emphasised the institution’s commitment to supporting both prospective and current hospitality professionals. “Throughout its operations, ITS prioritises support for individuals working within the tourism and hospitality industry. We hope that this discount will assist many more professionals in advancing their careers.”

Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this unique opportunity to further their education and career in hospitality management. Applications for the scholarships are open between the 26^th of June and 12^th of August 2024. For more information on the application process and deadlines, please visit www.its.edu.mt/scholarship.