Aurora Foxes forges Maltese hospitality partnership

In a ceremony held in Rabat on Saturday (March 28), Malta’s Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS), The Malta Trust Foundation (TMTF) and Aurora Foxes signed a formal collaboration agreement marking the beginning of a structured, international partnership.

Together, they will develop training programmes, share best practices and organise student exchanges that it is hoped, will result in even more opportunities and positive outcomes for young people from both countries.

Aurora Foxes Principal Mark Costello said: “This marks the start of an exciting collaboration between Aurora Foxes, TMTF and ITS but it’s more than just a collaboration, it’s about redefining what inclusive hospitality education can look like on an international stage.”

The announcement follows a factfinding mission to Minehead in February by a delegation from Malta headed by the country’s former president and Founder and Executive Chair of TMTF, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca.

She described the agreement as “a truly important milestone for Malta”.

"A truly important milestone for Malta" Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca

She added: “This collaboration will bring together expertise, innovation, and a shared commitment to inclusion. It’s not only about training programmes, but about creating real opportunities. It will equip young people with the skills, confidence, and support they need to transition into meaningful employment and independent living.

“By combining local knowledge with international best practice, we’re laying the foundations for a more inclusive society, where ability is recognised, potential is nurtured and no one is left behind.”

Sharon Pearson, Chief Operating Officer for The Aurora Group, said: “We’re deeply proud of the excellent outcomes our learners have achieved, and the lasting difference this has made to their life chances. We’re excited by the opportunity to collaborate with organisations that share our vision of inclusion and our dedication to improving the lives of children and young people.”

Pierre Fenech, CEO of ITS, said his institute had been built on the conviction that world-class hospitality education must be accessible.

“Today, that conviction takes a step beyond aspiration and into concrete, international action,” he said.

“Aurora Foxes brings decades of proven expertise in supporting learners with complex and diverse needs who benefit most from specialist provision. Together, we will build something that does not currently exist in Malta at this scale: a structured, quality-assured, and internationally benchmarked pathway for young people with disabilities into the hospitality profession.”

Ian Borg, Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, said: “When we open the doors of professional hospitality to those who have been told they do not belong there, we do not lower the bar. We raise it.”