An estimated 65,966 foreigners
visited Malta
in 2006 to learning English, an increase of 7% visitors over 2005 when 61,607
foreigners visited the island for the same purpose.
Figures for visitors coming to Malta to English
have shown an upward trend in the past four years. 53,241 visited Malta in 2003,
55,578 in 2004, 61,607 in 2005 and 65,966 last year. The figures were revealed
by Minister for Tourism and Culture Francis Zammit Dimech when he officially
inaugurated the International House Malta, a Language school for the young
adult market in Swieqi on Friday.
The Minister for Tourism and Culture
said that the learning of English is one of Malta’s main tourism segments that
contribute significantly to our tourism industry. He said that this segment is run
by private enterprise since all English language schools are privately owned
and offer not only work for full time and part-time teachers but are also a
source of revenue to host families.
Minister Zammit Dimech said that
International House World Organisation with its IH Malta-Gozo caters for a
niche market of select clients. This school was set up in the year 2000 and has
been an affiliate of International House since 2001.
“Following their positive
experience with the Gozo school and the IH Malta junior centre, IH Malta are
now inaugurating a new adult centre in Swieqi to satisfy the young adult
market. This market combines English Language quality courses with a holiday
experience that in Malta is unique not only because we are a safe country for
young adults, but also because we have a
historical and cultural heritage which dates back 7,000 years,” said the
Minister for Tourism and Culture.
Minister Zammit Dimech said that
in the Swieqi/Paceville area there is the highest concentration of English
language schools. He said that these schools, so close to a leisure centre, are
contributing towards our tourism sector and towards turning Malta into a
centre of excellence in English Language learning.
The Minister for Tourism and
Culture said that the hosting of the annual workshop of language school network
International House World Organisation, with its 140 schools in 46 countries
worldwide, is a tribute to the sterling results of the IH schools in Malta and Gozo.
He augured that language schools will expand further as their expansion is the
proof of the high quality learning Malta is providing to students from
all over the world.
