Corinthia Group and University of Malta sign agreement for ‘Alfred Pisani PhD Scholarship in Sustainable Tourism’

International Hotel Investments (IHI) Group and the University of Malta, together with its Research, Innovation and Development Trust (RIDT), have signed an agreement establishing a three-year doctoral scholarship in sustainable tourism.

The scholarship, known as the Alfred Pisani PhD Scholarship, was signed at the Corinthia Palace Hotel in Attard by University Rector Professor Alfred Vella and Corinthia Chairman Alfred Pisani.

The initiative marks the start of a strategic collaboration between Corinthia and the University of Malta to advance research and innovation in sustainable tourism, an area of growing importance for Malta’s long-term economic and environmental resilience.

Mr Pisani noted that tourism lies at the heart of Corinthia’s mission and Malta’s future prosperity. As an international hotel management brand with a presence in major global capitals, the Group has long recognised the importance of sustainable tourism for the Maltese Islands.

The scholarship reflects a shared commitment to rethinking tourism models and promoting research that supports a more sustainable, value-driven approach. Rather than focusing solely on increasing visitor numbers, the initiative highlights the importance of attracting higher-value tourism that contributes more significantly to the economy while reducing pressure on infrastructure and resources.

Malta’s rich cultural heritage and history position the country strongly to attract discerning travellers seeking quality experiences. The scholarship will support advanced academic research aligned with this direction and with broader national efforts to enhance Malta’s standing as a leading Mediterranean destination.

The choice of the Corinthia Palace Hotel as the signing venue is also symbolic. When the hotel opened in 1968, Malta was at an early stage in establishing tourism as a pillar of its newly independent economy. Six decades later, tourism remains central to Malta’s success, and this collaboration reflects a forward-looking commitment to its sustainable future.

Through the Alfred Pisani PhD Scholarship, IHI and the University of Malta aim to foster academic excellence and meaningful research that will help shape the future of sustainable tourism locally and internationally.

IHI, together with its Head of Sustainability Patrick Spiteri Staines, looks forward to a fruitful partnership that strengthens ties between academia and industry, while supporting an important national research initiative.