The Erasmus+ collaboration called 3Economy+ has almost come to a close. The University of Malta teamed up with the University of Granada and its Melilla campus and the Polytechnic Institute in Portalegre over the past three years to deliver a training programme for young professionals and students in economics, marketing and tourism. 

Few could have foreseen the COVID-19 pandemic and impact on the students' studies and practice and the input of the academics involved. The biggest challenge was delivering work placements in various research institutes and apprenticeship programs especially over the past few months. 

Nevertheless, thanks to the unflagging initiative and will of all those involved, virtual placements were identified and made possible for students whereby their experience, while not the same, was augmented, and all EU program obligations met. 

Particularly fruitful was the collaboration between the Institute for Tourism, Travel & Culture at the University of Malta and Palazzo Falson, the heritage home managed by Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti in Mdina, which provided Spanish and Portuguese students with an online practicum addressing marketing research related to post-COVID-19 impacts as a follow up to their visit last February. 

Institute Director Dr Marie Avellino said she was glad the University fulfilled its aims through its commitment to European collaboration and looks forward to the students' results which are of relevance and significance in the fields of cultural heritage and tourism. 

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