Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) announces the renewal of the "TedQual Certification" granted to its bachelor degree programmes by the United Nations World Tourism Organization until August 2016. In 2000, IFT was the first United Nations World Tourism Organization UNWTO.TedQual institution. This certification confirmed the international standard and quality achieved by IFT in tourism education. Several strategic performance areas were assessed in the latest audit, including "The Employers: Public and Private Sectors", "The Student", "The Curriculum and Pedagogical System", "The Faculty", and "The Management". The auditor met with the Institute's management, faculty, students, alumni, directors of government departments as well as industry representatives. The auditor also visited internal departments to collect comments and suggestions for the Institute's future development. Since IFT was granted this certification in 2000, UNWTO has sent UNWTO-THEMIS Executive Director and experts to IFT for periodical observation. IFT appreciates the valuable opinions and makes improvements in various aspects. Within 18 years of the Institute's establishment, IFT has developed gradually and increased its programmes to cope with the needs of community development. Currently, IFT offers 6 daytime degree programmes with English as the medium of instruction, and 2 evening degree programmes in Chinese. The successful renewal covers 4 English degree programmes, namely Tourism Business Management, Heritage Management, Hotel Management, as well as Tourism Event Management. The Institute plans to apply for the evaluation of the remaining programmes as soon as they graduate their first batches of students. The certification confirms the quality of IFT's programmes and raises the morale of students and staff. IFT believes that this honour is to be shared with supportive industry partners, alumni, devoted staff and academic members, as well as diligent students. Tourism is Macao's leading industry. The opening of new hotels and entertainment facilities will enhance Macao's tourism profile. IFT strives to work together with the industry to build a better future for the city.