THE MUNICIPALITY of Port St Johns plans to set up the Wild Coast Institute of Tourism Studies together with Tourism Corporation Africa, which has offices in Cape Town and London. The Institute will be located in a former Military base just outside Port St Johns. It follows the same development plan as The Institute of Tourism Studies in Malta – Europe, according to a municipal spokesperson. Work on the base is due to start mid-2003. Phase 1 should be completed within 12 months of the start of upgrading. Port St Johns CEO Zola Hewu says the Municipality intends to provide a centre of excellence within the tourism and hospitality sectors. The overall objective is to create training opportunities, uplift tourism in the region, encourage investment and so help to alleviate high unemployment levels and provide enhanced lifestyles for local previously deprived communities. The Wild Coast and town of Port St Johns has been highlighted by National and Provincial Government as a development area.