Speaking during a seminar themed "How are we going to breathe new life into tourism?", Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech said that the government is to issue calls for more low-cost airlines to operate to Malta in the coming weeks. The Minister further announced that the new board of the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) will be announced next week. The board had tendered its resignation in September after divulging confidential information to the press. MTA Chairman Mr Sam Mifsud, remained in office.
The Minister said that a drop in competitiveness and transport have led to the current problems in the tourism sector, adding that a policy document on tourism will be published near the end of the year. The Sunday Times said that the policy will focus on how Malta is currently no longer competing only with neighbouring destinations. The policy will also set forward principles which are to serve as a guide where decisions having direct or indirect impact on tourism are concerned.
The policy document will be presented for public consultation and its success will depend on participation by all the stakeholders, including tourism organisations, all operators, the Opposition and local councils, said Minister Francis Zammit Dimech.
In turn, Malta Labour Party (MLP) tourism spokesperson Evarist Bartolo stated that it is essential that Malta takes action before the island’s tourism industry falls into “irreversible agony”.
The MLP spokesperson stated problems in the tourism sector need to be faced in a more serious, constructive and strategic way. Mr Bartolo also called for enhanced unison between the industry’s stakeholders, adding that in the face of so many external pressures, Malta cannot afford internal conflicts.
The seminar held on Saturday and organized by the Guzč Ellul Mercer Foundation was also addressed by Air Malta chief executive officer (CEO) Joe Cappello said that the airline is struggling to prove as a catalyst for the country’s tourism industry and returns for its shareholders at the same time. According to The Malta Independent, although the CEO confirmed that the airline will continue to meet both aims, he added that high costs of jet fuel and the airline’s fuel have affected that Air Malta’s profitability.
On his part, hotelier Winston V. Zahra tabled a suggestion that a parliamentary committee dealing with tourism be set up.
See also:
MTA board resigns after string of press leakages
By MaltaMedia News
Sep 29, 2006, 14:41 CET
Incoming tourists decrease by 7.9% in August
By MaltaMedia News
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