A Commitment to Quality & Sustainability in Malta’s Hospitality Sector
International PR & Marketing Diary Newsletter: A Gateway to VisitMalta’s Global Tourism
December 24, 2024The Malta Tourism Authority’s (MTA) Quality Assured seal has become a respected symbol of excellence, synonymous with high service standards, quality, and a commitment to guest satisfaction.
This prestigious designation, awarded to visitor attractions, destination management companies, and restaurants, showcases Malta's dedication to delivering memorable, top-tier experiences. Today, 18 destination management companies and 27 attractions proudly hold this quality mark.An Insight into the MTA Quality Assured Sea
In an interview with HORECA, Ivan Cassar, MTA’s Manager of Quality Assurance, shared insights into the MTA Quality Assured Seal and its future developments.
“The MTA Quality Assured Seal is a mark of distinction, indicating that the establishment adheres to rigorous standards set by the MTA.
It helps visitors easily identify businesses committed to offering superior service, excellent cleanliness, and an exceptional guest experience,” explained Cassar.
Ivan Cassar - MTA Manager for Quality Assurance
Criteria for Awarding the Quality Seal
Achieving the Quality Assured Seal involves a comprehensive evaluation process, focusing on essential areas like service quality, cleanliness, comfort, and available amenities.
Establishments must consistently demonstrate excellent customer service, employ well-trained staff, and maintain their property in top condition. Regular inspections, including risk assessments, ensure that these businesses uphold the required standards. The seal thus serves as a reliable indicator of quality, helping to create positive experiences for guests.
In addition to service benchmarks, establishments are expected to maintain accurate invoicing, robust health and safety documentation, and a proactive approach to hygiene and safety protocols. Periodic audits and spot checks uphold the seal's integrity, confirming that establishments meet MTA's standards.
Benefits for Both Tourists and Local Businesses
The MTA Quality Seal serves as a valuable guide for tourists, providing assurance that Malta’s attractions, destination management companies, and restaurants meet the highest standards. For travellers, the seal brings peace of mind, while businesses benefit from increased recognition and customer trust.
Cassar noted, “Achieving the seal helps businesses differentiate themselves in a competitive market, boosting their reputation and encouraging positive reviews. We believe that the more quality products and services we have, the more quality tourists we attract.”
Looking Ahead: Expanding and Refining the Quality Seal
As Malta’s tourism landscape evolves, the MTA Quality Seal will play a vital role in defining the island’s hospitality future. Cassar highlighted that the seal criteria are regularly updated to keep pace with changing visitor expectations, ensuring that Malta remains a premier destination for those seeking authentic, high-quality experiences.
Sustainability initiatives are increasingly prioritised, with destination management companies, for example, encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices such as community clean-ups and other Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects.
Achieving the Quality Assured Seal involves a comprehensive evaluation process, focusing on essential areas like service quality, cleanliness, comfort, and available amenities.
Establishments must consistently demonstrate excellent customer service, employ well-trained staff, and maintain their property in top condition. Regular inspections, including risk assessments, ensure that these businesses uphold the required standards. The seal thus serves as a reliable indicator of quality, helping to create positive experiences for guests.
In addition to service benchmarks, establishments are expected to maintain accurate invoicing, robust health and safety documentation, and a proactive approach to hygiene and safety protocols. Periodic audits and spot checks uphold the seal's integrity, confirming that establishments meet MTA's standards.
Benefits for Both Tourists and Local Businesses
The MTA Quality Seal serves as a valuable guide for tourists, providing assurance that Malta’s attractions, destination management companies, and restaurants meet the highest standards. For travellers, the seal brings peace of mind, while businesses benefit from increased recognition and customer trust.
Cassar noted, “Achieving the seal helps businesses differentiate themselves in a competitive market, boosting their reputation and encouraging positive reviews. We believe that the more quality products and services we have, the more quality tourists we attract.”
Looking Ahead: Expanding and Refining the Quality Seal
As Malta’s tourism landscape evolves, the MTA Quality Seal will play a vital role in defining the island’s hospitality future. Cassar highlighted that the seal criteria are regularly updated to keep pace with changing visitor expectations, ensuring that Malta remains a premier destination for those seeking authentic, high-quality experiences.
Sustainability initiatives are increasingly prioritised, with destination management companies, for example, encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices such as community clean-ups and other Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects.
An upcoming enhancement is a refreshed Quality Seal specifically for restaurants, focused on delivering an authentic Maltese dining experience. This will emphasise the use of local, high-quality ingredients that celebrate Maltese culinary traditions.
Expected to launch in the coming months, the new scheme aims to offer visitors a more immersive Maltese gastronomic experience.
“The Malta Tourism Authority Quality Seal is much more than a badge; it is a promise of exceptional quality and experience,” Cassar stated. Quality-assured establishments are committed to delivering the best in Maltese hospitality, guiding visitors to Malta’s finest products and services.
Eco-Certification: A Step Towards Sustainability
The MTA’s Eco-Certification program further underscores its commitment to sustainable tourism. Previously as an in-house certification, now the Malta Tourism Authority is endorsing three internationally recognised certifications: EU Eco Label, Green Key, and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification.
This collaboration with leading eco-labels aligns with the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, emphasising environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The three eco certification labels are available to accommodation establishments across Malta and Gozo, with the Authority providing guidance and training to ensure businesses can choose the eco-label that best fits their needs.
This process involves a comprehensive review of the property’s operations, ensuring sustainability in all aspects."
Eco-certified accommodations hold a strong reputation and increasingly attract guests who specifically seek these certifications," Cassar stated. With sustainability now a core focus, the MTA aims to enhance Malta's reputation as a destination that prioritises both guest satisfaction and environmental responsibility.
FIND OUT MORE
For more information on the MTA’s Quality Seal and Eco-Certification programs, please contact MTA’s Quality Assurance Department via email at qualityassured@visitmalta.com or call +356 2291 5701
Click here to see Horeca Issue 18 online
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