Latest News

July 24, 2021

A New Economic Model in Tourism – ADPD / The Green Party

Added: 24 July, 2021   At a press conference in Floriana today, ADPD Chairperson Carmel Cacopardo and spokesperson and Deputy Secretary General Sandra Gauci spoke about the effects of the pandemic, and climate change on the tourism industry.   Sandra Gauci noted that it is a shame that the hoteliers’ association is once again demanding special treatment, when they themselves have caused their own problems. “The MHRA has called for the exemption of workers in the tourism sector from income tax on overtime. But they forget to tell us the real reasons why some of their workers chose to leave […]
July 23, 2021

Malta Tourism Authority Signs Agreement with VeriFLY

    Added: 23 July, 2021 On Friday 23rd July, 2021, the Malta Tourism Authority has signed an agreement with Verifly aimed at offering a hassle-free solution for tourists from the USA, travelling to Malta. VeriFLY’s privacy-centric design ensures the user’s data is secured and only used for the purpose and period of time required to satisfy travel requirements. Moreover, VeriFLY users will maintain strict controls over how, when and with whom their information is shared.   As to what regards passengers traveling to Malta, these will have the opportunity to verify their wellness and provide other documentation, as required […]
July 11, 2021

Reaction to Government’s Latest COVID Plans

    Added: 11 July, 2021 Reaction of the Malta Hotels & Restaurants Association (MHRA)   MHRA recognizes the spirit of new measure, but better notice was expected.     The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) consistently reiterates the need for a balanced approach towards safeguarding public health and keeping the economy operational. Prudence must be exercised on all fronts, all the times.   MHRA has been working closely with the decision makers namely the health and the tourism authorities to ensure that hotels and restaurants can reactivate their operations in a sustainable and safe manner during this summer […]
June 14, 2021

MIA traffic figures show improvement in May

Added: 14 June 2021   75,420 PASSENGERS TRAVELLED THROUGH MALTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN MAY   May was the first month of 2021 to surpass the 40,000 passenger mark May traffic dropped by 88.8 per cent over the same month in 2019 MIA expects capacity deployed by airlines in June to more than double over May   As the Maltese islands edged closer to the reopening of travel and tourism, Malta International Airport registered 75,420 passenger movements during the month leading to this resumption.   This total for May translates into a drop of 88.8 per cent compared to the same […]
May 21, 2021

Michelin Stars Presented to Five Maltese Restaurants

Added: 21 May 2021   De Mondion Restaurant, Under Grain, ION – The Harbour, Bahia Restaurant and Noni Restaurant yesterday received the prestigious Michelin Star Award, after being included in the 2021 Michelin Guide for Malta, which is now in its second edition.   Addressing the ceremony, Dr Gavin Gulia, Chairman of the Malta Tourism Authority said that “the MTA welcomes the second edition of the Malta Michelin Guide which is yet again, another step in the right direction for our quality restaurants. Malta has, over time become known for its gastronomy, which oftentimes goes beyond Mediterranean Cuisine. This second […]
May 19, 2021

Think Tank formed to make Malta a ‘Centre of Touristic Excellence’

Added: 18 May 2021   Acknowledging the importance of the UK market for the tourism sector, Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo has claimed the authorities are doing their utmost so that Malta makes the green list when the next review is made.   Speaking during the launch of a think tank to help make the island a “centre of touristic excellence”, Bartolo said the authorities are in contact with the British High Commission and the UK government to pass on all the necessary information and health indicators about the COVID-19 situation.   Asked how positive he is about the prospect of being […]
May 12, 2021

Viking Expands Restart of Cruising with Two More Ships from Valletta

Added: 12 May 2021   Viking announced today that it will restart operations in the Mediterranean with new ocean voyages for vaccinated guests beginning this summer, according to a press release.   The Viking Venus and Viking Sea will homeport in Valletta and sail two different 11-day roundtrip itineraries in the Mediterranean.   Guests on the new Malta & Adriatic Jewels itinerary will overnight in Valletta and then sail to Montenegro and Croatia, calling in Kotor, Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar and Šibenik, before returning to the Maltese archipelago, with a stop in Gozo and finally back to Valletta. Guests on the […]
May 10, 2021

MHRA Express Relief for the Re-Opening of Restaurants

Added: 10 May 2021   The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) expresses relief for the re-opening today of restaurants, a cornerstone of the tourism sector and a critical facility for hotel operations.   MHRA Restaurants’ Council Representatives Isabella Debattista, Rosie Grech, Claudienne Harb and Richard Cleland state that, “Today is an important step towards kick starting the economy and protecting people’s livelihoods in this sector. Our businesses have suffered terribly and now deserve to succeed having been extremely responsible and patient during this difficult time.” The re-opening of restaurants is a major relief also for hotels which so far […]
May 6, 2021

Further COVID Reopening Plans Revealed

Added: 6 May 2021 The Government has unveiled further re-opening stages for restaurants and snack bars in a press conference addressed today by Health Minister Chris Fearne and Public Health Superintendent Charmaine Gauci. The target dates for lifting further restrictions are: From May 24 Restaurants and snack bars allowed to open until midnight From June 7 Restaurants can allow six people per table (up from four) See full press conference here:  https://www.facebook.com/MaltaGov/videos/503800197651226 You can share your thoughts and opinions by leaving a comment in our discussion box below.
May 6, 2021

Inbound Tourism Down by 86% in March 2021

Added: 6 May 2021   Total inbound visitors for March 2021 were estimated at 10,291, a decrease of 86.3 per cent when compared to the corresponding month in 2020.   During the month under review, a total of 6,538 inbound tourists visited Malta for holiday purposes, followed by 2,705 tourists for business purposes. Most inbound tourists were aged between 25 and 44 years (48.9 per cent), followed by those within the 45-64 age bracket (27.0 per cent). A general increase in the average length of stay was recorded (Table 1).   Total nights spent went down by 65.2 per cent […]