Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis said over 13.5 million bed nights were registered by tourists between in 2014.

He stressed that government’s aim is to create quality tourism. He was responding to a Parliamentary Question posed by PL MP Anthony Agius Decelis.

He was then asked by PN MP Mario Galea whether anything was being done relating to tourists being bombarded by those trying to sell services, such as time-shares.

The minister acknowledged that this issue has been going on for a long time, and said that he would not impinge on their freedom. He did, however, stress the importance of enforcement to ensure that these people are licensed. With a license, comes certain standards he said, explaining that a license ensures that their approach of tourists is professional.

Turning to the 50c environment tax for tourists, he explained that a committee has been set up, and is going over the logistics involved in its implementation. Along with the Social Fund, this is estimated to bring in around €7million a year, he said, adding that eventually the projects, which will be decided in conjunction with the MHRA, will be given to the private sector.

He explained that many local councils in tourism zones face problems by both residents and tourists, and explained that if a project would impact a council, the council would be consulted and that nothing will be done that goes against the vision of that particular council.