Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said today that, if re-elected, a PL government would evaluate the potential for a retractable roof to be constructed on the Renzo Piano's Teatru Rjal in Valletta.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat was addressing a press conference in St Paul's Bay, and he was joined by Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis and Culture Minister Owen Bonnici.

The current theatre faces two challenges. Firstly, that during the winter months fewer artists would want to make use of the theatre due to weather concerns, and secondly, noise pollution and complaints by Valletta residents.

The roof would need to be aesthetically sensitive, he said.

He mentioned that it would not be an easy challenge, architecturally, especially due to soundproofing. He also said that they are exploring the possibility of using the underground vaults for further facilities for the theatre.

Addressing the media about other proposals, a PL government would identify a site to be used as a national concert hall, what could also serve as a home for entities with national status, such as Zfin Malta, the National Philharmonic Orchestra and others.

A PL government would also introduce a new programme where each year, a locality would be declared the Culture locality of the year. It will incentivise local councils to promote their cultural heritage. Government would help directly through funds specifically identified for this scope.

Turning to fiscal incentives, government would extend the preferential income tax rate of 7.5% which sportsmen currently receive to artists, musicians, dancers and people who work in theatre.

In addition, government will double expenditure in the Cultural sector.

On Tourism, they announced that government will continue investing in the Institute for Tourism Studies, and that they will establish a digital platform, to further facilitate the development of professionals and the recruitment of workers and professionals in this sector.

A PL government would also facilitate the processing of foreign workers in this sector.

If the PL is re-elected, they will continue identifying and upgrading infrastructure in tourism zones. In addition, they will consider introducing financial incentives to incentivise development of tourism attractions and accommodation in areas not traditionally considered to be tourism areas.