Mario Attard is likely to be appointed as the new Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) Chief Executive officer, The Malta Independent has learnt.

Attard, who has been a member of the MTA board since 2013, will be replacing Paul Bugeja, who resigned from the post last March. Since then MTA, Chiarman Gavin Gulia has acted as an executive chairman.

Attard has been involved in the hotel industry for a number of years and worked with different hotels and establishments.

Sources at MTA told this newsroom that Attard attended a number of events held over the last few days, including the fourth prestigious quality assured restaurants and MTA press awards.

Attard is expected to officially start in his new role in the coming days.