This service type of accommodation is proving increasingly popular, especially with the introduction of no-frills flights to Malta.

Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech said that for the first time, the Malta Tourism Authority is issuing a specific licence for establishments which want to offer this service.

The new regulations regulating the provision of this licence is open to two- and three-star hotels and aparthotels which have a maximum of 100 beds or 50 rooms.

Dr Zammit Dimech said that the establishments which have been granted a licence to offer a bed-and-breakfast service will be given a plaque to be affixed to the building’s facade.

He pointed out that the new regulations did not in any way mean that the MTA wanted to lower the standards of these hotels. On the contrary, the regulations were aimed at improving the standards of a specific market. He said it is hoped that the regulations will have a spill-over effect on nearby restaurants which will then provide food for tourists staying in these bed-and-breakfast hotels.

The MTA has identified 25 two-star hotels, 21 three-star and 47 aparthotels which classify for this type of licence. When asked, Dr Zammit Dimech said that these hotels attract just over 26 per cent of occupancies.

In a short intervention from

the floor, Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association president Winston Zahra praised the initiative which, he said, would help two- and three-star hotels attract more tourists. He said the latest information shows that there will be a six per cent increase in occupancy during this month. Asked about predictions for the summer, Mr Zahra said it was too early for predictions, but present indications were good.