AD’s spokesman on finance and tourism Edward Fenech called for the formulation of a serious plan for the development of tourism in which all stakeholders are involved.

“There is no coherent strategy to promote Malta’s uniqueness and market gems like Mdina, Mnajdra and Valletta. Our historical heritage is in a state of decay. The government has not even succeeded in developing a lift that would have served as an artery between the cruise terminal and the historical core of Valletta.

“The government should have obliged Viset to integrate the development of this lift in the waterfront project,” Mr Fenech said. Malta also lacks a strategy to develop diving related tourism. Moreover, we are undermining this niche tourism product with the development of fish farms too close to the shore. There is no serious attempt to develop eco-tourism and on the other hand, rampant hunting abuses persist as a negative advertisement for eco-tourism in Malta. While agro-tourism is thriving in other countries like Italy, it remains non-existent in Malta, Alternattiva said.

“Malta should also strive to attract the fast growing market of weekend break (city break) tourists. This market is ideal for Malta because it could help to bolster tourism in winter. We also have an advantage because our winter tends to be mild. This market consists mainly of high-spending tourists who take a short three-to-four-night break,” Mr Fenech concluded.