These days one can follow the UK election campaigns of the major parties as they unfold. The Labour Party slogan is Let’s move forward and not backward. Continue with the same government and not to return to the bad old years. Well, this mirrors our political climate here in Malta. Voting in the MLP as an alternative government will push Malta backwards.
Recollect the 22 months when their leader failed to run the country, calling early elections. When promises to take off the VAT and cash registers had to be broken, when bills for water and electricity were doubled.
What a difference when, on the other hand, you have a prime minister, in office for a year, who has a forward plan. It might be a tough initial period, but it will smoothen out as the years go by also thanks to the arrival of funds from the EU as part of the objective one status.
Going forward means exactly this. Going back means the proposal by the MLP to depreciate the Maltese lira, and the possibility of local funds rushing out of Malta due to this untimely statement. No other concrete proposals have been unveiled yet by the MLP, and we are all waiting in great trepidation for the announcements of great things to come.
Going forward means in all sectors, including the much talked about arrival of low cost airlines. They are a reality in today’s new world, and should be treated carefully and intelligently.
A lot depends on where they fly from, new markets, if there are, the price they ask to pay for services from the local authorities, the non-disturbing of other airlines or operators who have been faithful to the destination.
Connections to and from other airports/destinations are to be considered too. I totally disagree with a 10-year plan by the MTA, as proposed by the opposition spokesman, as even three years have become to mean long-term in the tourist industry.
Only when faced with a concrete flying programme can one decide if these low cost airlines will be a benefit to Malta. Air Malta, on the other hand, although still heavy on costs, is trying to get in line with a no frills system. Air Malta has got into the habit of offering out last minute deals, however a centralised system on seat availability would be more effective.
Other regional and foreign national airlines have come out with offers that are second to no other no frills airline. So, the lead has been given, and it means growth achievable from new source markets and airports.
However there are 24 hours in a day at the airport. Usage of these services – what flying time is for an airline is bed occupancy for a hotel – will dictate the price charged.
Tourist arrival figures may indicate that this year’s projections could be reached. The target of a 50,000 client growth yearly is easily attainable, if this is based on a serious approach and proper marketing and planned targets. Here, the Malta Tourism Authority should unfold its two- or three-year forward plan as soon as possible, and monitor its progress.
Of comfort is that the UK advertising campaign took off recently. There are more airline seats floated out from this destination this year, and sales, so far, have not increased to the same levels as availability did.
Destinations supplying us with clients are showing growth, without, maybe, having to rely too much on the marketing efforts and money. Some destinations need additional care and a small amount of money to develop. Turning requested funds down will only cream off numbers, which are vital to the hotel industry.
Some local food-for-thought comments for the concerned authorities: A voluntary worker who is not at a pensionable age gives her time against no remuneration. Obviously the national insurance (NI) contribution is missing. On reaching pensionable age, the worker is faced with the fact that not enough contributions have been paid, thus no pension. Can these persons pay the NI themselves?
A last word will be on the hamlets of Madliena and Paceville. I put forward residents’ concern on Madliena’s state of roads and their general upkeep, as well as their cleaning.
Paceville residents wish to live peacefully and should not be disturbed by new developments or by smoke coming out of chimneys from commercial outlets.
The Swieqi council is doing its best to see to Madliena’s problems, and in cooperation with the central government, will surely address this situation.
All the above is the way forward. We must adapt to new realities and address other situations. That should augur well for this government and the Nationalist Party in general.
Robert Arrigo is a
Nationalist MP