We have been slapped with a new, recycled slogan by the Malta Labour Party – that of a new beginning. After so many years in opposition, a position that they carry so well, and having already made use of the new Labour slogans, they came up with this one.
Bidu gdid (a new beginning). One can deduce that all these years in opposition – when one should prepare to be an alternative government – were futile years.
Only in 2006 do they announce a new beginning.
The few new proposals discussed are a meagre result after so many years of study. But one asks: do they know where they are going? Having had to succumb to so many wrong decisions and subsequent u-turns, no wonder they search for a new start.
So, Mr and Mrs Voter, who, after hearing the news bulletins on Super One Television churning out all the bad news, may be tempted to vote Labour – are you really sure of yourself, when you see that only “now” there is a new beginning?
On the other hand, you have a steady, focused hand – a road map carefully planned out and implemented to take the country where it should go. A government that has obtained the biggest financial package in our history. A government that will have its plans ready in time and go for it from day one. The Nationalist government is professional in its outlook, and January 2007 should see projects starting off from funds obtained from the European Union.
Having returned from some professional trips to Holland and Belgium, I must point out that I pleasantly noted a better approach to tour operators from Malta Tourism Authority officials. The marketing aspect, coupled with more funds, has now got to be matched by a fast action taken,
even by simply answering emails faster.
Again, Air Malta has continued to improve its attitude and approach. It is more approachable, gives out better conditions but, again, has still got to travel a bit more down the road of competition.
Leaving empty seats on planes is a useless exercise. What about that software necessary to monitor seat capacity and have a pro-active approach?
Occasionally, I do see letters in newspapers referring to the airport departure tax. I do want to point out that before we joined the EU, we used to pay more for our flights – even those on Air Malta. We used to grumble how we Maltese paid more for outgoing tickets? Did we forget? Only after more competition and open skies did fares go down. Yes, the departure tax increased, but as a package, the Maltese traveller is surely better off.
The reality of low cost carriers has been a point of discussion, with pros and cons. I believe that the interests of all concerned can be addressed in a variety of new proposals. A far greater number of arrivals will help in a big way. Constructive discussions are possible and a “win-win-win” situation is possible too. There are three wins in this equation – the last one being Malta.
The Malta tourist product needs everybody on board. The product as seen by the tourist is not only the roads – it is the relaxation element too, where, for example, boat stops like those in Venice can be easily introduced between our various harbour points, very much like a sea bus. Bicycle taxis can also be introduced, while the opening hours of museums can be adjusted and entry tickets carefully priced. Introducing winter and summer pricing, as Gozo Channel did, may be an idea.
There is a whole lot one can do as the industry is dynamic and in constant evolution. The many components of this vast jigsaw puzzle that embraces the whole population must strive harder, better and faster as to reach our goals. Nothing is impossible.
Robert Arrigo is a Nationalist MP