The St Paul’s Bay Bars and Restaurants Association believes that the outlook for business in the tourism sector this summer is bleak.

The association, which represents the interests of bar and restaurant operators in the Bugibba and St. Paul’s Bay area, said “the tourism business registered to date has been far below the average and that, as things appear to be developing, the outlook for this summer is very bleak, particularly in view of the various construction and infrastructural projects which have commenced a few weeks before the summer season began.”

The association noted that policies adopted some years ago ensuring that no construction works take place in tourist areas during the summer months are not enforced by the authorities.

“This lack of control and subsequent business coupled with the considerable increase in the running costs being experienced by the operators in the business, particularly electricity hikes and new administrative costs and licence fees being imposed by the various competent authorities, are making the association’s members survival very difficult and, should the situation remain as is, various operators will have to close shop within the next few months due to financial constraints.”

It added that the government and its various authorities “have to seriously consider taking measures to boost the tourism business internationally and it believes that the introduction of low cost airlines would certainly aid to increase the tourism industry”.

The association added that the government and its various authorities should appreciate that the tourism business employed a considerable number of people, and which increases in the summer period, due to an increase in sales.

“Nevertheless, should the current situation not be remedied, the association foresees that business will experience a critical slump, which would then inevitably lead to an increase in unemployment.”