As from next Tuesday, 36 Maltese hotels will be advertised on www.ryanair.com.
This was confirmed by the president of the tourism, hospitality and leisure sector of the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises (GRTU) Philip Fenech.
Mr Fenech expressed his satisfaction at the exposure Malta and its tourism sector will enjoy through the recent deal the government struck with low-cost airlines.
Speaking to The Malta Independent, Mr Fenech said low-cost airlines, besides providing cheaper means for tourists to visit the islands, contribute with their massive popularity towards Malta being known on a large scale.
Citing the Ryanair website, he said that due to the millions of people browsing it, Malta will benefit from cheap exposure, whose results are surely superior to any expensive marketing campaign government can afford. “Many people will discover Malta as an island resort for the first time. They might decide to come over by low-cost carriers or any other means”, he added. “It is very exciting.”
“Offers such as the 4,000,000 free tickets currently advertised by Ryanair are a godsend and a much needed kick start to our faltering tourism industry,” said the GRTU spokesman.
Mr Fenech said GRTU was urging the government to take up all opportunities coming its way, such as the start of operations by low-cost carrier German Wings next March. He also called on the government to probe into why EasyJet has not as yet publicised when it is going to start operating to and from Malta.
Mr Fenech looks forward to the possible leap forward the Maltese tourist industry might enjoy in the near future. “A modest low-cost carrier such as the Italy-based Meridiana has made a very good impact since it started operations in April.” He explained that the introduction of low-cost carriers was an additional component to the industry’s marketing mix. “Now our industry can boast more diverse options, allowing everyone, from the legacy airline to tourist operators, a niche market in which to target specific tourists, from which tourists can now choose how to satisfy their specific needs. However, operators have to adapt to the changing scenario.”
Mr Fenech said that other places have gone through this process with good results, such as Sardinia, Andalucia in Spain and Ireland.