The joint committee made up of representatives from the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, St Paul’s Bay local council, the GRTU and St Paul’s Bay Bars and Restaurants Association met Tourism and Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech, together with officials from the ministry and the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), yesterday to discuss how best to address the needs being felt in the St Paul’s Bay, Qawra and Bugibba area.

An list of items for discussion that was presented to the minister included a number of proposals, such as a calendar of events to revamp this important tourist area. A third of all tourist arrivals to the island were attracted to the area but more action was needed to attract additional visitors in order that all the establishments operating in the area would be sustainable.

The newly set up committee will be working closely with the ministry and the Product Development Directorate of the MTA to address a number of issues which, once resolved, should make the area more attractive and inviting to locals and visitors.

The projects earmarked for Qawra, Bugibba and St Paul’s Bay had been welcomed by the commercial community in these areas as they would certainly enhance the product on offer.