Different sectors involved in tourism have had a meeting with the Labour Party, with which they agreed there was a need to draw up a plan of action for Bugibba, St Paul’s Bay, Qawra and Xemxija.

Taking part were representatives of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, the GRTU, the UHM, the GWU and the St Paul’s Bay Bars and Restaurants Association, who agreed that a plan for the area should be accompanied by a larger plan to address the tourism general situation in Malta.

MHRA president Josef Formosa Gauci said that the authorities need to address the infrastructure of the area, and the situation of three star hotels. At the same time, to find a solution for the area, a national solution for tourism had to be found.

Vince Farrugia, director general of the GRTU, said incentives had to be offered to attract more investments by the private sector. The Bugibba, St Paul’s Bay, Qawra and Xemxija area should be given attention because if this was not done, the same could happen to it as had happened in Marsascala. Tourism faced a crisis and the problem was not one of having a weak minister, but that the prime minister needed to grab the bull by the horns.

GWU representative Kevin Camilleri said that consultation was important, as was the drawing up of plans, but the most important thing was that these plans would be actuated. The country had been discussing for years but getting nowhere, while our competitors had surpassed us. The GWU believed the tourism industry needed a plan of urgency, and another one that would be long term.

Lino Vassallo, for the UHM, said that Bugibba, St Paul’s Bay, Qawra and Xemxija needed a plan of action. At the same time they needed to pay attention to the unfavourable conditions of work of some employed in the industry.

Godwin Cutajar, representing the St Paul’s Bay Association of Bars and Restaurants, said the need for a plan of action for the area was very urgent because problems were getting worse every day.

Labour leader Alfred Sant said the party was at present in the phase where it was listening to ideas and proposals of all those involved, so that it would formulate a plan of action to regenerate the Bugibba, St Paul’s Bay, Qawra and Xemxija area.

This area had a huge potential and the Labour Party was fully confident that they could draw up a plan which would eliminate the problems that existed. All this needed to be done at the same time as ensuring good working conditions for employees, which would strengthen the industry.