The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) and Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday called for a careful and crucial balance between the conservation of the environment and development that will, in turn boost Malta’s tourism sector.
Dr Gonzi was speaking during a meeting, that was open to the press for the first half hour, between various members of the MHRA and a PN delegation he led and which included PN secretary general Joe Saliba, PN Gozo candidate Chris Said, MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando and PN candidate Robert Musumeci.
Dr Gonzi pointed out that tourism is one of the main pillars of the country’s economy.
“We have to be ambitious but I believe that we have the potential to reach the high standards that we are aiming for – not only human resources but also the financial capital,” he said.
“I am sure that the introduction of the euro will make us more competitive than ever and we must exploit this opportunity. When the euro comes in the tourism has nothing to lose – it will only take advantage of the situation,” he said.
Dr Gonzi mentioned the six economic sectors in which the government is pushing for Malta to achieve the highest standards: IT, financial services, the value-added manufacturing sector, education, health and, finally, tourism.
He spoke about the wide range of opportunities that the tourism sector can focus on – especially the 20 projects in the Grand Harbour area that were launched last Saturday.
“At least 18 months of work and preparation went into these projects – Maltese families and the tourism sector will be the main beneficiaries of this project,” said Dr Gonzi.
He pointed out that various sectors, including tourism, are going through a period of transition.
“We are now going through a delicate but important period of transition from a type of tourism that was based solely on tour operators to one where the individual has the opportunity to make his own choices online,” said Dr Gonzi.
He spoke about the importance of Air Malta as the country’s national airline – “it is crucial for us.”
MHRA president Josef Formosa Gauci said that the tourism industry is a dynamic one that is changing constantly and, as a result, the government must be ready to take quick decisions according to the circumstances.
“The foundations of the tourism sectors are seat capacity, the product and marketing,” he said. He pointed out that the viability of Air Malta needs to be assured.“It is still very important to the tourism sector but if it is going to keep up with the competition it needs restructuring,” he said.
Mr Formosa Gauci also said that marketing should be the fundamental role of the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA).
“The MTA has to ensure that there are tourists all year round. Its campaigns should focus on feedback from foreign tour operators who are in the know of what their clients want,” he said. Furthermore, he added, the MTA needs to identify new niche markets.
The MHRA president also spoke about the importance of improving the product: the physical and service.
“Malta has a wide range of historic sites that need to be restored to their former beauty – like the Valletta and Vittoriosa Waterfront,” he said.
Malta also needs to improve its facilities for recreational facilities such as diving, water sports and a golf course, he added.
Mr Formosa Gauci also suggested implementing a culture of taking care of the environment and of Malta’s assets from a very young age – starting from primary school.
“However, implementing is not enough – it also needs to be enforced,” he said.