This my first article after the elections, and I would like to put forward an argument that I have been pursuing for months now, but no solution has been proposed. Malta receives tourists from outside the Schengen zone. These tourists come to Malta mainly, on package tours, thus going through a foreign tour operator. These operators are finding it increasingly difficult – nearly impossible – to continue offering holidays to Malta.
Non-Schengen countries will reduce, or stop sending tourists to Malta. Even tour operator owners have been refused entry into Malta, a welcome sign to operators, and a clear signal of ‘we do not want your business’. What is the business community’s stance on this? The MHRA, among others, has kept mum – at least on the outside.
We know that prospective tourists must go personally to the Italian or Austrian embassy for a visa application and an interview. I am informed that these interviews are particularly stringent with prospective clients to Malta.
It seems that other competing nations have found some modus vivendi about these applications.
My work during the past legislature on this subject was with the ministry of justice, which ultimately is only responsible on the security of the land vis a vis the Schengen process. The then minister of Foreign Affairs did have a jab at this problem, and I am told that the Russian visa situation has been fixed.
The other countries did not follow suit. Can the new foreign minister continue on such talks? Although we talk a lot about last minute bookings, these countries tend to plan their holiday brochures now. Thus my article today. Operators must take their risks with aeroplanes and in hotel beds all over the island of Malta. Not my hotel beds, mind you, as all my hotels are leased out to different and independent operators.
As the voice of enterprise has been muffled in some way, I wonder who may take it up upon himself to voice his opinion about small businesses, and the wave effects of getting more tourists in to Malta.
These markets are admittedly small, compared to the large segments we depend on, but again, you need every last one to make a hundred. Every client counts, as much as every vote counted.
On votes, it is a must to thank the electorate of the ninth and tenth districts for giving me their first preference vote.
I am honoured to represent them in parliament for the next five years, and I have resumed my duties as your local MP. A lot of cards, messages and calls were received in the past two weeks, and I do appreciate the support shown. I must share with you, one who called me up saying that the electorate appointed me as minister of service.
A sincere smile from a friend is worth a thousand words.
Robert Arrigo is a Nationalist MP