The council of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association has congratulated Louis Farrugia on his appointment as chairman of the Malta Tourism Authority.

Mr Farrugia will be heading the authority in what clearly appears to be another challenging year, and his business acumen will without a doubt prove to be an asset to the organisation, MHRA said.

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association thanked outgoing chairman Sam Mifsud for his efforts during his tenure and for having headed the MTA in very difficult and strenuous times.

His drive and knowledge of the industry was instrumental in attracting new airlines and the development of new routes to Malta, the MHRA said.

MHRA was also pleased to note that Mr Mifsud will continue to assist the industry as an adviser to the Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism.

MHRA pledges its full support and co-operation to the new chairman and indeed MTA, and commits itself to a working collaboration in the interest of the tourism industry.