Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis told the public at Castille, during the first session of "Gvern li Jisma" (a government that listens) this summer, that estimates have shown the film industry will bring in €80 million this year.

He mentioned that in 2013, €5 million were injected into the economy through the film industry, followed by €29 million in 2014. The Minister mentioned that the amount brought in by the film industry thus far this year has already surpassed the amount brought in last year.

Turning to Rinella, he said that he found Rinella in the midst of a court case, adding that someone had even filed an application to turn the film tanks into a fish farm back in 2010. By the end of the year, the Minister said, he would launch a competitive process to identify the best possibility to maximise its use, however remained wary and said that he does not want the same situation as happened in the past to arise. He said that he does not want a company to have absolute control over the site.

The case was instituted by the Director of Lands. The Home Affairs Ministry had said that the company, selected by the previous government, had not honoured its contract and the facilities had been left in a state of disrepair to the detriment of the film industry. Mediterranean Film Studios had been granted the land on emphyteusis for 65 years in 1995.

The Tourism Minister described 'Gvern li Jisma' as an opportunity for government to explain to the people what they have thus far achieved, what they are working on as well as the disappointments they have faced. Government is also working on improving the quality of Maltese bays, he said, explaining that tourists choose an area based on better quality as well as cleanliness.

Turning to ITS, he said that the Board of Governors will need to make the necessary changes. He said a lot of internal organisation work is ongoing and also touched upon Gozo.  "Gozo have a state of the art institute however no full-time students attend, and I am not pleased with this". He stressed the need for a more skilled workforce in the tourism sector in Malta. "Foreigners are taking jobs and while this is not a negative, we must entice more Maltese students to take the profession seriously."

He said that tourism hits many different sectors, and spoke of the importance of the private sector. As an example, he mentioned the aviation sector, where there are a multitude of private companies working within this sector.

He said that Air Malta faces challenges, and that decisions do not appease everyone. He said that it will be the Air Malta Board who will take decisions within the company and not government. He spoke of the importance of creating new air routes and explained the importance of Air Malta and the services it offers. "We are determined to succeed and we are constantly in contact with each other".

Turning to the Cruise Liner industry, he said that together with the Ministry of Gozo, they are working on establishing the industry. He mentioned a 5% registered increase in tourism in Gozo last year. As for this year's projections, the Minister estimated that a record 640,000 cruise line passengers will arrive on the islands by the end of the year.

The Minister envisions Malta becoming a conference hub in Malta. He argued that he has met with those who organise conferences and told them - "our competitor is Europe and not each other".

Responding to questions and statements, the Minister said that Malta is doing well in the 'all-inclusive' sectors, however agreed that there is room for improvement within the three star hotel industry. Turning to the South, he said that while everyone wants to invest in tourism in the North and Central regions, a problem exists in the South.  "We need more tourists in the South". The region has a better geographical spread which could lead to better infrastructural controls he added.

Gozo is not Malta's backyard - Anton Refalo

Gozo Minister Anton Refalo was also present, and said that Gozo always finds help through the Ministry of tourism. He said that Gozo has a different identity from Malta. "What is good for Malta is not necessarily good for Gozo and it must not be viewed as Malta's back yard".

He mentioned that Gozo's vision - to bring responsible tourism. "The environment is very important in Gozo," he stressed. "We need to increase bed-nights in Gozo, and this is being done through a plan. He spoke of the importance of cruise liners in Gozo, mentioning a study, to see whether a green air-strip should be built in Gozo.

"Government recognises that Gozo needs particular solutions. We need to find niches that make sense for Gozo, such as religious tourism. Gozo is not Malta's Paceville," Minister Refalo explained.

Turning to ITS in Gozo he said that he for the first time hospitality would be introduced as a subject, adding that he wants to break the perception of ITS students being dropouts.

PL MP Silvio Parnis spoke of the importance of the South of Malta, adding that he believes that government is working to bring dignity to this region. "I believe we are trying to give importance to the South and we have not yet done enough. A worrying statistic shows that only 1 out of every 100 tourists coming to the islands stays in a hotel down South".

Mr Parnis believes that tourism is the best industry to help create jobs for the Maltese people.

One person from Marsascala mentioned the need for sound stages to be built in Malta, adding that he would like the Minister to consider this. He also mentioned the need for more beds to be available in the south. In response, the Minister mentioned that sound stages are within government's plan.

The MHRA expressed their concern over road works being conducted and the lack of organisation. "What would happen when we see some of the major projects being constructed?" A Bugibba hotel representative agreed and spoke of the Coast Road Bugibba junction, stating that is causing quite a few traffic problems. He hopes that the junction will open by Summer. 

A Gozo Tourism Association representative present mentioned the importance of tourism in Gozo, adding that 50% of the economy generated in Gozo comes from tourism, and last year brought €180 million into the Gozitan economy.  "There is a lot of potential for boutique hotels in Gozo. Last week we delivered our opinions to the Minister to help improve Gozo's competitiveness".

Minister Zammit Lewis mentioned that Gozo better offers the authentic Maltese product, adding that there is room to improve in Malta in this aspect. He also spoke of tourism zone police who will be trained and would have a better understanding of the laws regarding establishments in these areas, consumer rights etc.

The Minister concluded by stating that government will improve beach access, with respect to the environment.