Prime Minister Robert Abela has said that the tourism sector in Malta will continue being supported by the Maltese government following the Covid-19 pandemic.

During a consultation meeting held on Friday, on the 2022 Budget with the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA), Prime Minister Abela said that the government has supported the tourism industry in Malta as it was the sector hit the hardest during the Covid-19 pandemic.  

This support was given through the Economic Regeneration Plan, the wage supplement, the incentives related to electricity and water bills, the issuance of the Covid-19 vouches, among others.

Abela highlighted that it was through this association that the concept of the wage supplement was created, safeguarding thousands of jobs.

Abela explained that the government will continue giving its support to the tourism industry, through the Recovery Plan that will be enjoyed by the Institute for Tourism Studies.

He said that “Malta’s tourism outlook for the coming weeks is a favourable one as the industry continues to gradually recover.”

MHRA President Tony Zahra described the pandemic as a major shock for the tourism industry.

“Thanks to the government’s support, a substantial number of jobs were saved, whilst the path for recovery was also paved,” Zahra said.

Finance Minister Clyde Caruana, Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo and Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri were present at the meeting.