The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) urged immediate action to address ongoing disruptions in Paceville and St Julian's, where excavation works, traffic congestion, and noise are negatively impacting the tourism experience during the busy season.

In a statement, the MHRA said that although excavation is banned during summer in key tourism areas, "emergency exemptions are reportedly being misused."

"Disruptive works continue due to poor planning and project management by public and private sector managers, compounded by lack of coordination in permit issuance among responsible authorities. Such exemptions must remain true exceptions, not the norm. These issues, alongside a recent building collapse, have severely affected taxi and delivery flows, caused traffic blockages hindering operational services, and lowered visitor satisfaction-undermining years of effort to position Malta as a high-quality destination."

Paceville should offer vibrant, safe, and well-managed entertainment, the MHRA said. "Instead, noise pollution, traffic chaos, and poor maintenance are harming businesses and frustrating visitors and locals alike."

"MHRA supports the Malta Tourism Authority and Ministry for Tourism's efforts but calls for better coordination among all other ministries and agencies responsible for infrastructure, authorizations, enforcement, and traffic management. While works and development must proceed, MHRA demands improved management of all infrastructural activities-construction, demolition, roadworks-that impact traffic flow and overall visitor experience in Paceville and St Julian's. This approach should extend to other busy tourism hubs like Sliema, Qawra, and Bugibba."