Overtourism is a serious issue in Malta, placing pressure on infrastructure, public services, and residents' quality of life, ADPD-The Green Party said Saturday. Yet, instead of addressing the problem, government and parliamentary parties boast about ever-increasing tourist numbers, aiming for 4.5 million tourists annually by 2035-a target that could be reached even sooner. This is reckless, with severe consequences looming.

ADPD - The Green Party Deputy Chairperson Carmel Cacopardo noted that many towns, like Swieqi, have become construction sites. Old two-storey homes are being replaced by apartment blocks, many used for short-let rentals. This shift is turning residential areas into tourist villages, straining local services and undermining community life. The widespread use of residential units for tourism, a model imported from other parts of Europe, has created problems there-and now here.

There is no proper oversight of short-term rentals, and local councils are being sidelined. Permits for such accommodations should not be issued without council consent, as they best understand the local context and impact.

ADPD Secretary General Ralph Cassar added that tourism is now driven by land speculation rather than sustainable development. Despite enough beds for five million tourists, jobs in tourism are declining for Maltese workers. Between 2009 and 2019, Maltese representation in the sector dropped from 82% to 40.6%, highlighting an unregulated industry that benefits investors more than local communities.

ADPD calls for stronger regulation, better enforcement, and genuine involvement of local councils. Tourism taxes should go directly to local councils, and the current cap of €5 per tourist must be lifted. Increasing the €0.50 daily tax is essential to reflect tourism's true impact on localities. It's time for responsible tourism that respects both people and place, he said.