The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) on Thursday welcomed the new accommodation reform announced by Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg, describing it as a key step toward a more sustainable, quality-driven tourism model.

The proposed legislation, tabled in Parliament, removes the previous height exemptions for hotels and introduces new capacity caps - 200 rooms for hotels, 20 rooms or 40 beds for guesthouses, and 40 beds for hostels. Short-term rentals will be limited to six occupants per unit, with visible exterior signage and a three-month cooling-off period between long-term and short-let use.

MHRA said the reform signals a move from volume-based tourism to one focused on quality and sustainability. It welcomed pilot consultations in Swieqi and Valletta and called for the Malta Tourism Authority to be fully empowered to enforce the new rules. The association also noted areas for improvement, such as tighter regulation of three-star hotels and separate entrances for short-lets in shared buildings.

"The success of these reforms will depend on consistent enforcement and clear interpretation," MHRA said, commending the MTA for its ongoing work to raise tourism standards.