The Association for Catering Establishments (ACE) on Friday welcomed the announcement made by Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ian Borg regarding the allocation of a €30 million fund exclusively dedicated to restaurants across Malta and Gozo.

Under the scheme, each eligible establishment may benefit from grants of up to €300,000 - a significant investment aimed at supporting and strengthening one of the country's most important economic and tourism sectors.

The association said it views this announcement as a positive outcome of sustained dialogue and advocacy carried out in the interest of its growing membership base. The grant offers a much-needed financial support to ensure restaurants can continue investing in their ambiance, product, human resources and service. It is also a much-needed support for catering establishments to achieve quality. ACE also believes that the grant is a positive action in line with the governments goal for quality tourism.

While the restaurant industry has experienced steady expansion in recent years, operators have also faced increasing challenges. ACE has repeatedly highlighted the need for targeted support measures to help businesses continue investing in quality, innovation, and competitiveness. In this regard, the newly announced financial assistance is both timely and highly welcomed, the associated said.

Continued investment in the sector is essential, particularly given the central role that gastronomy now plays in the overall tourism experience offered by Malta and Gozo, it said.

It added it looked forward to further collaboration with the authorities to ensure that the sector continues to thrive and contribute positively to the Maltese economy and tourism product.