The Malta Tourism Authority found 67 tourist accommodation properties in Swieqi breaching licensing or operational requirements during an intensive two-day inspection operation.

A further six properties were found to be operating without the required licence or authorisation, the Tourism Ministry said.

MTA enforcement officers carried out a total of 252 inspections targeting tourist accommodation offered for rent in the locality.

Fourteen enforcement notices have been issued so far, while the six unlicensed properties are set to be blacklisted under Subsidiary Legislation 409.24.

The authority said the operation formed part of its ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with regulations governing tourist accommodation and improve the quality of Malta’s tourism sector.

Tourism Minister Jo Etienne Abela said the findings showed the government’s determination to strengthen governance and ensure that all tourism operators followed the same rules.

“The quality and reputation of Maltese tourism depend on the seriousness with which we enforce the regulations,” Abela said.

He said the government had a responsibility towards operators who invested in and managed their businesses correctly, as well as towards residents and visitors.

“Those who choose to operate outside the law should know that they will face immediate and decisive action,” he added.

Abela said the inspections formed part of a wider strategy to improve the quality of tourist accommodation and strengthen Malta’s competitiveness as a destination focused on quality, compliance and sustainability.

Follow-up inspections will continue over the coming weeks, with the MTA saying it would take further enforcement action wherever additional breaches were identified.