A total of 1,400 on-the-spot fines have been issued since the measure was introduced, Prime Minister Robert Abela said on Thursday, as he highlighted increased enforcement in the tourism sector during a pre-Budget meeting with the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA).

Abela met representatives of the MHRA at Castille as part of the consultation process ahead of Budget 2027, during which the association presented its proposals to the government for next year's budget, the Office of the Prime Minister said in a statement.

The Prime Minister said the consultation process was important for the government to continue hearing directly from operators about the sector's priorities and the needs of the tourism industry.

Abela highlighted the importance of both enforcement and connectivity as part of the government's vision to attract more investment and higher-quality tourism.

He referred to the introduction of on-the-spot fines, saying that 1,400 fines have been issued so far.

Abela also noted that the government had legislated to allow tourists to be deported from the country in cases where a fine exceeds €200.

The Prime Minister also referred to ongoing enforcement inspections carried out by the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) to ensure that operators are complying with established laws and have the necessary licences to operate.

A total of 4,215 inspections have been carried out so far this year, resulting in 22 enforcement notices and 106 administrative fines, the statement said.

The inspections are carried out in various locations, including beaches, areas with concentrations of restaurants and short-let apartments.

Investigations are also currently under way into 169 properties operating as Holiday Furnished Premises over suspicions that they are operating illegally, the statement said.

"The numbers are important, but now that we have reached critical mass, we are increasingly looking towards tourism and investment in the sector that is of a high quality," Abela said.

The Prime Minister said the upcoming budget should be considered another step towards implementing Malta Vision 2050.

He said the government's ambition remained to continue developing the success achieved in the tourism sector in a sustainable manner, placing increasing importance on prioritising quality, tourism value and sustainability.

Other priorities discussed with MHRA representatives included strengthening connectivity, investing in workers' skills and professionalism, governance, and the need to continue providing businesses with the conditions necessary to invest, modernise and raise their standards.

Abela said the aim remained for tourism to continue serving as a key driver of the Maltese economy and contributing towards a better quality of life for Maltese and Gozitan people.

The Prime Minister was accompanied at the meeting by Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg, Ministers Silvio Schembri, Clint Camilleri, Jo Etienne Abela and Glenn Bedingfield, MP Alex Muscat and the Head of Secretariat at the Office of the Prime Minister, Mark Mallia.