The Nationalist Party has said that Malta’s touristic product must be improved through “through visionary and ambitious planning, raising the standards of what we offer and ensuring that tourism generates greater returns for our country while placing less pressure on residents and infrastructure.”

“The shift from quantity to quality must become a priority through effective policies that are implemented, rather than remaining merely on paper,” the party said in a statement after a meeting with representatives of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA).

During the meeting, PN leader Alex Borg said that the PN has always believed in and invested heavily in this sector, which remains crucial to the Maltese economy.

He listened to the MHRA’s proposals, as well as its concerns that, although tourist arrivals are increasing, visitors are spending shorter periods in Malta and the quality of tourism is not always at the desired level.

Both sides agreed that the sector is facing several challenges, including public cleanliness, inadequate infrastructure struggling to cope with demand, traffic congestion and sewage pollution in the sea, the PN said.

There was also agreement on the need to better protect the capital city, Valletta. Although there is widespread agreement that it should be regarded as a destination of excellence, the city is losing its unique character and increasingly resembling localities better known for entertainment than for culture, the party said.

Both sides also discussed the need to change the way Malta is promoted as a tourist destination, and the importance of a campaign that makes it clear to visitors that, while they are welcome to enjoy everything Malta has to offer, they must also respect our country and the Maltese people, the party added.

“The shift from volume to value would mean not only greater revenue for the country’s economy, but also less pressure on infrastructure and communities, as well as a reduced need for enforcement,” the party said.

The MHRA outlined its numerous proposals to the PN delegation, with the PN Leader stating that both sides agree on the vast majority of principles. “What is now needed is the political will for Malta to take the first steps towards the direction its tourism industry needs to follow,” the PN said.

Also present at the meeting alongside the PN Leader were PN Deputy Leader and Shadow Minister for Tourism Alex Perici Calascione; Shadow Minister for the Economy, Technology and Strategic Projects Darren Carabott; Shadow Minister for Planning Rebekah Borg; and Spokesperson for Aviation John Baptist Camilleri.

The meeting was held at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition in Valletta and forms part of a series of pre-budget consultation meetings with social partners from various sectors.