The Nationalist Party has called on the government to explain the studies underpinning the measures announced in Budget 2027 and how the additional revenue will be invested.

Speaking at a press conference, PN Deputy Leader and Shadow Minister for Tourism Alex Perici Calascione and Shadow Minister for Planning Rebekah Borg argued that the higher charges were not sufficient, in themselves, to address the challenges facing Malta’s tourism sector and the growing demands on the country’s infrastructure and public services.

They said the government should provide a detailed account of the studies carried out to assess the impact of the increases, as well as clarify where, how and when the revenue generated would be spent.

Addressing the increase in the eco-contribution charged to tourists visiting Malta, Perici Calascione and Borg said the measure alone could not guarantee a higher-quality tourism product.

They called on the government to explain how the additional revenue would be used to improve the tourism offering and attract what they described as quality tourists.

The PN argued that any increase in charges should be accompanied by a clear strategy for improving the sector, rather than being treated as a standalone measure.

The Opposition also raised concerns about the higher costs imposed on foreign workers, warning that businesses could pass on the additional expenses to consumers.

According to the PN, a number of businesses employing foreign workers had already indicated that they would have to absorb the new costs. This, the party argued, could ultimately lead to higher prices for goods and services as employers seek to cover the additional expenditure.

Perici Calascione and Borg said that increasing fees for foreign workers was not a solution in itself, insisting that the government needed to explain how the additional revenue would address the demands placed on public services and infrastructure.

They called for greater clarity on planned investment in infrastructure, transport, hospitals and social services, as well as measures to support the meaningful integration of foreign workers into Maltese society.

The PN said the government needed to move beyond imposing additional charges and demonstrate how the measures would translate into tangible improvements.

It argued that the challenges facing Malta were already well known, but that addressing them required a long-term plan backed by studies, clear investment priorities and defined timelines.