Mediterranean Observer
The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) expresses concern following incidents witnessed over the weekend connected with party entertainment activities.
Considerable work and investment are being undertaken by the Malta Tourism Authority, MHRA members and stakeholders across the tourism industry to raise standards and reposition Malta towards a higher-value, higher-quality and more respectful tourism model. The majority of hotels, restaurants and tourism operators are investing and working consistently towards this objective, and their year-round commitment should not be undermined in a few hours by incidents which risk sending the opposite message about our destination.
Party entertainment events have now developed into commercially established activities and should no longer be eligible for public tourism funding at any time of the year. Public tourism resources should be aligned with the core objectives of Malta’s tourism policy: quality, higher value and respectful tourism, delivering sustainable benefits to the destination and its communities.
This does not mean that such events should be prohibited. Organisers wishing to pursue them commercially should be able to do so, but within a clear regulatory framework covering security, crowd management, alcohol consumption, noise, cleanliness, public order and respect for surrounding communities.
Malta can have a vibrant entertainment sector, but it must operate within the standards expected of a quality and respectful tourism destination.
Our tourism industry, our visitors and, importantly, our communities deserve better.
