Mediterranean Observer
Prime Minister Robert Abela continued with further consultation meetings with key stakeholders on the drafting of the 2022 Budget, Prime Minister Abela held a meeting with the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association which represents the tourism industry, which was the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a short speech at the beginning of the meeting, the Prime Minister said that this government supported heavily this industry. He mentioned the Economic Regeneration Plan, the wage supplement, the incentives related to electricity and water bills, vouchers, and how they have been supportive of the tourism industry.
“It was with the MHRA that we gave birth to the concept of the wage supplement,” said the Prime Minister, “a grant that meant that thousands of jobs were safeguarded.”
He stressed that the tourism outlook for the coming weeks is favorable as the industry continues to gradually recover. Dr Abela stressed that the government will continue to give its support also through the Recovery Plan that the Institute for Tourism Studies will be benefiting from.
For his part, the President of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, Tony Zahra described the pandemic as a major shock to the tourism industry and how thanks to government support a substantial number of employment have been saved.
He said we need to look forward to continuing to overcome the challenges together on the way for recovery.
Present for this meeting were the Minister for Finance and Labour Clyde Caruana, the Minister for Tourism and Consumer Protection Clayton Bartolo, and the Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri. MHRA President was accompanied by MHRA CEO Andrew Agius Muscat, Treasurer Claudienne Harb, and Council members Kevin De Cesare, Norbert Grixti and Andy Tanti
