Mediterranean Observer
Following a request earlier this year by the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, Ms. Maria Micallef, MCESD Chairperson, convened a MCESD Council meeting focused on disaster preparedness and emergency coordination, bringing together key national authorities and stakeholders.
In his intervention, MHRA CEO Andrew Agius Muscat stressed that preparedness must not be viewed as a reaction to crises, but as a shared national responsibility. He underlined that resilience begins before an event occurs, through structured risk assessment, scenario planning, operational readiness, continuous training, and regular simulations.
MHRA reiterated that tourism and hospitality play a central role during national emergencies. Hotels and restaurants often become logistical hubs or shelters in times of crisis. The sector therefore has a direct interest in ensuring that national preparedness frameworks are practical, coordinated and regularly tested.
The Association highlighted three key priorities:
- Stronger collaboration between public authorities and the private sector
- Clear timeframes for implementation of agreed measures
- Greater focus on business continuity planning across all sectors
MHRA also raised the importance of supply chain resilience, given Malta’s insular realities, and the need to safeguard Malta’s international reputation as a safe and secure destination.
The Association welcomed the constructive approach adopted during the meeting and proposed the organisation of a broader Mediterranean forum on safety and security in tourism destinations, positioning Malta as a regional hub for sharing best practice and strengthening cooperation.
“Courage is not enough. We must match it with professionalism, planning and coordination,” Andrew Agius Muscat stated. “Preparedness is not about creating alarm. It is about protecting lives, businesses and our country’s future.”
MHRA will continue working closely with MCESD, relevant ministries and national agencies to ensure that lessons learned translate into concrete, measurable action.
The meeting was chaired by Ms. Maria Micallef, MCESD Chairperson, and included contributions from Hon. Andy Ellul, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue and Accommodation, a presentation from Mr. Saviour Aquilina, Director General of the Directorate for Security, Mr. Peter Paul Coleiro, Director General of the Civil Protection Department, and Mr. Matthew Yeomans, Director of the Critical Infrastructure Protection Directorate, with reference to the Resilience of Critical Entities framework and national risk assessment scenarios, including severe weather, earthquakes, pandemics, cyber threats and loss of critical infrastructure, along with contributions from Mr. Stephen Bonello, Director General of the Public works at the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, Mr. Joseph Caruana, Permanent Secretary, Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleansing, Ing. Ryan Fava Executive Chairperson Enemalta, Ing. Johann Zammit Executive Chairperson IESC Ltd, Mr. Karl Cilia CEO Water Services Corporation, Mr. Ramon Deguara Director General of the Cleansing & Maintenance Division, and social partners.
