Prime minister visits db Group's upcoming Hard Rock Hotel

Prime Minister Robert Abela visited the controversial Hard Rock Hotel being constructed by db Group in St Julian’s.

Abela spoke highly of the project, describing it as one which “continues to strengthen Malta’s position as a high quality tourism destination.”

According to a statement by the OPM, the hotel is being built with sustainability in mind, as it will be a primary Hard Rock hotel in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

The db Group was the only bidder when the government had issued a controversial request for proposals for the development of the former Institute for Tourism Studies site in 2015.

Last September, MaltaToday visited the project’s surroundings, as residents bore the brunt of having their home right next to a massive construction site.

Residents also anticipate a rise in traffic in the area like never before once the hotel is built.

On Monday, Abela boasted that the massive private investment is being made during a time of international economic turmoil.

He also mentioned new regulations for the hospitality sector that will “raise the quality of the sector.”

Meanwhile, db Group Chairman Silvio Debono stated that the project inspires the company to broaden its horizons, promising to keep investing in Malta and to keep bringing global brands to the island.