[WATCH] MHRA presents plans that go 'beyond growth' of tourism sector to focus on quality

MHRA submit proposals that go beyond the growth of the tourism sector and into its development into a higher quality product.

Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association chairman Tony Zahra said that the association was presenting proposals that went beyond the growth of the tourism sector and into its development into a higher quality product.

Zahra said that although arrivals and spending had seen unprecedented highs in recent years, the country needed to have a platform to look forward into the future of tourism for the next 20 years.

Speaking during his meeting with the association, prime minister Joseph Muscat said that one of the biggest challenges that needed to be addressed was the infrastructure of the country.

"Too often it becomes apparent that the infrastructural system is only geared to cater for the Maltese population, without taking tourist numbers into account." he said, referring to issues like waste management and drainage systems among others.

Muscat looked forward to the possibility of addressing issues like connectivity and the quality of tourism in the upcoming budget.

He added that more work needed to go into improving the appearance of the country and that competition should never be underestimated.

Muscat said that the government aimed to spread and maintain growth and development over five years rather than creating change in the first or last years of the legislature.

“We cannot abandon the economy and refrain from revolutionary changes, however well the economy might be doing right now,” Muscat added, stressing the importance of planning ahead.