Hoteliers propose investment in sustainable energy systems

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) has called for the introduction of fresh schemes that would promote the investment in sustainable energy services.

Presenting his association’s pre-budget document to Opposition leader Simon Busuttil, MHRA vice-president Andre Agius Muscat said that the recent reduction in electricity tariffs has led to further investment, but that the time has now come to further develop and invest in sustainable energy services.

However, Busuttil reiterated his party's call for a 30% reduction in energy prices so as to reflect the current low market price of oil.

In a press briefing ahead of the meeting, Agius Muscat said that the document also proposes a “regularisation” of the tourism sector, making particular reference to properties put up for rent on popular websites such as Airbnb.

“Certain unlicensed accommodations have had a very negative effect on other countries,” he warned.

Agius Muscat said that the MHRA’s document is ultimately based on a vision that builds on Malta’s economic growth, but that “refines strategies so as to go beyond growth and into development”.

Besides tourism, the document also proposes models for financial services and manufacturing based on new challenges in the sectors, and also looks into new emerging BRIC markets.

Busuttil reiterated his party’s call for further reductions in energy tariffs, in accordance with the low market price of oil and the completion of the interconnector project.

He said that the Opposition is doing its part ahead of this year’s Budget, both through consultation and through its own preparation of an unprecedented pre-budget document that will be released in the coming days.

"The information will be the result of various consultations and proposals from different organizations," Busuttil said.

Referring to Air Malta, Busuttil reiterated the Opposition's continued support for the airline’s restructuring plan and lamented the lack of proper updated information.

He also warned of the problems regarding  “safety and foreigners”.

“Last year alone, the country issued 14,000 permits and the sector had revealed extensive institutionalized corruption,” he said. "We don’t want Malta to earn a bad reputation, so we will continue to call for an independent investigation to uncover the truth. "