Prime Minister Robert Abela continued with further consultation meetings with key stakeholders on the drafting of the 2022 Budget, meeting with the tourism industry on Friday morning, which was the most affected by the the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a short speech at the beginning of the meeting, the Prime Minister said that this industry weighed heavily on the government. 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 through which the Institute for Tourism Studies.will benefit.
President of the Hotel and Restaurant Association, (MHRA) Tony Zahra, described the pandemic as a major shock to the tourism industry and how thanks to government support a substantial number of jobs have been saved while paving the way for recovery. He said we need to look forward to continuing to overcome the challenges together. Present for this meeting were the Minister for Finance and Labor Clyde Caruana, the Minister for Tourism and Consumer Protection Clayton Bartolo, and the Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri.
Anyone wishing to share their aspirations for the 2022 Budget and be part of the discussion can do so by visiting finanzi.gov.mt/22.
Photo: OPM
