During another consultation meeting on Budget 2026, this time with representatives of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA), Prime Minister Robert Abela stressed that the Government will continue to protect everyone’s investment but we need to steer towards quality. He said that the Government remains committed to continuing to invest in strengthening the tourism sector, a sector that forms a key pillar of the national economy. He noted how the national tourism strategy, which is being implemented, together with the Malta 2050 Vision, both embrace the principle of quality over quantity.
The emphasis will be on attracting more and more tourists to our country who appreciate the authentic Maltese experience and who leave an increasingly positive impact on the economy and local communities. Dr Abela explained how during the first eight months of this year, our country saw an increase of 18.2% in tourist spending compared to the previous year. In addition, the European Statistical Office ranked Malta in first place in terms of overnight stays, which increased by 12.7% by the first half of 2025. The Prime Minister stated that these results further encourage the Government to continue implementing an incentive policy that leads to quality and sustainable tourism.
The Prime Minister described the MHRA as an important stakeholder so that together with others we can continue to improve the Maltese product for tourists and noted how our country is strengthening connectivity. Note that from next year we will also have direct flights from the United States, by Delta Airlines. This summer, Malta had almost 110 direct routes, while a number of new airlines began operating.
Present for this meeting were Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg, Ministers Clint Camilleri, Byron Camilleri and Chris Bonnet, Parliamentary Secretary Glenn Bedingfield and the Head of the Secretariat of the Office of the Prime Minister, Colonel Mark Mallia.
