During a consultation meeting held at the Auberge de Castille with representatives of the Association of Catering Establishments (ACE) on Budget 2026, Prime Minister Robert Abela emphasised that the Government remains committed to maintaining its focus on further strengthening and advancing this industry.
The Prime Minister noted that the catering industry is not only a vital component of the Maltese economy, but also an integral part of the country’s cultural and touristic identity. Dr Abela underlined the Government’s commitment to continuing its collaboration with all stakeholders in the sector including social partners, businesses and the workers themselves. He added that the Government is strategically addressing the challenges that accompany economic success, such as those related to foreign workers, an area where a number of measures have already taken and are yielding positive results like the introduction of the Skills pass which one can already see the results when it comes to quality of front liners. He referred to the Labour Migration Policy, which was specifically designed to offer targeted support across various sectors.
The Prime Minister stated that the Government is working to design and implement solutions that align with market realities. He also stressed the Government’s continued commitment to empowering Maltese and Gozitan workers, in full recognition of their capabilities and potential.
Dr Abela also referred to the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS), which now offers around 60 courses across Malta and Gozo, and has also opened satellite campuses in Shanghai and Zhengzhou and made collaborations with top international institutions such as Institute Lyfe Haaga Helia University and Kobe International University in Japan amongst others. These initiatives are helping to nurture a new generation of professionals in the sector.
The Prime Minister encouraged catering establishments to continue embracing innovation and sustainability. He noted that more consumers are seeking environmentally friendly practices, and as a nation, Malta must be at the forefront of this transformation.
Also present at the meeting were the Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg, Ministers Anton Refalo, Silvio Schembri, Parliamentary Secretaries Andy Ellul, Alicia Bugeja Said and Glenn Bedingfield, and the Head of Secretariat at the Office of the Prime Minister, Colonel Mark Mallia.