Prime Minister Robert Abela, together with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg, inaugurated the new VOCO Hotel in St Julian’s, a €40 million investment carried out by Eden Leisure Group, part of the InterContinental Hotels Group.
This five-star hotel, which includes 168 modern rooms, is a testament to the private sector’s confidence in the Maltese economy and their belief in the future of tourism in Malta. Malta continues to consolidate its position as one of the most important international destinations in the world of tourism.
In the first eight months of 2025, tourist spending in Malta increased by 18.2% compared to the same period of the previous year, a result that demonstrates the strong and sustainable growth that the Maltese tourism sector is experiencing. Furthermore, according to figures published by Eurostat, Malta ranked first among European countries for the number of accommodation nights, which increased by almost 13% in the first half of the year.
The Maltese tourism sector continues to grow at a rate that not only exceeds the European average, but also that of many other countries in the Mediterranean. Dr Abela emphasised that this growth is the result of strategic choices and the implementation of strong initiatives, with the aim of our country having sustainable economic growth. He reiterated that through the Malta Vision 2050 our country is looking towards a future where tourism continues to focus on quality, rather than quantity. The Prime Minister reiterated how the Government will continue to support the basis for sustainable tourism through better infrastructure and strong collaboration between the public and private sectors.
With the construction of the VOCO Hotel, Eden Leisure Group is continuing to strengthen its relationship with IHG Hotels Group, as this is the third hotel managed by this international company in our country. This investment continues to put Malta on the map as a quality tourism destination that combines hospitality with innovation.
Photo: DOI/OPM
