Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg encouraged the catering industry to prioritise stakeholder collaboration, community engagement, skills development and sustainability, for a more resilient future.
On Tuesday afternoon, Dr Borg opened the Annual Conference of the Association of Catering Establishments (ACE), in Qawra, under the theme, “The Way Forward”.
“The dedication of the people who work tirelessly to deliver excellence in catering deserves recognition and support. That is why, year after year, we continue to reward our workforce with new benefits, while strengthening the structures that sustain professionalism and opportunity,” he explained.
As he reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to continue working with ACE and other stakeholders to optimise the Skills Pass initiative, the Deputy Prime Minister reiterated his concern on proposals that may unintentionally exacerbate existing workforce challenges, such as talks on a four-day working week. “Together, we can keep strengthening skills and productivity, creating meaningful career pathways, and ensuring long-term sustainability. However, as we all agree, any action that can undermine service levels, viability or competitiveness, is a non-starter.”
Dr Borg called for increased stakeholder collaboration to tackle the sector’s challenges, such as waste management, citing the Tourism Ministry’s recently announced community support pilot projects with the Valletta and Swieqi Local Council as a clear example of how “solutions are easier when we work together.” He commended the two local councils for their willingness to engage with local businesses, including catering establishments, towards practical solutions for more effective waste collection in their communities.
Drawing upon last summer’s joint effort to kickstart the long-term rehabilitation of the Blue Lagoon, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that there are many other critical decisions that Malta must take without further delay. Earlier this month, the Ministry launched a 30-day consultation on a new tourist accommodation framework, introducing bold measures to align current and future investments with industry needs, while promoting increased cooperation between operators and local communities.
“Our country’s economic progress places us in a unique position to take important decisions that will secure the future wellbeing of our nation. We have been discussing these decisions for way too long – now we must act together, or else, risk falling behind,” he stated.
In his address, he also explained that the Malta Tourism Authority is actively promoting Malta’s distinctive culinary identity across several markets, with the hosting of food tour organisers with high-end clientele from the United States, Australia and Scandinavia and other initiatives. The Authority is also planning gastronomy initiatives in New York, coinciding with the launch of the first direct flights to the Maltese Islands next year.
The Authority’s Quality Assured Seal initiative is also helping local restaurants and other businesses in the industry to reach the highest standards of service and product quality. Likewise, the Institute for Tourism Studies continues to play a vital role in preparing the next generation of professionals, through its courses and international partnerships in Europe and beyond.
The Deputy Prime Minister commended ACE for its leadership and urged continued unity and ambition. “Our goal is clear: to make Malta not just a destination to visit, but a destination to savour,” he concluded.
Photo: MFT
