Future of Malta’s tourism lies in long-haul aviation growth – Deputy Prime Minister Borg

Deloitte Malta Aviation Conference discusses inseparable link between air travel and tourism As Malta realigns its tourism objectives towards resilience, higher value offerings and increased competitiveness, it must continue consolidating its short-haul aviation network, while laying the foundations for long-haul growth in North America and Asia. On Friday morning, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg, opened the fifth edition of the Deloitte Malta Aviation Conference, in Floriana, emphasising the inseparability of air travel and tourism for the Maltese Islands. “Our success relies on a healthy airline mix, valuing our partnerships with legacy and low-cost carriers through seamless collaboration between airlines and operators, the Malta International Airport and government and regulatory entities,” Dr Borg said, “and while our short-haul markets are mature, our future lies in long-haul expansion. In this regard the launch of the non-stop Malta-New York service in June is a tangible example of what focused, long-term planning can deliver.” He explained that as an island nation, aviation is essential to Malta’s connectivity and central to its economy. Air connectivity is even more crucial for tourism. “With over 98% of our visitors reaching us by air, connectivity is the single most decisive factor in our national competitiveness,” he affirmed. This is why Malta’s Connectivity Strategy, spearheaded by the Malta Tourism Authority, prioritises route development, market diversification, and year-round accessibility, as part of its overarching objectives to support sustainable growth, strengthen economic resilience, and ensure Malta remains a leader in a highly contested international environment. The Deputy Prime Minister called on the policymakers, industry leaders and aviation experts participating in the Conference to use this forum as an opportunity for collaboration. “To our policymakers – your responsibility is to ensure clarity, consistency, and predictability. Aviation thrives on stable frameworks and efficient, timely delivery. To our industry leaders - I challenge you to invest with confidence. Innovate and align your growth ambitions with Malta’s long-term connectivity goals, and our broader aviation cluster,” he concluded. Photo (DOI/ODPM-MFT)