Malta to triple tourist eco-contribution from July<\/p>\n
Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Ian Borg on Thursday announced a series of tourism-related measures and proposals aimed at improving the quality of Malta’s tourism product and supporting investment across the hospitality and cruise sectors.<\/p>\n
The measures were announced during a press conference in St Julian’s attended by Borg, Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli and Labour candidate Cressida Galea.<\/p>\n
Among the key announcements was an increase in the eco-contribution charged on tourist overnight stays.<\/p>\n
Zerafa Civelli said the fee will rise from 50 cents to €1.50 per person, per night, as from 1 July, 2026. The move is a measure which had been announced for this year’s Budget.<\/p>\n
She also announced that 50 cents collected from each contribution will be allocated directly to Local Councils, with funds distributed according to the impact of tourism activity on each locality.<\/p>\n
Borg said that the tourism industry has reached a stage where operators are reporting strong results even during the traditional shoulder season, prompting the government to shift its focus towards improving quality standards within the sector.<\/p>\n
As part of this approach, the government is proposing a new tax credit scheme for tourism accommodation providers investing in renovation projects, higher standards, and improved customer experiences.<\/p>\n
The scheme is intended to encourage upgrades to existing tourist accommodation establishments.<\/p>\n
Another proposal targets Malta’s restaurant industry, which Borg described as a highly diversified and high-quality sector that must remain competitive.<\/p>\n
Government said it plans to establish a €30 million fund dedicated to investment in restaurants.<\/p>\n
Independent restaurants will be eligible to apply for grants of up to €300,000 to improve their product offering, enhance customer experience, train employees, or renovate their premises.<\/p>\n
Borg also outlined plans to continue investing in cruise liner infrastructure at the Grand Harbour as Malta seeks to expand its home-porting operations and attract more luxury cruise liners.<\/p>\n
Borg said that Malta has become a strategic pillar in the Mediterranean cruise industry, with close to one million passengers using the country’s ports annually.<\/p>\n
He said voyages beginning or ending in Malta generate greater economic value for the local economy compared to transit visits.<\/p>\n
Addressing questions from journalists about whether the new measures amounted to an acknowledgment of over-tourism in Malta, Borg rejected the suggestion and defended the importance of the tourism industry to the country’s economy.<\/p>\n
Borg said the government would not accept statements that “undermine business, undermine investment, and undermine a sector that is crucial to our country’s economy.”<\/p>\n
He said the government remained conscious of tourism numbers and the need for sustainable growth, while noting that many countries aspire to attract similar visitor figures.<\/p>\n
“It is important that we grow intelligently and grow with quality,” Borg said, describing this as the main challenge facing the sector moving forward.<\/p>\n