MHRA condemns indecent tourist behaviour, calls for zero tolerance on anti-social conduct<\/p>\n
The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) has called for Malta to take up a zero-tolerance approach towards anti-social behaviour, noting that while Malta accepts visitors from all over the world, “Malta is not a free-for-all destination.”<\/p>\n
The MHRA condemned a recent incident, reported by Times of Malta, where a group of 12 naked men were filmed to be sitting and waving at passing cars on a ledge in Regional Road, St. Julian’s.<\/p>\n
The men were caught on video waving, cheering, and raising their hands at drivers while seated fully naked at their rented accommodation.<\/p>\n
The MHRA insisted that for all tourists visiting the Maltese islands, “enjoyment must always go hand in hand with respect for local communities, residents, workers, families and fellow tourists.”<\/p>\n
In response to this incident, the MHRA has said that Maltese authorities should show “zero tolerance” towards anti-social behaviour, including alcohol and drug abuse, excessive noise, pickpocketing, sleeping outdoors, indecent behaviour, and walking through streets or public areas in inappropriate attire or naked.<\/p>\n
“Such conduct undermines the work being carried out by the Malta Tourism Authority and the significant investments being made by MHRA members and the wider industry to attract higher-quality tourism,” the MHRA said.<\/p>\n
It said that this recorded incident should be dealt with urgently and that “maximum measures” should be considered against the group of men to fully discourage such behaviour from repeating itself and “to send a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.”<\/p>\n
The MHRA commended the Malta Police Force and all enforcement authorities for their work to safeguard residents and visitors, adding that it recently supported the donation of six electric vehicles to the police force through funds generated by tourists’ eco-contributions.<\/p>\n
MHRA President Tony Zahra called for stronger enforcement and a more visible presence by the authorities in tourism hotspots throughout the summer season, stressing that Malta welcomes visitors who respect the country as a destination, “but there can be no tolerance for behaviour that damages public order, community wellbeing and Malta’s reputation.”<\/p>\n
Zahra also called for stricter regulation, stronger enforcement, and continued scrutiny over the short-term rental sector “to ensure operators uphold standards and do not contribute to behaviour that undermines the quality and reputation of the destination.”<\/p>\n
It concluded that “Malta’s success as a tourism destination is built on quality, safety, security and respect.”<\/p>\n