MTA finds 67 Swieqi rentals in breach and six operating without a licence<\/p>\n
The Malta Tourism Authority found 67 tourist accommodation properties in Swieqi breaching licensing or operational requirements during an intensive two-day inspection operation.<\/p>\n
A further six properties were found to be operating without the required licence or authorisation, the Tourism Ministry said.<\/p>\n
MTA enforcement officers carried out a total of 252 inspections targeting tourist accommodation offered for rent in the locality.<\/p>\n
Fourteen enforcement notices have been issued so far, while the six unlicensed properties are set to be blacklisted under Subsidiary Legislation 409.24.<\/p>\n
The authority said the operation formed part of its ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with regulations governing tourist accommodation and improve the quality of Malta’s tourism sector.<\/p>\n
Tourism Minister Jo Etienne Abela said the findings showed the government’s determination to strengthen governance and ensure that all tourism operators followed the same rules.<\/p>\n
“The quality and reputation of Maltese tourism depend on the seriousness with which we enforce the regulations,” Abela said.<\/p>\n
He said the government had a responsibility towards operators who invested in and managed their businesses correctly, as well as towards residents and visitors.<\/p>\n
“Those who choose to operate outside the law should know that they will face immediate and decisive action,” he added.<\/p>\n
Abela said the inspections formed part of a wider strategy to improve the quality of tourist accommodation and strengthen Malta’s competitiveness as a destination focused on quality, compliance and sustainability.<\/p>\n
Follow-up inspections will continue over the coming weeks, with the MTA saying it would take further enforcement action wherever additional breaches were identified.<\/p>\n