Malta Chamber Welcomes Tourism Rules, Calls for More

Picture this: the sun is setting over the Grand Harbour, casting a golden glow on the Three Cities. The waves lap gently against the ancient walls, a testament to Malta’s resilience and adaptability. But today, there’s a new player in this age-old scene – change. The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Enterprise has welcomed the government’s new tourism rules, but with a clear message: “This is just the beginning.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown the tourism industry into a tailspin. But as Malta begins to reopen its doors, the Chamber has praised the government’s efforts to implement new rules that prioritize safety and sustainability. From temperature checks at airports to mandatory masks in public spaces, these rules are designed to protect both tourists and locals alike.

“We’re seeing a new normal emerge,” says Marisa Xuereb, President of the Malta Chamber. “And we’re ready to navigate it, together with the government.”

But the Chamber isn’t just looking at the big picture. It’s rolling up its sleeves and getting down to the nitty-gritty, from the bustling streets of Valletta to the quieter corners of Gozo. It’s working with businesses to ensure they’re compliant with the new rules, and providing guidance on everything from hygiene measures to digital marketing strategies.

“We’re not just talking about the big hotels and restaurants,” Xuereb says. “We’re talking about the small businesses, the family-run establishments, the ones that make Malta what it is. We’re all in this together.”

The road to recovery won’t be easy. The Chamber acknowledges the challenges ahead – the potential loss of revenue, the struggle to attract tourists, the need to adapt to a changing market. But it’s also optimistic. It sees an opportunity for Malta to reimagine its tourism industry, to make it more sustainable, more diverse, more resilient.

“We have a chance to build back better,” Xuereb says. “To create a tourism industry that’s not just about sun and sea, but about culture, about history, about community. An industry that’s not just for the summer, but for all year round.”

And so, as the sun sets over the Grand Harbour, casting its golden glow over the Three Cities, we’re reminded that change is inevitable. But with the right rules, the right guidance, the right spirit of unity, Malta’s tourism industry can not just survive, but thrive.