Edward Zammit Lewis praises tourism sector workers

Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis praised tourism sector workers yesterday when he visited hotels and restaurants in Qawra and St Julian’s.

“Tourism sector workers have a big responsibility. Their work results in direct contact with tourists that leave an immediate impression of our country.

“It is good to celebrate the successes of this industry, as these successes are achieved by wisdom and work.” At the same time, he said, Malta must continue to ensure more achievements in the future.”

The minister said the results in the tourism sector are a demonstration of international trust in Malta. “Regardless of the competition from neighbouring countries, Malta is managing to attract more and more tourists, who regard the islands as a secure place where one can relax.

“All this is thanks to the government and the private sector cooperating, and particularly through the work of all the employees and investors in the industry.”

In just over three years, he said, this government managed to attract more tourists than any government before it. Between January and October this year, he said, tourist expenditure stood at €1.54 billion.

He said that preliminary projections for November show a record number of tourist arrivals, surpassing the amount of tourists who arrived during the same month last year when Malta welcomed an influx of delegates attending CHOGM and the Valletta Summit.

The minister said that in the last administration hotels used to close down and not reopen. Today, government policies that are creating economic stability allows the private sector to continue investing in the industry, as hotels are only closing down temporarily for major renovations.

He said the government is committed to increase connectivity in both the forthcoming winter and summer months.