‘Re-opening the airport is a step in the right direction’

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association has welcomed government’s decision to re-open the airport even though it stands to its original position that opening it on 15 June would have been better for the tourism sector.

MHRA president Tony Zahra states that: “Time is of the essence in these circumstances, however now that government has taken a decision, the tourism sector needs to gear operations and efforts towards reigniting the economy.”

MHRA asserts that the re-opening of the airport and ports will not automatically lead to pre COVID-19 economic conditions.

Zahra emphasised that “the hotels and restaurants still need government’s support to sustain the running costs of their businesses until the markets react to a global comeback of a new economic reality. The weeks ahead will be challenging and restructuring decisions need to be taken by our members to ensure job security and the feasible management of operations”.

MHRA pledges to keep working with the Ministry of Tourism and Consumer Protection, the Malta Tourism Authority, Air Malta, the Malta International Airport and all the other tourism stakeholders to ensure that Malta is promoted as a safe and enjoyable destination.

Zahra concluded that: “We are now pressing the restart button and if we keep working closely and smartly together we will soon be discussing again our successes – this however, doesn’t mean that it’s going to be an easy journey as we are still acting in uncharted waters. Re-opening the airport and ports however is definitely a step in the right direction.”