Parliamentary secretary launches initiative to stop demolition and excavation in tourist areas during the summer season

Dr Michael Falzon, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and Simplification of Administrative Process last week launched the Break Time initiative. This initiative is held annually, and will halt any work that includes demolition or excavation, in several areas of Malta classified as tourist areas. Dr Falzon said that the aim of this initiative is to minimise the negative impact of construction sites, both on the tourism industry, as well as on the many Maltese and Gozitans who during the summer months go to enjoy the holidays. He continued by saying that the tourism industry is one of the pillars of the Maltese economy, and the summer months see a drastic increase in the amount of tourists coming to our country for a holiday. The product that we offer to the tourist when visiting our country must be a complete package, not only related to the hotel where they stay, or the service offered in restaurants, but also must include a complete positive experience enjoyed by the tourists throughout their stay. Dr Falzon concluded that, while we appreciate that the construction industry plays an important role in the country’s economy, it must be understood also that the sites where construction is taking place, by their nature, create a number of inconveniences for residents, establishments and other people frequenting these tourist areas. The impact of many of these inconveniences can be considerably reduced through proper management, allowing for a better balance between the interests of the construction and tourist industries. Consequently the Break Time initiative has been launched by the government in an effort to help strike this balance.