entity the Authority follows governmental policies
however it does have the opportunity to advise on such
matters. Dr Gulia continues that having been in pol-
itics gives him an awareness of what a minister might
have in mind and what policies he would like to see
implemented. This experience has also made him
cautious and careful since he is fully cognisant of the
pressures and constraints that politicians have.
Does this also tie into your previous role as Parlia-
mentary Secretary for the Self Employed, I ask? Dr
Gulia agrees wholeheartedly and explains that “any
experience gained from roles tied to the adminis-
tration of the country is always to the benefit of what
one is doing at the moment.” He explains that he has
been in a number of political leadership positions
that have seen him involved politically or adminis-
tratively in the industry.
Tourism results have heightened and Malta has
become more connected and accessible than
ever.
but “nevertheless, this is a continuous learning pro-
cess and the learning has not stopped since my join-
ing the Authority.” Dr Gulia also brings with him
three and a half years of experience as Tourism Shad-
ow Minister, which helped him get a bird’s eye view
of the industry and greatly enhances the Authority’s
communicative effectiveness with Government.
Dr Gulia must have a thorough understanding of how
politicians think. He is however clear when pointing
out that he is not influenced by them. Like any other
HOSPITALITY MALTA
I also point out that a vast quantity of entrepreneurs in
the hospitality field are self employed, so having been
Parliamentary Secretary for the Self Employed must
have given the Authority a hefty degree of sensitivity
with Malta’s heftiest chunk of its market players. Dr
Gulia also reminds me that “having a legal practice is
being self employed, and although operating in differ-
ent niches the model is practically the same. It is about
leading, managing and being able to anticipate for the
future, and preparing for it accordingly – this model
applies to all self employed entrepreneurs whether in
the legal profession, construction or tourism.”
this is a continuous learning process and
the learning has not stopped since my
joining the Authority
Issue 05
19