booked outgoing packages through
licensed operators will be refund-
ed in case one of the companies
goes bankrupt. The Fund, which
is administered by a special Man-
aging Board set up by the Ministry
for Tourism, the Malta Tourism
Authority and FATTA, will pro-
vide a level of peace of mind for
the travelling public which just did
not exist to date.
Gozo remains top on our agen-
da. As we near the first anniversary
since the dramatic collapse of the
Azure Window in Dwejra robbed us
of one of our most cherished na-
tional icons, we have doubled our
efforts to promote the sister island’s
numerous other attractions and the
unique authentic experience that it
offers. Judging by the performance
of the past few months, we are con-
fident that with the active support of
the Gozitan stakeholders, with the
Gozo Tourism Association foremost
amongst them, we shall continue to
attract an increasing number of vis-
itors to the island.
When it comes to conferences and
meetings, the MTA’s main objec-
tives for the coming twelve months
are to target the US market as it is
the cradle of associations, to con-
tinue promoting Malta for asso-
ciation events and to raise more
brand awareness. In fact we will
invest in attending IMEX USA
trade show, offering a number of
opportunities for Maltese stake-
holders to participate.
HOSPITALITY MALTA
Faith-Based Tourism is one of the niche markets which is being
developed further.
Travellers were
now looking for
accommodation
that resembled a
‘home-from-home’
environment with
service
In conclusion, there is no doubt
that 2018 will be an exciting one
for our hospitality industry. Our
role as MTA is to ensure that we
maintain the momentum that we
have built in the past in order to
maximise the positive outcomes
derived from the growth in vol-
umes, whilst minimising any po-
tential side effects. Together we
need to ensure that each one of
our 2 million plus guests receives
the same level of service, attention
and hospitality as if he or she were
the first and only visitor, and is
made to feel truly special. This is
the only approach that can guar-
antee that the tourism tree that is
firmly rooted in Malta continues
to bear fruit.
Issue 03
63