The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) said that it welcomes the announcement made by Government that Mr Paul Bugeja, current MHRA President, has been appointed as the new CEO for the Malta Tourism Authority.

“MTA is an extremely important public agency and its leadership and operations are important not only for the tourism sector but significantly for the economy as a whole.” MHRA vice President Tony Zahra stated that, “Paul Bugeja has all the requisites to successfully lead the MTA and has the right vision, energy and competence to drive change to ensure that the tourism sector grows in a sustainable manner”.

MHRA said that it is currently lobbying Government to adopt a strategy that puts into action a Government holistic approach by applying a tourism lens to policy and programme development and also focusing future tourism investments on priority areas. “By setting such a comprehensive direction Government will enhance its role as an effective partner with the industry and other levels of government in support of an internationally competitive tourism sector.”

Mr Zahra asserts that “to achieve this goal is no easy feat and requires a team player at the helm of the MTA to spearhead all stakeholders in the same direction. Mr Bugeja is indeed the right person for this post.”

MHRA thanked the outgoing CEO Josef Formosa Gauci for his work and contribution given over the last six years. Like Mr. Bugeja Mr. Formosa Gauci occupied the position of MHRA President prior to his appointment as MTA CEO.

MHRA reiterates that it will continue to constructively support the MTA to create the right environment for the tourism sector to prosper.

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