During a press conference and presentation to the tourism sector today, the Minister for Tourism Edward Zammit Lewis, announced that the eco-tax contribution for tourists will start from the 1st of June this year.

Minister Zammit Lewis explained that for several years various administrations had always stressed the importance in improving the product to be offered to the tourist, such as modernisation and upgrading of various areas around our country in order to attract more quality tourists.

In this respect, he said, "many projects have been identified but unfortunately had never implemented, which regrettably have led to losses for the tourism sector."

The Tourism Minister added that, "the Government is aware that it must address these issues so it decided to introduce the environmental contribution, the income of which is exclusively directed at improving urban local infrastructure and to offer improvements in the general product of our country."

He said that, "this contribution continues to support interchangeability implementation of the government strategy and policy in this sector, and on the other hand continue to contribute directly to economic growth."

This measure will consist of a contribution of 50c per tourist, per guest night, starting at the age of 18 years, and will be up to a maximum of € 5 per visit. The environmental contribution will start on the 1st of June, the Minister said, to ensure that the industry is prepared for this development. It will apply to all guests in accommodation, including foreign language students.

Revenues from this Environmental Contribution measure will be managed by the Revenue Department and managed by the Foundation for Tourism Zone Development, the Minister said.

This Foundation will include representatives of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) to ensure effective participation of all interested stakeholders and thus achieve the main objective behind this measure. The MHRA will also play an important role on the selection of projects in tourist areas to be invested by the fund, the Minister stated.

Photograph: DOI/Reuben Piscopo

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