Update with MHRA statement below – Two competitive schemes to attract tourism towards the Maltese Islands, have been announced by Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo.

The first scheme, with a budget of €3.5 Million, is for the benefit of more than 35,000 tourists who will book a holiday to the Maltese Islands when it reopens for tourism in June.

Financial assistance of €100 will be provided for each person booking a five-star hotel, €75 will be provided for each person booking a four-star hotel and a financial aid of €50 for each person booking a three-star hotel.

The Minister said that accommodation properties located in Gozo will receive an additional 10% on the financial aid that will be granted to Maltese accommodation properties to address the double insularity of the island.

The Minister said that the aim of this scheme is to target that category of tourists known as `Individual Travellers,’ who choose to book their holiday trips directly through the “Direct Reservation System” in luxury hotels. 5, 4 and 3 stars.

The participating properties will be obliged to double the support that will be given by the Malta Tourism Authority so that the impact on the tourist demand will be effective and attractive, the Minister said.

This means that each tourist will benefit from €200.00 in a five-star hotel, €150.00 in a four-star hotel and €100.00 in a three-star hotel. These amounts will be spent on accommodation, food and drink or various services within the same hotel, Bartolo said.

Tourists who would like to benefit from this scheme, must book at least three days or more in the Maltese islands, through the hotel direct reservation system.

Minister Bartolo said that “This scheme is intended to put the Maltese Islands, as well as our hotels in a very competitive position within the international markets as soon travel is reopened next summer.”

This scheme will be administered by the MTA and each hotel will be allocated a budget relative to the number of beds they have registered after one month from launch. the participating hotels will be required to present a marketing plan on how this scheme will be promoted to attract direct bookings and indicate the tourists will benefit.

This scheme is only applicable for tourists coming from abroad and will be effective from June 2021.

Another scheme with a budget of €3 million was also announced for Tour Operators to assist them in generating more bookings to Malta and Gozo. This scheme is an addition to marketing and other existing arrangements that exist with tour operators, the Minister said.

This scheme is open for tour operators who promote and sell travel packages for tourists who will be travelling to the Maltese islands by the end of this year.

This assistance will only be provided if the tourist actually travels to Malta and Gozo. The Minister said that this scheme is expected to also have a strong positive impact on hotels as their business model depends more on tour operators.

Minister Bartolo explained that, “there are already around 75 arrangements with tour operators from various countries including: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and the Eastern European countries. However, the Malta Tourism Authority is in contact with other operators who will benefit from these arrangements”

Minister Bartolo concluded by saying that “this means more and more tourism will be considering our country. I am also pleased to announce that major operators including TUI, OnTheBeach, Chevron, SunSpot, FTI, TUI Germany, Carefour Voyage, Fram and VisitEurope will be fully participating in this scheme.”

MHRA statement below:

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) has welcomed the announcement of two new schemes launched by the Government to support individual travellers booking directly (known as FIT) with hotels and other related marketing initiatives, as well as incentives targeting tour operators operating to Malta.

MHRA President Tony Zahra said that, “the tourism sector is gearing up to ensure that it overcomes the most difficult 12-month period since the early 60’s. The industry feels encouraged and satisfied that beyond rhetoric Government is providing support to reignite the much-needed tourism sector.”

MHRA reiterated that “prudence and responsibility are critical in the coming months to ensure that the COVID-19 spread is further controlled and managed to ensure the reopening of the hospitality industry as soon as possible especially the restaurants, followed by the relaunch of the tourism sector on 1st June.”

“Our objective is to re-establish the Maltese islands as a safe and quality destination in the shortest possible time,” said Tony Zahra.

Photo by Alain Salvary

Permalink: Tourists booking holidays directly could receive financial boost