BUDGET 2021: New and updated tourism-based strategy to be launched

• Request for Air Malta to be given State aid
• New and updated tourism-based strategy to be launched
• Long-term implementation to switch to ‘Net Zero Carbon Neutral’

Shona Berger

In the coming weeks, the government will be launching an updated strategy for the development of our tourism based on the principles of a new start-up of the tourism industry, as well as on a more sustainable and competitive foundation which aims for more quality.

This strategy should lead us to the year 2030.

The effect of the pandemic has been devastating on the tourism industry, and with it all the sectors that this industry involves directly or indirectly. Overnight, these sectors saw their revenue almost completely stop.

The government will continue to help these sectors – such as the tourism sector – at this time of difficulty. For next year, the government’s main purpose is to work tirelessly to recover what was lost as much as possible.

In addition, the government said that it will be competing for much smaller numbers of global travellers, but it will also be prepared to resume the path experienced until last year where better results were achieved than the international average.

Request for Air Malta to be given State Aid

With the aviation sector being hit the hardest, the government will be filing a State Aid request with the European Commission in order to help Air Malta recover part of the losses it suffered due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Air Malta has been, is and will remain one of the most important pillars for the Maltese economy. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Air Malta operated a ‘lifeline schedule’ in order to keep Malta connected to Europe and ensure that Maltese people trapped abroad could be brought back to our country.

Moving to ‘Net Zero Carbon Neutral’

With regard to moving towards a ‘Net Zero Carbon Neutral’, the government has started working on a long-term implementation plan so that the tourism industry can switch its operations to ‘net zero carbon neutral’.

Increasingly, society has become more aware of the impact that our actions have on the environment in which we live.

The government’s vision involves every small or large tourist establishment in Malta to start generating enough energy from clear sources, while reducing consumption through investment in innovative technologies.

In the field of tourism, digitalisation will be introduced which should present opportunities for businesses to further expand the scope of their markets, increase growth, improve operational efficiencies, and increase their competitive advantage.

With regard to events, marketing and security, in addition to having a package of incentives for international promotions to attract further tourism to our country and finance the organisation of a number of events that will be distributed throughout the year to reduce seasonality, the government will work to restore and stimulate the sector of Conferences and Incentives.