Update 1230
Tourism surges in October: In October, tourist arrivals surged, marking a nearly one-third increase compared to October 2022 and surpassing September figures, as per Monday’s released data. The national statistics office reported 313,705 visitors to Malta in October, indicating a 31.1% rise compared to the same month in 2022. Among these, 283,595 arrived for holiday purposes, while 20,375 came for business. The majority of inbound tourists fell within the 25-44 age bracket (37.8%), followed closely by the 45-64 age group (34.4%). Visitors from the United Kingdom, Italy, and Germany collectively constituted 44.1% of the tourist influx. (Times of Malta)
AirMalta cancels bookings after 31 March: Air Malta announced the cancellation of all flight bookings scheduled for travel on or after March 31, 2024. The airline has reimbursed direct customers the complete ticket expenses, inclusive of taxes, for any previously issued tickets for those dates. For customers who made bookings via travel agents, Air Malta stated that the travel agents would facilitate full refunds, including taxes, by directly accessing refunds from the airline on behalf of their clients. (The Malta Independent)
Family sues WasteServ over death of worker in incinerator accident: The family of Joseph Ellul, who tragically lost his life at the WasteServ incinerator last year, has taken legal action against the company, seeking damages and compensation for his untimely death. This action follows a magisterial inquiry’s recommendations for potential criminal charges, reportedly implicating WasteServ CEO Richard Bilocca for involuntary homicide linked to Ellul’s death. The legal action was initiated by Ellul’s mother, Pasqualina Ellul, and sister, Carmen Bonnici. The incident took place in 2022 at the Thermal Treatment Facility in Marsa, where Ellul was involved in operating water and waste treatment machinery. (Maltatoday)
Morning Briefing
PM highlights Malta’s fight against water scarcity at COP28
Prime Minister Robert Abela highlighted the groundbreaking initiative of the Water Services Corporation, being among the pioneers worldwide to introduce 25 million euros in green bonds aimed at funding environmentally and sustainably focused water projects. During a high-level conference organized by the Commonwealth at the COP28 summit in Dubai, Abela elaborated on the potential outcomes of these projects, emphasizing the corporation’s intent to employ advanced technology in water treatment, thereby reducing reliance on environmentally harmful energy sources. Highlighting that Malta’s primary challenge in the face of climate change is drought, the Prime Minister underscored the critical importance of water security. He noted that recognizing this challenge, the Water Services Corporation took a significant step in July by launching green bonds worth 25 million euros for the first time. (TVM)
PN will focus on creating high quality jobs – Grech
PN leader Bernard Grech said that the PN government will focus on the creation of high-quality employment opportunities over relying on cheap labour. Speaking at the conclusion of the PN’s general council, Grech characterized Malta as a nation standing at a crucial juncture. Citing enduring traffic congestion, deteriorating healthcare facilities, and the ongoing crisis of living costs, Grech accused the government of neglecting to address the daily issues confronting people. He criticized the incumbent administration, alleging that under Labour’s tenure, only a privileged few have prospered while others have witnessed a decline in their living standards. Grech pledged that his party holds a clear vision: to restore the populace’s quality of life, reinforce the nation’s standing, and ensure equitable treatment for all within its institutions. (Times of Malta)
Maltese employees generate least emissions at work
Based on Eurostat’s 2021 data on EU countries, Malta reported the lowest greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) value, averaging 7.5 tonnes per employed person. The statistics released on Friday revealed a noteworthy trend: over the past ten years, GHG emissions from the EU economy per employed individual have dropped by 26%, equivalent to 3.6 tonnes. In 2021, emissions were recorded at 13.7 tonnes per employed person, a decrease from 17.3 tonnes in 2012, as indicated by the statistics. (The Malta Independent)
