Almost half of Maltese Airbnbs have no licence – MHRA
A significant portion of private holiday rentals in Malta is operating without the necessary licences, according to recent findings from the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA). The data, part of a carrying capacity study conducted by Deloitte for the MHRA, reveals a notable gap between licensed and unlicensed holiday accommodations. In 2023, the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) issued 5,771 permits for holiday-furnished premises. However, a closer look at listings on popular platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO shows around 10,043 properties marketed as short-term rentals. This suggests that nearly half of these properties are not officially registered, raising concerns about compliance and regulation within the sector. The study underscores the need for stricter enforcement and a more comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure that all private holiday rentals meet legal standards, thereby supporting fair competition in the tourism industry. (Times of Malta)
PM pledges to find alternative location for Sigma
Prime Minister Robert Abela has promised to secure a more suitable venue for future editions of the Sigma conference after it was revealed that Milan will host the flagship event next year. Speaking in an interview with Times of Malta, the prime minister disclosed that while a Sigma event will still take place in Malta in 2025, it will no longer be the biggest Sigma gathering. It will also shift from its usual November slot to September. Highlighting the intense international competition for events of this calibre, Abela noted “the moment a country shows it does not want quality investment it will be taken by someone else”. (Times of Malta)
PN calls on public to send clear message to Ministers
Opposition Leader Bernard Grech has made a strong appeal to the public to join a protest scheduled for Monday at 6pm in front of the Parliament building. He emphasised that the demonstration would send a clear message to Ministers Clint Camilleri and Clayton Bartolo that they cannot continue to “take advantage” of the public. The timing of the protest coincides with the Parliament’s plenary session, where Bartolo will be presenting the Budget estimates for the tourism sector. Grech highlighted that this is an opportunity for citizens to directly convey their discontent to Prime Minister Robert Abela, along with Ministers Camilleri and Bartolo, during the ongoing budget discussions. (The Malta Independent)
