Public Service appoints Chief AI Officer to lead digital transformation The Public Service has created a new Chief AI Officer role to coordinate artificial intelligence projects across public administration. The appointment, announced by Principal Permanent Secretary Tony Sultana during a MITA conference on ‘Digital Government’, will be supported by a new AI Governance Group made up of representatives from various sectors. Sultana said AI should act as a “force multiplier” to help the Public Service operate more efficiently. The initiative follows Finance Minister Clyde Caruana’s Budget 2026 announcement that those completing an AI course will receive free access to AI tools such as ChatGPT or Gemini, alongside free courses and national certification to encourage wider AI literacy. (Maltatoday)
FELTOM warns eco-tax hike could damage ELT sector The Federation of English Language Teaching Organisations Malta (FELTOM) has warned that tripling the eco-tax from 50c to €1.50 per tourist per night could seriously harm the English language teaching sector and the wider tourism economy. FELTOM criticised the lack of consultation before the measure’s introduction, stressing that it penalises long-stay, quality-focused students aged 18 and over. These learners, the federation noted, contribute significantly to accommodation, local businesses, and cultural engagement. The sector’s price-sensitive nature means higher costs could make Malta less competitive as a study destination. FELTOM called for an urgent roundtable with the Malta Tourism Authority and government to agree on a fair, evidence-based approach. (Times of Malta)
Tourism Minister says quality shift will rely on smarter strategy, not larger budgets Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Ian Borg has said that Malta’s shift towards attracting higher-quality tourists will depend on strategic planning rather than increased marketing funds. Borg said the focus will be on promoting cultural and music events during shoulder months to attract value-driven visitors. He also highlighted the government’s intention to prioritise new airline routes that support long-term tourism goals. Addressing the eco-contribution tax, Borg said the revenue collected is reinvested locally through the Ministry for Tourism, adding that he has no objection to Gozo-specific funds being used for island projects. “It’s about how we use resources smarter, not about creating bigger budgets,” he said. (The Malta Independent)
