Government startsBudget 2027 consultations in Gozo
Prime Minister Robert Abela has launched a series of consultations with social partners ahead of Budget 2027, beginning with a meeting in Gozo with members of the Gozo Regional Committee. The committee presented proposals covering five main areas: accessibility and connectivity, health, economic diversification, education and human capital, and energy, the environment and climate change. Discussions focused on Gozo’s future, economic opportunities and the impact of development. Abela said development should continue in a balanced and sustainable manner, with quality of life remaining at the centre of government decisions. On connectivity between the islands, Abela said two companies had expressed interest in a tender for the lease of a fourth Gozo Channel vessel. He also highlighted the fast ferry service, which is expected to reach almost two million passengers by the end of the year. The meeting also covered further investment in roads, public spaces, village centres, sports, culture and recreational facilities, as well as accessibility, safety and the urban environment. (TVM News)
Malta Chamber calls for economic resetin budget proposals
The Malta Chamber has called for a fundamental reset of Malta’s economic model, warning that growth has relied too heavily on imported labour rather than productivity gains. Launching its pre-Budget 2027 document, Reset and Lead, Chamber President William Spiteri Bailey said Malta had reached a point where “adjusting around the edges is no longer enough”. The document contains more than 150 proposals and calls for a shift from volume to value, with greater emphasis on productivity, skills and higher value-added activity. The Chamber is also calling for an overhaul of the work permit system, arguing that removing administrative obstacles could help make better use of people already living and working in Malta. Spiteri Bailey pointed to third-country nationals being left unable to work for weeks after changing employers because of bureaucratic delays. The Chamber also warned that weak enforcement and limited accountability had undermined public trust in institutions. (The Malta Indwependent)
Malta welcomes almost half a million tourists in July
Almost half a million tourists visited Malta in July, an increase of 20.8 per cent over the same month last year, according to the National Statistics Office. More than 465,000 visitors came for holidays, while just over 13,000 travelled to Malta for work-related reasons. Tourists spent €538 million during the month, up by more than 19 per cent annually, while tourist nights increased by 15.1 per cent. Around 88 per cent of nights were spent in rented accommodation establishments. Visitors from the UK, Italy and Poland accounted for around 45 per cent of total arrivals, with these markets continuing to grow. More than 314,000 tourists also visited Gozo or Comino, either on day trips or staying overnight, representing 64 per cent of all visitors. In the first seven months, Malta welcomed more than 2.6 million tourists who spent over €2.334 billion. (TVM News)
