Malta well-positioned to benefit from AI, but could face job losses
Malta is well-positioned to benefit from artificial intelligence but could face job losses among those with only post-secondary education, according to a new study. Titled ‘The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Malta’s Labour Market,’ the report also warns that women and young workers may be particularly affected. The study notes that Malta is digitally prepared to leverage AI, with advanced digital infrastructure, high digital adoption among companies, and a skilled workforce. It also suggests that Malta’s labour market is slightly less vulnerable to AI-related job displacement than other advanced economies due to greater complementarity between jobs and AI. However, about one-third of the workforce remains at risk, with women, younger workers, and those with high school education being most exposed. The study adds that Malta’s tight labour market could help offset these impacts. (Maltatoday)
60% of Maltese youths exposed to fake news – report
A recent Eurobarometer survey revealed that six out of 10 young people in Malta frequently encounter fake news. Nearly 29% of Maltese respondents aged 16 to 30 reported coming across disinformation or fake news “very often” in the week before the survey, conducted in September and October. This rate was double the European average, according to the Youth Survey 2024. Additionally, about 30% said they encountered fake news “often.” Despite this high exposure, young people in Malta were confident in spotting disinformation, with 89% believing they could identify fake news—the highest rate in the EU. The survey also found that 47% of young Maltese get their news from social media, compared to 42% across Europe, while they were less likely to rely on TV or online news outlets. (Times of Malta)
Malta needs to correct over-tourism – Deputy PM Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg told stakeholders at the Malta Hotels & Restaurants Association’s (MHRA) Q4 Quarterly Performance Review Seminar that while Malta will continue to be promoted as a “world-class destination,” it is essential to address over-tourism to maintain long-term sustainability. After reviewing year-on-year tourism data, Borg noted that with tourism growth come new challenges, stressing the need to manage over-tourism for continued stability. He highlighted strategies such as optimising visitor flow, enhancing cybersecurity, and targeting specific source markets as key measures to achieve this. Borg also acknowledged ongoing labour shortages in the hospitality sector, emphasising the importance of workforce retention and attracting top talent to support sustainable growth. During Q4 of 2023 and 2024, hotel occupancy rates generally increased, with five-star hotels reaching 65.7% occupancy in Q4 2024, a 1.1% rise compared to the same period in 2023. (The Malta Independent)
