Tourism needs Michelin-style industry benchmarks – Airport CEO
Malta International Airport CEO Alan Borg has called for the introduction of industry-wide benchmarking initiatives, similar to the Michelin Guide, to raise standards across Malta’s tourism and hospitality sector. Speaking at the Malta Business Network’s Annual Christmas Lunch, Borg said that while tourist numbers continue to increase, Malta must move beyond celebrating volumes and focus on measurable indicators of visitor experience. He argued that structured, independent evaluations covering the entire visitor journey, from airport arrival to transport, accommodation, beaches and cultural sites, could create ambition and clear performance targets. Borg praised the Michelin Guide’s impact on Malta’s restaurant scene, saying a similar approach across the tourism ecosystem would support a long-term, quality-led vision for the sector. (Times of Malta)
Maltese firms optimistic about investment – EIB survey
Maltese companies are among the most optimistic in the European Union when it comes to expanding their operations, according to a survey by the European Investment Bank. The report shows that 37% of Maltese companies expect to continue investing locally, compared to an EU average of 4%, while 52% aim to further expand in Malta, double the European average. This confidence is attributed to Malta’s projected economic growth and a healthy financial climate. Investment plans focus primarily on innovation and artificial intelligence, though firms cite skills shortages and high energy costs as major challenges. The survey also highlights Malta’s strong international outlook, with 79% of companies engaged in international trade. (TVM)
Health Minister says new medicine fees will not affect consumer prices
Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela has insisted that recent increases in Medicines Authority and licensing fees will not affect medicine prices, rejecting claims that they amount to a new tax. Addressing Parliament, Abela described such assertions as dishonest, stating that the changes introduced through Legal Notice 254 of 2025 mainly reflect inflation adjustments. The opposition has criticised the revisions, pointing in particular to the annual pharmacy licence fee rising from €64.10 to €215. Abela downplayed the impact, arguing that the increase is insignificant relative to the value of pharmacy businesses. He also noted that most of the revised fees had not been updated since 2014. (Newsbook)
