Updated 1200
Proposed Airbnb rules for apartments get mixed reaction: Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) is considering a new policy to require neighbour approval for short-let accommodation licenses, aimed at addressing complaints of noise and litter in apartment blocks. The plan, which would mandate renewal of neighbour consent every three years, has drawn mixed responses. While property management professionals like Matthew Zammit argue it could harm the market and reduce property values, some local officials, including Sliema’s mayor, support the idea as a means to preserve residential quality. Others, such as Swieqi’s mayor, question its effectiveness in curbing problems, suggesting a tourist cap instead. Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) president Tony Zahra, however, argues that enforcing licensing across all rentals should be the priority. (Times of Malta)
Critical staff shortage in hospitality sector amid unqualified worker influx, experts warn: Malta’s hospitality industry grapples with a severe staffing shortage, worsened by the influx of unqualified foreign workers recruited by exploitative agencies. Daniel Coppini from Recruit in Malta voiced concerns at the Association of Catering Establishment’s conference, noting the rising demand for skilled labour and limited supply, especially as the country prepares for the next tourism season. The government’s new “skills card,” introduced to improve workforce quality, requires non-EU tourism workers to complete training in customer service, basic English, and Maltese tourism knowledge. Experts, including Pierre Fenech of the Institute of Tourism Studies, argue that while the skills pass is a positive step, a coordinated, long-term strategy is essential to rebuild the industry’s workforce quality.
Church and independent schools outperform state schools in computer literacy: Malta’s students fall behind in computational thinking (CT) and computer literacy, with the country ranking 18th of 23 countries in CT and 21st of 34 in computer literacy, according to the ICILS study. Independent and church school students scored above the international average in computer literacy, while state school students lagged significantly, with male students performing the lowest. Only 17% of Maltese students reached higher levels of CT, lower than the international average of 23%. The report from Malta’s Ministry of Education describes the results as “mixed but promising,” noting the need for targeted curriculum improvements in computational thinking. Encouragingly, Malta scored above average in technological infrastructure at schools, which could support future advancements. (Maltatoday)
Morning Briefing
Government to reshuffle key ambassadorial roles
Malta’s diplomatic landscape is set for a major reshuffle next year, with several key ambassadorial positions being reassigned. Marlene Bonnici, who has served as Malta’s EU ambassador in Brussels for nearly a decade over two terms, will take on the role of ambassador to Germany in Berlin. She will be succeeded by Neil Kerr, a seasoned diplomat and EU policy specialist with extensive experience in Brussels. Kerr was previously Bonnici’s deputy permanent representative and chaired the EU’s Committee of Permanent Representatives during Malta’s presidency of the EU Council. Additionally, Martina Portelli, currently Bonnici’s head of cabinet, is expected to be appointed as Kerr’s deputy. (Times of Malta)
Tourism records major increase in September
Malta experienced a significant boost in inbound tourism this September, welcoming 361,015 visitors—a 20.7% rise compared to the same month last year, as reported by the National Statistics Office. Leisure travel dominated, with 339,497 tourists, while 15,078 arrived for business. Nearly half of the visitors were from the UK, Italy, and France, with the majority aged between 25-44 years (36.4%), followed by those aged 45-64 (28.5%). Tourist nights increased by 15.6% to almost 2.5 million, with 86.8% of stays in rented accommodations, averaging 6.9 nights. Tourism revenue reached a new peak at over €385.8 million, marking a 24.1% year-on-year increase, with an average spend of €154.8 per night. (NSO)
Church slams Villa Rosa plans
The Church’s Environment Commission expressed strong opposition to proposed changes in local plans that would permit a large-scale construction project at Villa Rosa in St Julian’s. In a statement, the Commission criticised the planned development, which includes a 34-storey tower and two additional 27-storey towers, for not properly assessing its impact on the local community, citing concerns over increased traffic, visual intrusion, and loss of sunlight due to shadows. The Commission argued that the project prioritises individual interests over public wellbeing, attributing this to policies based on questionable advice and controversial decisions. It suggested that authorities appear to be neglecting long-term strategic planning in favour of fragmented development projects. (The Malta Independent)
