Hotel guests surge but shorter stays hit occupancy
Malta’s hotels and other collective accommodation establishments welcomed significantly more guests during the second quarter of 2026, but a growing supply of beds and shorter stays contributed to a slight decline in occupancy. Figures show that 857,857 guests stayed in collective accommodation between April and June, up 12.7% on the same period last year, while total nights spent rose by 9% to more than 3.6 million. However, the average length of stay fell to 4.2 nights, while the net use of bed-places slipped by 0.3 percentage points to 71.3%. Four-star hotels accounted for almost half of all guest nights. By June, Malta had 368 active collective accommodation establishments, offering more than 56,000 bed-places. (The Malta Independent)
Family doctors to gain wider access to medical tests
Private family medicine specialists will be able to order an extended range of blood tests and ultrasound examinations through public health institutions from 1 September, under changes aimed at making patient care more efficient. The reform will allow family doctors to request investigations that previously required patients to return to the public system or seek further private specialist consultations. The expanded access includes tests relating to vitamin and mineral levels, infections, inflammation, kidney and heart conditions, as well as several ultrasound examinations. Referrals and results will be handled electronically through the myHealth system. The move marks the first extension of access to public investigations for private-sector specialists since 2007 and forms part of a phased reform, with authorities monitoring its impact before introducing further measures. (Maltatoday)
€12.8 million fund to finance local council projects
Local councils across Malta are set to benefit from a €12.8 million fund for infrastructure and community projects over the next two years. The funding will support projects tailored to individual localities, ranging from pavement maintenance and accessibility improvements to upgrades of public spaces, landscaping and mobility projects. The latest scheme builds on a €10 million infrastructure fund launched in 2024, under which 123 projects have already been completed. These included improvements to pavements, pedestrian areas, open spaces, promenades and belvederes. Under the new funding round, councils will continue to identify projects within their communities, while the Public Works Department will provide financial and administrative support for implementation. (The Times of Malta)
