On improving our tourism product for the benefit of all

GRTU is calling for members to bring forward suggestions,
complaints, etc with the idea of improving Malta's attractiveness to tourists
and improving our tourism product for their business and locality.

We would like to inform members that Government has set
up three Tourism Zone Committees; south, central and north and these are
managed by a main Committee. GRTU together with other stakeholders, such as
residents and local councils, is involved at all levels and is seeking to
involve its members as much as possible, both through their suggestions and
direct involvement.

The idea behind these Committees is to discuss the
subject of tourism holistically, including the management within localities and
further product development. The Committees met for the first time this week
and a chairman and co chairman was elected for every zone. GRTU Tourism and Hospitality Sector
President Philip Fenech is GRTU's main representative of the main Committee and
is seeking to involve members in this project.

Mr Fenech also attended a public consultation this week on
tourism where the Minister for Tourism Karmenu Vella and the Parliamentary
Secretariat for Local Government and Culture Hose Herrera covered a number of
issues. It was explained that tourism is developing through further
accessibility and development of the different segments that our tourism
product is offering. They also spoke about Airmalta and its strategic
importance, the enactment of a national aviation policy and plans related to
increasing the potential of the cruise liner industry. Emphasis was also made
on the importance to maintain and better manage our historical sites which are
only second after those in Rome and should be treated and regarded as such.

In his intervention during the public consultation Mr Fenech
thanked Minister Vella for the initiative in enacting the tourism zones and for
involving GRTU at all levels. He highlighted that GRTU would like to see the
zones managed in a centralized manner and that when an issue arises within a
locality that might impact negatively on our tourism product we could have a
central helpline to tackle issues immediately. Minister Vella responded
positively to this suggestion and said he will set up such single point of
contact within the Ministry of Tourism 
and the details will be made available shortly.

Members interested to participate in these discussions and
put forward their suggestions should call GRTU on 21 232 881/3 or
. Mr Fenech can be contacted directly on 99493534.