New MHRA president hopes for tourism turnaround

Josef Formosa Gauci was yesterday elected president of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, succeeding Justin Zammit Tabona.

The new president thanked Mr Zammit Tabona and the outgoing council for their work and commitment in what he described as "without doubt one of the most difficult years for our tourism industry".

Mr Formosa Gauci expressed his hope that the industry will soon experience the long-awaited turnaround. He reiterated the MHRA's firm belief that the three pillars required for this to happen are an upmarket product, suitable and sustainable marketing and adequate seat capacity.

He referred to the report presented by the government tourism advisory group and said the MHRA hoped the recommendations put forward would be considered favourably and that an action plan clearly laying out how they will be implemented be prepared in the shortest possible time.

The new MHRA council also elected Michael Zammit Tabona as senior vice president, Anthony Chircop as vice president and Claire Xuereb as treasurer. The other members of the council are Joseph Attard, Michael Camilleri Kamsky, Mario de Celis, Kevin de Cesare, Noel Debono, Alex Incorvaja, Paul Pisani, Rosemarie Stagno Navarra, Charles Yeomans, Winston J. Zahra and Justin Zammit Tabona.

Hugh Peralta was confirmed as secretary general.