Talks to start on police reserve force for tourism zones

Those charging tourists over the displayed prices will be fined and the authorities will embark on a concerted drive to reduce seasonality, as the government embarks on a comprehensive five-year plan to boost tourism.

About 275 actions, complete with set datelines and ministerial responsibilities, are listed in Malta's National Tourism Plan 2007-2011 launched by Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech.

The document was drawn up following extensive consultation between all the ministries, the Cabinet and the Tourism Inter-Ministerial Committee.

Price competitiveness and curbing overcharging are among the priorities for the industry. The report says that businesses will have to display prices and "increased enforcement" will make sure that those overcharging will be slapped with a fine.

Guidelines on average prices for items normally purchased by tourists will be published and the government will work with tourism associations on an awareness campaign in order to show the negative effect that overpricing has on tourism.

The report says that land transport infrastructure and the public transport service will be improved and the government is considering the possibility of introducing transport passes.

It recommends direct bus links between different tourist areas and attractions. It suggests the allocation of proper drop-off points for coaches to facilitate alighting of passengers and that drivers should be certified to operate in the industry.

The provision of a shuttle service from the airport to local hotels will be "considered". However, such a consideration is bound to trigger off protests from the vociferous taxi drivers.

Seasonality should be reduced by focusing on activities that can take place in winter.

Existing airlines will be encouraged to extend their schedules and support will continue being provided for the development of new and underserved routes.

It is the government's policy to maintain tour operator business and improve relationships with the operators also at a strategic level.

The plan promises to clamp down on practices that harm tourism, like littering, illegal hunting, vandalism and lack of maintenance.

An analysis of the existing cleaning systems in tourism areas will be carried out in order to identify a more cost-effective and efficient system. Possible "contributions" by the private sector will be considered.

The government will assess the scheduling of projects, particularly those of an infrastructural nature. Intermediary actions may need to be identified to smoothen inconveniences and the negative impacts of works. Such a process will be led by the Office of the Prime Minister and followed up by all the ministries.

Regulations will be published in tourism zones areas to control the dust and noise emanating from construction sites. The regulations will also call for the placing of boarding around construction sites. Discussions will start on the setting up of police reserve forces to service tourism zones.

The government will work closely with the police, language schools and host families to reduce the impact of high-density student population on the environment during the peak season.

The proposed regulations will call for the confiscation of skips that are not properly maintained.

It also suggests that Gozo should be marketed as a unique rural destination and that access between the two islands should be facilitated.

The plan recommends an improvement of quality and in-depth information available through tourism statistics and adopt forecasting methodologies for tourism indicators.

Dr Zammit Dimech emphasised the importance of adapting the industry to fierce competition, the phenomenon of low-cost carriers and the internet as a means of sales.

The government wants to seal the consultation process by December 21 and implement it as early as January 1.