Politics and tourism

Even the mere mention of the word "politics" is usually enough to elicit a bout of serial yawning in most people. The interminable arguments and controversies that accompany the political scene do tend to get tiring at times. I'm in the thick of things, so to speak, and sometimes it gets to me too. Nothing can, however, alter the fact that our future and our standard of living ultimately depend upon politics. The wrong policies by the wrong government can set the country back and ruin in weeks, if not days, what it takes years to achieve.

I recently accompanied the Prime Minister for a meeting with the MHRA. The aim of the meeting was primarily to get the expert opinion of the main players in the tourism sector on the industry, which is their bread and butter. Getting information and advice straight from the horse's mouth is the best way to formulate policies that will ensure the sustainability and progress of this vital sector.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that our government regards the sector as being one of the main pillars of the economy. Recent political decisions and developments are having a positive impact on tourism. The introduction of low-cost airlines has given the industry a life-giving shot in the arm. I gave my modest input to the low-cost airlines debate last year. It is an acknowledged fact that, although the involvement of tour operators should be encouraged, internet bookings are fast taking over as people tailor their holidays to their exact requirements. In this scenario many will go for low-cost airlines for obvious reasons.

Our entry into the eurozone will continue to give us a boost in this area. The fact that we are solving our deficit problem allows us to have more funds available for marketing, for instance.

We are giving the country a major facelift, ranging from the rehabilitation of our road network to our waste management infrastructure with the help of EU funding. This will also, undoubtedly, leave a good impression on the thousands of visitors to our islands.

What's your point? You're probably asking that question right now. I'll get to it: Alfred Sant declared himself to be against the introduction of low-cost airlines in Parliament. He wanted to delay our entry into the eurozone. Dr Sant's fiscal policies as Prime Minister resulted in a record deficit. He froze our application for EU membership. So, yes, politics may be a very boring subject but everyone can and will be affected by a government with the wrong policies.

This government is aiming at making Malta an exclusive destination ready to compete with our competitors, old and new.

I agree with most of the points raised during the meeting I mentioned earlier. We should continue to give the marketing segment of the MTA the financial backing it needs. We should ensure that the students visiting us to learn English understand that they will not be permitted to behave like barbaric yobs. We should identify new niche markets such as religious tourism. The level of service given to our visitors should be second to none. The ITS has a vital role to play in this respect but the importance of courteousness to our visitors should be part of our schools' curricula. Projects which, if delayed, may have a negative impact on the sector should be expedited, when necessary by stipulating that work should go on round the clock.

The production of films that may promote our islands in any way, but particularly by highlighting our colourful history, should be actively encouraged and facilitated. Entrepreneurs who are willing to set up innovative tourism-related facilities with minimal environmental impact should be encouraged.

Forward-looking policies are the only way forward.

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