Mistra development: MTA to review procedures

The Malta Tourism Authority said today that it will review its procedures in the wake of the Mepa auditor's report into the proposed Mistra development.

It also stressed that it was unaware that Mr George Micallef, who drew up a report on proposed development in Mistra on its behalf, was also a consultant to the developer.

In its statement the MTA said:

"It has been standard practice for a number of years for potential tourism establishment development applications submitted to MEPA to be referred to the Malta Tourism Authority by MEPA, for the MTA's views and comments. The MTA's replies are based on considerations related to MTA policies on tourism product needs and requirements. These are standard operating procedures and such applications are dealt with routinely by the MTA's Product directorate.

"In the case in question, the MTA report was drawn up by Mr George Micallef, then Consultant to the Chairman of MTA on Product Development.

"At no stage was the application or report referred to the MTA Chairman or the Board members. It does not result that the MTA was aware that Mr George Micallef was also the consultant of the applicant for the said Mistra Bay development project. Upon publication of the MEPA auditor's report on the 17 March 2008, Mr George Micallef resigned from his positions with MTA with immediate effect which resignation was accepted by MTA.

"The MTA will be conducting a complete review of procedures when processing such applications, in a determined effort to ensure that the Authority will continue to carry out its responsibilities in the most transparent manner possible, above any and all reproach. Moreover MTA shall await the outcome of the Police investigations to determine whether any further action is warranted. "