'Demand for bookings halved'

Air Malta said that the demand for bookings during the four days of the transport strike halved although it was expecting the situation to return to normal.

It expressed satisfaction that the strike action was lifted and that common sense prevailed.

The strike caused major disruptions in the tourism industry.

Air Malta said that during the strike it assisted a number of passengers booked on low-cost and other airlines who missed their flights due to the blockage of roads. In line with its policy of social commitment to Malta, the national airline gave these passengers free Air Malta tickets in order to continue their journey and minimise their discomfort.

Nationalist Party

The Nationalist Party praised the government's liberalisation policy, which everyone was now acknowledging as the best for the country. It expressed satisfaction that this policy was now also being accepted by the Transport Federation.

It congratulated the government for acting cautiously, taking account of the different interests. It also congratulated all those who helped give a transport service to tourists to and from the airport and the forces of law and order.

Malta Transport Reform Action Group

The Malta Transport Reform Action Group (MTRAG), set up on Facebook during the strike, expressed its satisfaction that the strike had ended.

"Finally, the lives of thousands of workers will go back to normal. We hope that the disruptions by the Transport Federation will not have long-lasting repercussions on the tourism sector."

The group said it now had almost 3,000 members who signed up in less than 72 hours.

"We are setting up a committee to act as a pressure group to bring about several changes in the public transport sector.

"Even though the government has stated that the liberalisation process will take place, we wish to ensure that the expectations of the vast majority of the Maltese people are fulfilled."

The group hoped that justice will be done with those who were arrested and said that if any of them were found guilty of a criminal offence, they would be punished in terms of law.

The group said that the mini-buses cooperative should not be allowed to bid for the Park and Ride contract. "That would send the wrong message that in Malta you are not held accountable for your actions."

It wondered on which basis was the hearses association given €230,000 and called on the government to involve the public in the liberalisation process.

Federation of Malta Hotels, Pensions and Catering Establishments

The Federation of Malta Hotels, Pensions and Catering Establishments said that, unfortunately, for the country the strike deg-enerated in violence and illegality.

The federation believed that the perpetrators should not be protected by the law but are held responsible to make good for the damage suffered by tourism, especially by hotels, accommodation and restaurants.

Malta's name also suffered and it would take time for the damage to be repaired, it said.