MHRA calls for increased marketing to counter winter tourism concerns
The Malta Hotels and Restaurants' Association said this afternoon that its hotel survey continued to show growth in the second quarter of this year, when tourist arrivals grew by 11.4%. Arrivals on a year-to-date basis grew by 15%. The number of guest nights in Q2 increased by 4.7% bringing the increase to year up to 7.7 percent.
MHRA President Kevin DeCesare said the results for the first six months of this year were the best in the past six years.
He said, however, that August was challenging and September was showing a worrying drop of six percent in occupancy levels compared to last year. Although the situation could improve, he said he expected this month to end with a decline of 3.5% compared to September last year.
"The MHRA's concern is the winter. Last year's growth would be difficult to surpass" he said, but Malta was still in time to recover.
He said Immediate action was needed to increase spending on marketing. Other issues including product quality and cleanliness. He said the MHRA was also urging the government to help the opening of more air routes.
Mr DeCesare said the MHRA was also concerned over the persistent shorter average length of stay which necessitated an even greater increase in tourist arrivals to maintain guest-night growth.
The MHRA survey found that five star hotels in the second quarter of this year had an occupancy of 71.4 % (2007 = 77.1%); four star had 80.8% (77.4%) and three-star had 84.4% (70%).
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Paul Savona
Sep 12th 2008, 09:24
My biggest gripe is is dirt and filth that litter our beaches and streets. It is one thing to bring the tourists here but it is another to keep them coming back and recommending Malta to others. marketing is not the only answer.
The MHRA should ensure its members keep the island clean. Pavements outside restaurants are sticky with filth from leaving their rubbish the the ground is not cleaned until the next rain. A law should be passed that shop owners, hotels and restaurants are responsible for keeping the pavements in front of their establishments clean (not just swept but washed and scrubbed where necessary). If they do not, they get a fine. Wardens and "police" this.
Beach and promenade vendors should pay a small tax directly going to cleaning up.
The government will have to devise a plan to clean the ashtrays we call our beaches on a regular basis. Unfortunately we cannot rely on people to do the right thing. This does not mean we should just leave things to rot.
Go to the beach now and you will see 2 months worth of rubbish!
sandro grech
Sep 11th 2008, 20:39
Yes please more air routes Mr government, may be we can save our tourism industry . The MHRA survey found that five star hotels in the second quarter of this year had an occupancy of 71.4 % (2007 = 77.1%); four star had 80.8% (77.4%) and three-star had 84.4% (70%).
How many of the occupancy were students ? All inclusive basis ? 5 star hotels? Us in Bugibba who invested in bars & restaurants we do not make any business with All Inclusive basis nor 5 stars.
Mark Spiteri
Sep 11th 2008, 20:14
Good one this.I wonder what immediate action The MHRA took apart of demand that someone else do it for them.All it does is take out figures ,do demands and never seen or heard of doing something themselves for there members apart from moan(never heard the quote "what one can do for his country instead of what the country can do for you???).
Another thing if the association has restaurant owners as members how come restaurants are never mentioned at all.Its all about beds and occupancy.More restaurants and places of entertainment then hotel I guess !
Ray Arpa
Sep 11th 2008, 20:10
In the hour of need ,in Malta's tourist industry, LCCs will either reduce their operation or not operate at all. That is why any good will by the government, MTA, MHRA, and the rest ,should be directed to the airlines that have been loyal to the local industry, and should be directed in a way to encourage them to increase their flights and pasengers.
Joseph E Briffa
Sep 11th 2008, 20:04
The importance of the type of service we provide is crucial. Let's not forget that we are not the only pebble on the beach and that the service in other Med resorts are by far better than whatt we provide. The indolence, the lack of the will to please a customer, the non-chalance, the idea that the waiters don't like their job is written all over them; not to mention the rude behaviour. One can compare the behaviour of a number of East European waiters/waitresses which is by far superior to that of Maltese waietrs. The East Europeans exude charm, something which is lacking in the average Maltese, who seem to be always grumpy. The Maltese do not seem to be able to smile; the famous 'service with a smile' is completely lacking in Maltese culture with very few exceptions. The world does not owe us a living. We have to strive hard to compete with neighbouring Med resorts in the way of SERVICE. This must be drummed into the heads of anybody who comes in contact with tourists. It is vital.
I.Scicluna
Sep 11th 2008, 18:56
Who, exactly, is MHRA calling on for increased marketing to counter winter tourism concerns? MTA, Air Malta the DMCs; who?
I, and many others would have expected MHRA to be as happy as punch after all their hue and cry in favour to LCCs Messiah-type of coming to Malta. It seems that they are not delivering, after all. The fact that the length of stay is getting shorter should act as a "heads up" to MHRA that people are opting for more trips/shorter stays worldwide, and not just to Malta.
Instead, the Maltese hoteliers should start funding their own (singly or in unision) Marketing campaigns AND also take a really good look at their Rates and quality of Service they are offering. The service and quality that our competitors in the Med, offer, in general, are light years ahead of theirs.
As for product quality and cleanliness, if the Government is not doing enough, shame on it. If MHRA does not take a proactive stance to improve the situation; shame on them.