MTA should have rolling three-year fund allocation

The government is being requested to commit a rolling three-year allocation of funds to the Malta Tourism Authority, the president of the Federated Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies, Iain Tonna said.

He said this would the enable the MTA to draw up and implement a realistic rolling three-year business plan. Mr Tonna also urged the Opposition to give its full support to this idea.

FATTA reaffirmed its approval of the government’s cautious approach to the idea of establishing a low-cost airline hub at MIA.

The Association said the public and private sectors should seek to converge their aims towards achieving a balanced mix for the tourism industry.

The Association applauded the initiatives taken by the government and the MTA to encourage operators to enhance the quality and value of the services they delivered.

Mr Tonna singled out MTA’s Quality Assured label for destination management companies and the government’s reforms in the public transport sector as ideal examples of these initiatives.

The Association voiced serious concerns that the development of the relationship between travel agents and airlines is degenerating to the extent that any benefits afforded by the IATA Sales Agency Accreditation programme are being wiped out. IATA accredited agents are being encouraged to review their position and to consider whether a collective withdrawal from the programme would be appropriate.