MHRA says reformed Air Malta 'crucial' for tourism

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association has welcomed the all round efforts being made to help Air Malta, insisting that the airline is crucial for tourism and the economy

"The tourism industry has a lot to thank Air Malta for, as it was pivotal to the growth of tourism to what it is today. However, the world is changing, particularly post the economic recession, and only those that embrace the necessary change will survive and thrive," the MHRA said.

"One of the areas which have seen a massive change has been in the way people decide where to go for their holidays. This was driven by the advent of the low cost carriers which challenged the charters and coupled with on line hotel bookings offered a very competitive alternative to the traditional inclusive tour on a charter. This presented a huge challenge, not only to airlines, but to all the players of the tourism industry, all of whom had to struggle to cope with changing trends, tougher competition and rising costs, which called for a restructuring of the entire tourism industry.

"In this process, all players will have to find ways to best survive and safeguard the huge investment put in collectively by the stakeholders over the years."

The MHRA said that immediate changes have to be made for Air Malta in order that it regains its health and start thriving again.

"The island needs Air Malta as it is an indispensable partner of the industry. Without it, we will probably lose the conference business, the specialist tour operator business, and other important niches that the airline has developed over the years."

Parliament will this evening hold an urgent debate on a Bill to authoriseassistance to the airline.