The Malta Environment and Planning Authority has published a revised policy framework with the stated aim to assist hotels increase their profitability and competitive edge.

The revised policy will facilitate hotels rated as three-star or above to apply for an additional two floors above the height limitation permitted in the local plan.

The authority will consider extensions of more than two floors if the existing hotel site area is not less than 5,000 square metres or is surrounded by existing or planned roads or where the existing hotel is a stand alone building.

“In all cases the resultant design must constitute a landmark building and have unique aesthetic characteristics within the urban context,” Mepa said.

The policy applies to proposals for hotels not located within a scheduled area, outside development zone, on a ride edge or within urban conservation areas.

Planning Parliamentary Secretary Michael Falzon said this was further proof of government’s pro-business attitude. Rather than sitting pretty and leaving a lacuna of policies, government is addressing the sector’s needs.

Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis said there was no better time than now to introduce this policy. The tourism sector was doing well but one needed to be proactive to improve the product quality.

“This is an opportunity that Mepa is giving to the private sector,” he said.

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