Last month, the Malta Tourism Authority launched a Quality Assured seal to help hungry customers identify high standard, local eateries. John Magri from the authority explains the scheme in more detail.
What is the aim of the Malta Tourism Authority’s (MTA) Quality Assured seal for restaurants?
The Quality Assured (QA) seal for restaurants has three main aims: to help locals and tourists make an informed choice about the best places to eat on the Maltese Islands; to help quality restaurants gain a competitive edge; and to create benchmarks that encourage the sector to improve in quality.
What criteria will the restaurant be assessed on?
They include quality of service, hospitality and food and the restaurant’s overall environment. Less visible parts of the operation are checked through an announced visit.
Are all types of restaurants eligible for certification?
Yes, different styles of registered restaurants will be eligible for the QA seal, which will not enforce restrictive criteria that solely promotes a fine dining experience or style.
In fact, we developed a scoring system linked to a budget-per-person mechanism, which will provide a transparent approach to ensure all restaurants are potentially eligible to be recognised.
What is the process to obtain the QA seal?
Restaurant owners/operators interested in participating in the scheme need to complete an application form by November 21 and pay a participation fee covering a two-year period.
What does a QA assessment consist of?
Restaurant assessments are split in two: the first part will be carried out through a mystery diner visit and the MTA has ensured the people attending restaurants on its behalf are all specifically trained by Bob Flavell and Kirsty Ferguson from Visit Scotland tourism agency.
The second part is an announced visit, which will take place once every two years.
How will a restaurant benefit from the scheme?
One benefit is a better reputation and perception from clients, thanks to the credibility offered by being part of a national recognition scheme.
Certified restaurants will also benefit from extensive publicity, including a local media campaign targeting both locals and tourists.
This will include a dedicated Facebook page as well as exposure on VisitMalta.com, local media – including TV – and at the MTA Tourist Information Offices, with the possibility of a brochure being published naming all restaurants with the seal.
A plaque and a certificate will be presented to winners at an award ceremony next April and restaurants will receive independent advice, including confidential, clear and constructive feedback about their mystery diner visit.
How will customers recognise a Quality Assured restaurant?
All recognised venues are awarded a certificate and plaque carrying the QA logo to be displayed at their premises.
Certified restaurants may also use the logo in their personal promotion material.
Where can people find more about the scheme?
More information can be found on www.mta.com.mt/quality-seal or by calling the Quality and Industry HR Unit on 2291 5272.