The Malta Tourism Authority has approved nine applications for hotels to build additional storeys, following the height relaxation policy announced last August. This development translates to an investment of €50 million from the private sector and will create some 450 jobs, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism Edward Zammit Lewis announced today.
The hotels are Intercontinental, Radisson Blue, Hugo’s Express, Hugo’s Hotel and Holiday Inn Express in St Julian’s, San Antonio in Qawra and a hotel in Marsalforn.
Addressing a news conference to mark the European Tourism Day, Dr Zammit Lewis remarked that these permits which include a hotel in Marsalforn Gozo, were processed in just four months without compromising standards.
Parliamentary Secretary for Planning Michael Falzon remarked that the policy reflected the coordinated approach of this administration. He clarified that the policy applied only for hotels from three star upwards, but not to hotels located outside development zones. In addition there were also restrictions for hotels in urban conservation areas.
Meanwhile Mepa CEO Johann Buttigieg announced that talks were under way for the total redevelopment of Corinthia Marina and Corinthia San Gorg Hotel in St. Georges Bay.
Asked about any applications for new hotels in the south of the island, he said that the only one received was for a new hotel on the site of the derelict Jerma Hotel in Marsascala. There are also 13 applications for boutique hotels in Valletta