It is with great interest that I read Martin Scicluna’s column and his valuable advice to the government and tourism industry of these beautiful islands.

I have been coming here for more than 30 years and I have seen some remarkable changes, among them those around Spinola Bay, with its restaurants, the public space there and so on. But Scicluna’s observations about Paceville are an understatement.

One issue that seems to me to be lacking in his analysis is Malta’s flag carrier. The recent ‘dispute’, as cabin crew referred to it, was a disgrace. However hard anyone is trying to help these islands it is high time that Air Malta either goes bankrupt, is sold off (probably there are no buyers) or is shaken up and brought into the 21st century.

The staff should take pride, on the ground and in the air, todo their utmost for the “customers” who after all are paying their wages.

The significance of Air Malta in the island’s efforts to improve the quality of tourism and attract a more up-market guest cannot be overestimated.