The plan to have a State corporation coordinating the massive development projects in the pipeline at St George’s Bay was yesterday described as a “pleasant surprise” by key players in the tourism industry.

However, they cautioned that government needed to tread carefully so as not to create additional layers of bureaucracy that would make the move self-defeating.

“This is fantastic news for us but the devil may be in the detail,” the President of the Malta Hotels and Restaurant Association, Tony Zahra, told this newspaper.

Malta Developers Association President Sandro Chetcuti also welcomed the idea but called on the government to sit down with them and discuss the details. “From what I have learned so far from this entity seems to be modelled on the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation, but we are keen to learn more about it,” he said.

This newspaper also spoke to Island Hotels Group CEO Winston Zahra Jr who stressed the importance of drafting a master plan for the area.

The Prime Minister’s announced plans last Saturday to set up a St George’s Bay Regeneration Corporation.

Few details were divulged about this entity but its aim will be to liaise between the major projects in the pipeline for this prime tourist area so as to minimise disruption. The projects include a massive €400 million investment by the Corinthia Group for the construction of a six-star resort on the site currently occupied by the San Ġorġ Corinthia, the Corinthia Marina and Radisson Blu hotels.

Plans are also in the pipeline for the redevelopment of the Villa Rosa grounds and the construction of a four-star hotel in place of the Cresta Quay dive centre complex on the other side of the bay.

Read more in the Times of Malta.