The 50c per night tourist eco-tax announced in the last budget will come into effect in April, Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis said this evening.

Speaking in Parliament he said the tax, capped at €5, is expected to generate some €6 million a year. The funds will go to a new public private partnership that will include the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association and the government.

The government would top-up the fund which the entity would use to upgrade and maintain public areas in tourist zones.

Dr Zammit Lewis also announced that he would soon be launching a public consultation process on a holistic reform in tourism-related legislation.

The aim of the reform was to reduce bureaucracy, clamp down on non-licensed accommodation and transform the Malta Tourism Authority into a one-stop shop.
He also spoke on tourist arrivals and welcomed the increases in all sectors.

On Air Malta, Dr Zammit Lewis said one could not throw the problem under the table and he am determined to tackle and solve the situation.