Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis said today that his objective this year is to curb unlicensed accommodation and raise standards.

Speaking at a business breakfast organised by the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) the minister observed that 2015 has been an absolute record year for tourism, and noted that the optimism surrounding the industry has been confirmed by several reports and statistics stemming from both local and international sources.

He remarked that apart from the enhanced economic benefits accruing to the countr as a result of these achievements, the accommodation sector has been seeing growth both in terms of occupancy and gross operating profit per available room.

The Minister said that the measure taken by the government to reduce water and electricity tariffs in 2014 has greatly enhanced the competitiveness of the collective accommodation sector.

Looking at the year ahead, the minister said that in order to reduce excessive bureaucracy, measures to simplify the licensing processes and strengthen the enforcement of regulations would be introduced.

He underlined the need for higher standards and said the new Foundation for the Development of Tourism Zones that will be undertaking rehabilitation and embellishment works in various parts of the islands.

Moreover, the MTA  shall be managing more beaches including further Blue Flag zones.

Dr Edward Zammit Lewis referred also to the introduction of an Environment Contribution charged on hotel guests from April 1 and said the revenue will be used for local infrastructure enhancement.