Paul Bugeja
Everyone knows tourism is one of the country’s main economic motors but not everyone realises what is being done to keep the Malta product on the right track. Results speak for themselves. Figure-wise, in the period 2013-2017, this country will have increased the number of tourist arrivals by more than the previous eight years. In other words, predictions show that tourists would have increased by half a million. Such records simply mean economic growth and career generation.
We need to sustain this success. Many times we hear the question: what are the authorities doing to improve Product Malta?
The reality is that many initiatives are set in motion. Apart from the Malta Tourism Authority, which often takes a leading role, the Ministry of Tourism, the Gozo Ministry, Transport Malta, the Cleansing Unit and the Foundation for Tourism Zone Development are involved in ensuring that initiated measures are executed within the budgeted allocations and within the set timelines. Other entities, like local councils and private enterprises, also partner with the MTA in tourism product projects.
The management of beaches is a good example of how the MTA collaborates with the above-mentioned stakeholders and how Malta’s overall offering is improved. With the remit to manage 10 beaches and additionally to provide funds to the Ministry of Gozo to manage three others in Gozo, the MTA wants to continue consolidating and upgrading them, both in terms of numbers and, more importantly, also in terms of quality and standards.
Having the support of all stakeholders is paramount in ensuring that quality standards are achieved
Having 10 Blue Flag beaches is definite proof of the success of the policy with regard to beaches and the upgrading of Product Malta. There are also two other Beaches of Quality, just a grade below Blue Flag.
The management of beaches means that the MTA must practically coordinate all aspects connected to their maintenance. To date, the MTA funds lifeguard services in 15 beaches, together with beach supervision, asset management, cleaning and regular sand sifting. Such projects are delivered through the support and assistance of other stakeholders such as Gaia, the Emergency Response Rescue Corps and Red Cross. Nature Trust is the MTA’s partner in supporting and monitoring the Blue Flag partnerships.
This year, the MTA increased accessibility and provided more equipment in our beaches. Beach wheelchairs further enabled mobility at the beaches and two chair hoists have been tested out and have substantially improved facilities for a number of individuals who, previously, could not enjoy swimming.
Wooden walkways in various parts of Malta have been installed and other spots were identified to increase this service. Wi-Fi is now available at eight beaches. The overall objective is to have all beaches in Malta and Gozo upgraded to Blue Flag or Beach of Quality standard. With the right attitude and support from all concerned, we know we can, and will, ultimately make it.
It is also important that all beach operators are eventually licensed. This is an ongoing process and some issues in the legal framework have to be resolved.
Having the support of all stakeholders is paramount in ensuring that quality standards are achieved.
The introduction of the environmental contribution will be the next step to raise quality standards. It will add to our determination to continue focusing on overall product improvement by upgrading and embellishing, creating a destination which is exploiting new opportunities and gearing up for further success.
Funds generated by this scheme shall be solely and exclusively directed towards the improvement of local infrastructure. All contributions will be allocated to kick-off initiatives that ensure the upkeep of the environment.
Our main objective is to drive improvements through all the tourism value chain. We are determined to commence the required works on national tourism-related projects. A cleaner Malta will benefit not just the visitors but all of us living here who are tourists, not just for a short time, but for 365 days a year.
Paul Bugeja is Malta Tourism Authority CEO.
Graziella Galea
The issue of cleanliness is an ongoing saga prevailing in most localities, not only in Malta, but also abroad. As years go by, tourists have more options where to visit, this being determined by many factors. I have no doubt that, whenever we visit another country, especially for leisure purposes, we seek an environment where we can enjoy ourselves in a clean environment.
I believe it is everybody’s duty, irrespective of the reason, to keep public places clean. Just as one keeps his house clean, one should keep the surrounding environment clean. After all, public areas are also for him/her to enjoy. In this respect some, including tourists, are failing to do what they are bound to. If this were not the case, we would not be discussing, practically on a daily basis, the issue of cleanliness.
Some are purposely portraying a darker image of reality with regard to cleanliness
Unfortunately, some are purposely portraying a darker image of reality with regard to cleanliness. It is true that some areas can be cleaner but how big is the problem? Does this reflect the true state of most of our country?
The real problem that one has to face is that while a vast majority of people do their utmost to ensure the places they frequent, or live, are kept clean, a minority, who are irresponsible enough not to abide by the rules, act in a way which also impinges on all residents, tourists and other visitors.
Some do not care about their surroundings. Some argue that, as long as the rubbish is not inside their home, then there is no problem.
All local councils would like to have their locality clean at all times. But, in reality, we all know this is not possible. Notwithstanding their limited funds, local councils still offer free waste collection and cleaning services on a daily basis.
With regard to places frequented by tourists, the central government is helping in cleaning only the more promninent zones, such as pedestrian areas and roads along the coast. But is that enough? Surely not. Do tourists only frequent these areas? But, of course, not.
Hence, if the central government really believes in the tourism industry, such assistance should be expanded to cover other areas too popular among both tourists and Maltese. Surely, local councils do not have enough money to cater for this need.
The St Paul’s Bay local council spends €1,400 every day, about €45,000 a month, on cleaning-related services. As mayor of this locality, which has the biggest number of beds spread among flats, hostels and hotels, the assistance given by the central government is not enough, considering this is a tourist locality. Such services should not be offered only because of the number of tourists but also because of us Maltese who live in or frequent the area.
How much of the money derived from tourism is in fact being invested back in the locality from which it is earned?
I would like to thank all those who, daily, are helping through their direct action by abiding by the rules and organising clean-ups and supporting the local authorities to keep the localities clean. I often meet people who are also frustrated with the situation and speak to neighbours abusing of the system.
Yet, the situation persists.
The approach could surely be improved. Why do we keep on cleaning while abuse continues? Why are those who break littering laws not being penalised?
There needs to be proper enforcement, irrespective of who is littering or where he is littering. Many of those who act irresponsibly do so because they believe, and, to a certain extent, are right, they will never be caught red handed and that nobody will be prepared to report them. This leads to a situation where the perpetrators of illegalities are, besides breaking the laws, also benefitting from inadequate enforcement.
I appeal to the authorities to ensure there is effective enforcement. This is the only solution to control the abusing minority.
Graziella Galea is St Paul's Bay Mayor and PN electoral Candidate.
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