Policy changes should be implemented to ensure that competent people run hotels in Malta, the association of hospitality executives said yesterday.

Its statement follows comments by Malta Tourism Authority CEO Paul Bugeja to The Sunday Times of Malta that the authority was strengthening enforcement and clamping down on illegal catering operations.

Last month, the authority sent its inspectors to the Blue Sea St George’s Park Hotel in St Julian’s after a Scottish tourist described it as “a rundown homeless hostel”.

The hotel was served with an enforcement notice and later closed down, after it failed to comply.

Meanwhile, another hotel was downgraded from four to three stars.

Last month, inspectors went to the Blue Sea St George’s Park in St Julian’s after a Scottish tourist described it as a run-down homeless hostel

Mr Bugeja said that the MTA had subscribed to an online information system that enabled it to know of negative reviews posted on 31 holiday sites.

While the average client satisfaction had increased compared to previous years, he said a lot needed to be done to improve the general satisfaction rating for three-star hotels.

Welcoming the announcement of stronger enforcement on hotels which were not up to standard, the MAHE said hoteliers and restaurateurs required competent individuals to supplement the drive and enthusiasm of the business owners.

“The association encourages the authorities to make the necessary policy changes in order to have competent individuals running hotels.

“This follows the constant lobbying of the association with Maltese governments to have competent people managing hotels, in view of the increased irregularities that take place within the sector.”

There would be an “automatic upgrade” within the sector if people who were well-trained and well-versed with hospitality policies and regulations were employed within management posts, the MAHE added.