We are constantly stressing the importance of the tourist industry in Malta and how important it is for us to take care of it.

Frequently we hear accusations that hunters, bus drivers, tour operators, our airline etc. are the cause why some tourists never return to Malta.

Unfortunately, we never complain about the catering establishments and the exorbitant prices they charge.

Recently, my daughter went on a cultural school outing at Mdina and she and her friends went to buy some drinks from a well-known restaurant inside the silent city.

She was charged Lm1 for a warm bottle of water, even though she told the barman she was taking the bottle of water out with her and that she was not using any other service offered by this restaurant.

My daughter`s friends were also charged 45 cents for a small plastic cup of lemonade.

A couple of tourists were also complaining after looking through the price list of this restaurant, and asked my daughter if there were any other places in the vicinity where they could have lunch at a decent price.

Is there no control over the prices restaurants charge?

If the tourist industry is to prosper in Malta, the government should step in and ensure that there is no abuse, especially in places which tourists frequent.