A controversial video production by the police force that was ordered off-air because it sent the wrong message about the island did not go down well with hoteliers, who gave it “zero” for effectiveness.

The video was withdrawn after it began making the rounds on the social media. Until it was removed, it had been viewed 60,000 times.

It featured Superintendent Sharon Tanti warning foreigners, specifically English language students, against drinking too much, jumping from heights and walking around in bikinis unless at the beach. It warned that skinny dipping is illegal and that the Maltese do not like it when someone interrupts their siesta.

According to the Home Affairs Ministry, which ordered its removal, the police in-house production was “amateurish” and “did not reflect the country’s corporate image and marketing strategy”.

Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association president Paul Bugeja said when contacted that although it was a good initiative, the video left one with “mixed feelings” as it sent one reeling from 0 to 100. “Zero marks for whether it will really achieve its intended objective; 50 marks for its content and 100 marks for the intention and dedication in producing the video,” he said when asked for the association’s reaction to the production.

More on Times of Malta and the e-paper on timesofmalta.com Premium.