A survey of three and four star hotels will be carried out as part of an energy scheme to examine their water and energy consumption.

Once the survey is completed - later on this year, these hotels would be able to apply for an energy audit control under Malta Enterprise where they would be given more detailed information about their consumption . They would be told what possible energy saving alternatives they could go for.

Speaking at the launch of the scheme this morning, Tourism Parliamentary Secretary Mario de Marco said the audit was only the first step towards identifying possible solutions for hotels to reduce consumption.

With this information in hand the hotels would be able to apply for up to 50 percent in co-financing under the European Regional Development Funds to implement an energy saving solution.

The scheme, Dr de Marco said, forms part of the national tourism plan which calls for a greener economy and a more environmentally responsible sector.

“Cleaner energy leads to sustainable tourism which is important in the long term for the markets’ competitiveness,” he said.

Photo: DOI, Clodagh Farrugia O'Neill