Hotels in tourism zones can now apply to build an extra two floors after a policy change.

The hotels can now build an extra two floors to increase their bed stock and improve facilities.

Announcing the new policy, planning parliamentary secretary Michael Farrugia said this change would give hotels the opportunity to invest in upgrading their product.

Tourism minister Karmenu Vella said this policy change would increase the current bed stock the country.

The hotels that can benefit from this new policy must be in Mellieha, St Pauls Bay, Bugibba, Qawra, St Julians, Paceville, Sliema, Marsascala, Marsaxlokk and Birzebbuga. Hotels in Gozo will be considered on a case by case basis.

The hotels cannot be in urban conservation areas, outside development zone or close to areas of historical and architectural importance.

Meanwhile, Dr Farrugia also announced that the Semma Lehnek campaign on the Mepa reform will be extended by a further two weeks after the strong feedback that had been received.

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