The Labour Party's spokesman for tourism, Evarist Bartolo has congratulated Josef Formosa Gauci on his appointment as chief executive officer of the Malta Tourism Authority.

The MTA announced Mr Formosa Gauci's appointment last Friday after the board unanimously approved his appointment the previous Wednesday.

Mr Bartolo said Mr Formosa Gauci has been active within the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association for a number of years, including serving as its president in recent years.

He said the MLP believed Mr Formosa Gauci had the competence, integrity and energy to carry out the necessary work within the MTA for this to be given a new lease of life and be of benefit to the industry and the country. He would find the party supporting him for the benefit of tourism.

Mr Bartolo said there were still a lot of shortcomings within the MTA, which, unless addressed, would continue damaging the industry.

Mr Formosa Gauci, 40, will be assuming the responsibilities of CEO within the next few weeks. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ACA) and a fellow of the Malta Institute of Accountants (FIA).

In 1997, Mr Formosa Gauci joined the Galaxy Hotel, becoming general manager in 1999. In November 2004, he joined the Farsons Group as general manager of Trident Developments Ltd, which is responsible for the group's property portfolio.

He was a council member, vice-president and president (a post he currently holds) of the MHRA.

He has served as a member of the MTA's board of directors and is a member of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development.