The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association has called for more decisive action by the government and local councils on general cleanliness and the upgrading of the infrastructure.

The association said it is urging the government to set as a foremost priority the overall enhancement of public areas, notably touristic areas such as Sliema, St. Julian’s, the St. Paul’s Bay area, Mellieha, Marsaxlokk and Marsascala.

"A set of rigorous guidelines must be established identifying standards for the general cleanliness and upkeep of public areas, the completion of works schedules, the paving of walkways, street furniture and lighting on promenades, as well as for kiosks and street vendors," the association said.

Giving an example, it said the area from St Julian's all the way to San Maison which should be of uniform design including standard railings, lighting fittings and benches amongst other things. This would result in a neat and aesthetically pleasing appearance to public areas and should exude a harmonised Mediterranean character.

The Valletta and Vittoriosa waterfronts were valid examples where such principles were successfully applied, it said.

It said that in recent years the private sector had made huge efforts to meet a range of new guidelines and regulations imposed by the EU, resulting in considerable improvement of their affairs.

"Ironically however, the public sector, which by its very nature should enforce and maintain these standards and regulations, falls well short of obtaining the desired results out of its own organisations. This is evident in the present poor state, shabby and untidy appearance of many areas around Malta and Gozo."

It is truly time we start taking Product Malta seriously by emulating our larger European neighbours, not only in terms of private initiatives but also through the proper application of existing state resources.