Only one consortium submitted a bid to turn the Institute of Tourism Studies building in St George's Bay into a tourism and entertainment venue.
Projects Malta, which had made the call for submissions on behalf of the government last year, said yesterday the consortium comprised SD Holdings Ltd, Seabank Hotel and Catering Ltd and Seaport Franchising Ltd.
The call described the project as a “landmark development” focused on tourism and entertainment. It would include an internationally-branded five-star hotel and the building of a new ITS campus at Smart City.
The development can also have residential units, restaurants and other commercial outlets but these must be targeted towards visitors seeking a higher standard or tourism product.
Businessman Silvio Debono, who heads the consortium, declined to comment on his plans for the site when contacted yesterday saying it was “too early in the process”.
Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis yesterday visited the ITS building and announced a new committee tasked with improving training in the sector.
The committee, which would have representatives of the ITS and other industry stakeholders, will also help identify skill gaps in the ITS curricula and anticipate future industry requirements.
Dr Zammit Lewis said external input from industry players was vital to ensure that workers were given the right sort of training.
The initiative, he said, linked up with another being carried out by the Malta Hotel and Restaurants Association and the Employment and Training Corporation, which were offering free courses for people already working in the tourism industry.
“Malta must do its part and continue improving the services offered in order to attract more high-end tourists. Investment in human capital will be a priority for the coming year,” Dr Zammit Lewis said.