Government introduces stricter enforcement measures in tourist hotspots

The Government has announced a series of new enforcement measures aimed at improving quality of life in tourism-heavy localities, including enhanced surveillance systems, stricter accommodation regulations and on-the-spot fines for foreign offenders.

The initiatives were unveiled during a visit to Swieqi by Ian Borg and Byron Camilleri as part of a pilot project launched in 2025 to support communities affected by tourism pressures.

Among the measures is the rollout of an upgraded surveillance system in Swieqi, funded by the Malta Tourism Authority in collaboration with the local council. The system includes 30 strategically placed cameras, some equipped with pan-tilt-zoom technology, which will be monitored around the clock by LESA officials from a central control room.

Authorities said the network will integrate with wider monitoring systems already covering Paceville and St Julian’s, to improve enforcement efficiency for both residents and visitors.

Meanwhile, Valletta is set to receive noise monitoring systems across four busy streets: Republic Street, Merchants Street, Strait Street and St Paul’s Street. The devices will measure excessive noise levels, particularly during nighttime hours, and automatically alert police authorities.

Dr Borg stressed that the systems are designed to protect privacy and will not record conversations or audio.

The government also announced the introduction of a new fleet of electric vehicles for Community Police operating in tourism-heavy localities. The vehicles are being funded through environmental contributions paid by tourists visiting Malta.

According to the ministers, the initiative is intended to strengthen the visibility and responsiveness of community policing in busy areas.

From 1st June, police, LESA officers and officials from the Environment and Resources Authority will also be able to issue immediate electronic fines to foreign nationals, including tourists, who break Maltese laws while in the country.

The fines will need to be paid electronically on the spot, with the government saying the measure is intended to address issues relating to unpaid penalties and to create a stronger deterrent effect.

New regulations governing short-let tourist accommodation are also set to come into force this summer.

Under the updated rules, hosts will be required to display signage at property entrances showing the accommodation licence number together with a 24/7 contact number for a responsible person able to handle complaints. Properties located within apartment blocks must also provide these details to building administrators.

Accommodation providers will additionally be required to implement waste management plans, while operators found hosting guests without a valid MTA licence will face a three-year disqualification period alongside further penalties.

The measures form part of a broader pilot scheme led by the Tourism Ministry in collaboration with other ministries, currently focused on Swieqi and Valletta, though the government said the framework could eventually be extended to additional localities depending on results.