‘Issue vouchers before June to help tourists experience an island which is alive’

The Tourism Recovery Plan announced by Minister for Tourism Clayton Bartolo on Tuesday has received warm welcome from the Association of Catering Establishments (ACE), which encouraged the ministry to implement the various schemes included in the plan as early as possible.

ACE joins several other industry bodies in praising the plan, calling it one “that means business”.

It lauded the announced plan’s integration with the long term strategy, noting that it looks into important new niches for Malta, such as sports tourism.

“The exploring of niche markets’ potential for Malta is key to the long term tourism plan,” said the Association as it encouraged Government to proceed along this route.

Another significant element of the plan, the Association said, is the launching of various schemes which will assist the industry to kickstart in the short term period, which it said should be implemented as early as possible in order for the industry to prepare itself.

Tied to these schemes and to the reopening of restaurants, ACE called on the Ministry for Economy to launch the Vouchers Scheme in order to immediately boost the economy and consequently encourage entrepreneurs to start reinvesting.

It said that tourists visiting Malta want to “experience a country which is alive”, and suggested that the launching of vouchers prior to the 1st June reopening date could be “part of the experience that the Recovery Plan aims for”.

The restaurants lobby also approved of the message chosen by the Tourism Recovery Plan for the branding and advertising campaign, noting that “Feel Free Again” is “possibly the most appropriate one to stimulate people’s desire in going for holiday in a safe country like Malta”.

“It is in this context that there are specific conditions that need to be observed if you are to travel to Malta. These conditions will give a sense of safety and will also protect the Maltese population.”