Malta’s tourism success should not be measured by arrivals alone – Robert Abela

Malta’s tourism success should increasingly be measured by the quality and economic value generated by visitors rather than simply by the number of tourist arrivals, Prime Minister Robert Abela has said.

Dr Abela made the remarks during a pre-Budget 2027 consultation meeting with the Association of Catering Establishments (ACE) at the Auberge de Castille, where representatives presented their proposals for the upcoming Budget and discussed the sector’s priorities for the months ahead.

The Prime Minister said Government is committed to moving Malta’s tourism industry towards a model increasingly based on quality, value and sustainability.

He argued that while the sector is registering positive results, further work is needed to ensure tourism growth translates into greater economic value and tangible benefits for the communities hosting visitors.

In this context, Dr Abela said efforts are being intensified so that the success of Malta’s tourism industry is not assessed solely through arrival numbers, but also through the quality of the visitor experience, the economic value created and the benefits left within local communities.

In the meantime, Malta continues to register strong tourism figures. National Statistics Office data shows that 539,655 inbound tourists visited Malta in August 2026, an increase of 14.7 per cent compared with the same month last year.

Tourist expenditure during August reached €629.3 million, while inbound tourism during the first eight months of the year surpassed 3.16 million visitors. Expenditure between January and August was estimated at €2.96 billion.

During the meeting, Dr Abela also highlighted the role of catering establishments within both Malta’s economy and its wider tourism offering, describing the sector as an integral part of the country’s tourism product and identity.

He said restaurant owners, workers and other professionals within the industry contribute to an experience extending beyond food itself, encompassing Malta’s hospitality, culture and traditions.

The Prime Minister added that Government intends to continue investing in workers and their skills while supporting what he described as quality private investment.

ACE’s Budget 2027 proposals were presented as part of the Government’s ongoing pre-Budget consultation process.