/ Interview with the Maltese Minister of Tourism, Hon. Konrad Mizzi

  Hon. Konrad Mizzi is currently serving as a Member of the Maltese Parliament and as the Minister for Tourism in Malta. He previously hold various portfolios as Minister in the previous government. HOTREC interviewed Hon. Konrad Mizzi about the achievements of the past Maltese Presidency of the EU (first semester 2017) and about the priorities of the Maltese government about tourism.   In your opinion, what are the key achievements of the Maltese Presidency of the EU, in particular with regard to tourism? The Maltese Presidency organised an Informal Ministerial Conference on Blue Growth, Ocean Governance in the EU and the Mediterranean Innovation, and Nautical Tourism in Valletta Malta on 20 April 2017.  The Conference invited Member States to share and discuss ideas on the various maritime issues. The European Union recognised the importance of the sector, in particular coastal tourism which is booming and cruise tourism which is growing fast. The Maltese Presidency also organised a Ministerial Conference on Tourism: "Enhancing Europe’s tourism competitiveness through new products” on 25-26 May 2017. The Conference brought together different stakeholders to discuss cross-cutting policy issues which have an impact on the tourism sector. The Tourism High Level Conference discussed 6 themes contributing to the main theme, of promoting and managing year-round tourism growth through the dual principles of competitiveness and sustainability. It allowed different stakeholders ranging from policy-makers, regulatory bodies, the industry and also international organisations to discuss on how to maintain and strengthen the EU’s market share and increase competitiveness in the tourism sector.

  As the mandate of the newly elected Maltese government is starting, what are its main priorities in particular in relation to tourism and travel? This country is experiencing new records in every aspect.  Be it hold occupancy, more inbound tourism through air and cruise initiatives. We have a strategy that promotes sustainable growth, to increase the ammount of inbound tourism throghout the year, whilst addressing seasonality issues and new tourism niches.  New and more frequent flight connections are a priority.  Our aim is that every tourist is impressed with the experience here in Malta and comes back again in the future while recommending our country to other potential tourists. Such aims are supported by attracting the best employees in the sector, by supporting the Institute for Tourism Studies, by creating digital platforms and also by supporting the social media infrastructure amongst other initiatives. The Ministry for Tourism will also soon lead infrastructural upgrades in touristic zones, whilst working with operators to offer new attractions.