PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TOURISM Deputy Prime Minister Borg meets hospitality workers ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg visited hotels and catering establishments to meet workers who will be hosting and entertaining tourists and residents during the forthcoming Christmas and New year celebrations.

Two days before Christmas, he visited St Paul’s Bay and St Julian’s to meet with the management and staff at the AX Odycy Hotel, Be.Hotel and Hyatt Regency Malta Hotel, as well as Mamachi Restaurant. Across Malta and Gozo, during this Festive Season more than 32,000 full-time and part time workers will be on duty in circa 450 hotels and other collective accommodation establishments, and some 5,300 catering establishments. Dr Borg was accompanied by representatives of the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) and the Association of Catering Establishments (ACE).

“As we approach the end of a pivotal year for our tourism and hospitality industries, today I want to acknowledge the dedication of many workers who will be supporting the festivities of thousands of families in Malta and Gozo,” the Deputy Prime Minister said. “This recognition extends not only to those employed in hotels and restaurants, but also to the many others who contribute to this industry and ensure an enjoyable experience for our residents and visitors - from transport and ICT services to the utilities and waste collection, as well as members of the disciplined forces, health workers and many others.” 

Dr Borg was accompanied by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the MTA, Charles Mangion and Carlo Micallef, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the MHRA, Tony Zahra and Andrew Agius Muscat, and the President and Secretary of ACE, Michelle Muscat and Matthew Pace.