The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) has announced that will offer up to 200 euros to each visitor who books a three-night stay with select three-to five-star hotels. Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo announced the plan on Friday April 9th, and added that with most Covid-19 restrictions expected to be lifted by June 1st, visitors who book summer holidays directly through local hotels would receive the handout.
The scheme is aimed at putting Malta’s hotels in a very competitive position as international tourism restarts
Clayton Bartolo, Malta’s Tourism Minister
Reuters reported that tourists booking accommodation at a five-star hotel will get 100 euros from Malta’s Tourism Authority, which will be matched by the hotel for a total of 200 euros. Those opting for a four-star hotel will receive a total of 150 euros and those booking a three-star hotel will receive 100 euros.
The Malta Tourism Authority will be assisting the participating hotels as follows:
- €100 per person on every booking in a 5* Hotel.
- €75 per person on every booking in a 4* Hotel.
- €50 per person on every booking in a 3* Hotel.
Visitors to hotel properties in the island of Gozo (three kilometers north of the main island) will get an additional 10% value on the above incentives. The application needs to be filled and submitted online here
According to Travel + Leisure, Malta is still in a partial pandemic lockdown but some measures have been eased in April: childcare, kindergartens, and primary schools are reopening, and visits to elderly homes are allowed again. Nonessential shops are scheduled to reopen on Monday, April 26th. Up to four will be able to gather in public as of the same date.
A total budget of €3,500,000 has been allocated for the scheme. It is estimated to positively impact the attraction of more than 35,000 tourists with final figures being determined on the basis of the mix between 5*, 4* and 3* clients.
